Dangerous Minds is a 1995 American drama film directed by John N. Smith, and produced by Don Simpson and Jerry Bruckheimer. It is based on the autobiography My Posse Don't Do Homework by former U.S. Marine LouAnne Johnson, who took up a teaching position at Carlmont High School in Belmont, California, in 1989, where most of her students were African-American and Hispanic teenagers from East Palo Alto, a then-unincorporated town at the opposite end of the school district. The movie stars Michelle Pfeiffer as Louanne Johnson, Courtney B. Vance as George Grandey and others.
Dangerous Minds is based on the true life experience of an inner city school teacher in Northern California. Michelle Pfeiffer stars as Louanne Johnson, the attractive ex-Marine going through a divorce, who is thrust into a classroom of "special students" who have driven a previous teacher to a mental breakdown.
Ms. Johnson learns on the first day of class that power suits and briefcases will not gain the respect of this remote class of street wise adolescents. After consulting various books on asserting discipline, Ms. Johnson realizes that she will have to use all of her grit and determination to gain the trust of these rebellious youths. Ms. Johnson decides to toughen her image and tries to instill confidence in the class by telling them that they are all starting out with an A, and it is up to them to keep it. Befriended by fellow teacher Hal Griffiths (George Dzundza), Ms. Johnson refuses to give up. She uses her experience as a Marine to grab the attention of her class by demonstrating karate techniques. She teaches them about nouns and verbs by diagramming sentences about death on the streets. Much to the chagrin of school officials, she is allowed to continue these techniques. In order to teach her class about poetry, she resorts to the lyrics of the Bob Dylan song "Mr. Tambourine Man", that deals with theme of drug dealing. Ms. Johnson becomes involved in the lives of her students by visiting them at home, and taking an interest in their lives in a way they are unused to experiencing. She rewards them, when they show initiative to apply themselves in the classroom. She is eventually able to gain the respect and admiration of her students despite coming from very a different background and lifestyle.
This movie is a celebration of the triumph over ignorance and acceptance of a life of desperation and failure. Michelle Pfeiffer delivers her usual fine performance as Louanne Johnson. A notable performance is also given by Wade Ramirez as Emilio Ramirez, a Latino youth who walks a thin line between hope and self-destruction.
Speaking about the actors, I should say that cast of the film is perfect. To my mind,Michele Pfeiffer is excellent in her role. She was absorbed by her work. She gave her heart and her soul to these students. Day by day she became closer and closer to them. She was so resourceful and found different ways in order to attract students. And later she succeeded.
In my topic I can’t but mention that success of the film depends on the director. I think, John N. Smith made a good job. He touched upon several educational problems in his film, created the realistic atmosphere of school.
This film impressed me greatly. And now I believe that there are no problem children, there are problem teachers and parents who can’t give all necessities for their children. Everyone needs their own approach and it’s very important to find it. After watching this film my desire to become a teacher is even more.
