Inspired by true
events, here is a story of two dedicated and passionate mothers (Viola Davis
and Maggie Gyllenhaal), one who is also a teacher, who just want what is right
for their children as well as the children that they serve in the local Pittsburgh
school. Both women face a prevailing and deep-rooted bureaucracy, in which they
must risk their careers and their livelihood to make a difference in the
education system and for the future of their children.
Entering the
film, it has a somewhat central focus on a young elementary school girl named
Malia Fitzpatrick (Emily Alyn Lind). Malia is a girl who is struggling in
school because she suffers from dyslexia. However, her mother Jamie (Maggie
Gyllenhaal), is convinced that her daughter can learn, but that the school she
attends is not investing the time to actually teach her. And once she learns
how Malia is being secluded and reprimanded for falling behind, instead of
being given opportunities to catch up, Jamie takes matters into her own hands. Soon
Jamie’s frustrations and complaints lead her to Nona Alberts (Viola Davis), a
teacher who spends much of her off-time making sure her own son stays on track,
because the school is failing him as well.
As a team, Jamie
and Nona come together to devise a plan of action to transform the school. In
their quest to unite the community and neighborhood parents, both run into some
resistance from fellow teachers, administration, and the school board. Fighting
to make a change takes a toll on both women personally and professionally, but
against all odds the duo dedicate long days and sleepless nights to make a
change for this one particular school.
Both Davis and
Gyllenhaal do a pretty decent job of balancing each of their character’s roles.
Each actress plays a strong-minded and beleaguered woman who will stop at
nothing to reach the end goal. Davis, in particular, cleverly utilizes her body
language to convey pride in her work along with the exhaustion that comes with
it. And Gyllenhaal pulls off a spunky and eager single mother who makes no
excuses and works hard to survive and make the ends meet for her family. In
addition to a strong main cast, the supporting cast brings an additional dose
of character poise. In an antagonistic role Holly Hunter who plays a Teacher
Union administrator offers a true dose of reality. Also child stars Emily Alyn
Lind and Dante Brown (Cody Alberts) deliver a child-like innocence that is
convincing and refreshing. The bravery
that each of these characters embodies is quite incredible. Whether they were
for the creation of a new “dream” school, or whether they stand by the
principles laid out in the Teacher’s Union each party stood their ground.
Regardless of what side you take one could be compelled to go either direction.
Despite this
being a compelling film with good intentions, Won’t Back Down does offer
somewhat awkward character moments and a few trivial storylines. This was
probably done to add another dimension to the film. Overall, Won’t Back Down is
just many other reform stories that we have seen before in many previous films.
Even with this being an enjoyable film, I begin to wonder if Hollywood is
capable of creating an original story and not a modern day version of Waiting
for Superman. However the film is fitting and appropriate considering the
recent Teacher’s Strike events in Chicago, IL.
This film offers
a clear message that even with struggles, success can still find its
way through. And herein lies an amazing story of what happens when a community
commits to a predicament and takes every measure to find a solution. By the end
of the film, you can’t help but feel motivated by the strong will and passion
that comes from the characters and the story they put on the screen. Won’t Back
Down is the type of film that brings an extraordinary message of empowerment
and determination, as well as the ability to wake up the sleeping masses. All
in all, this film that exhibits what true parenthood, friendship, courage, and
hope is through the eyes of dedicated parents, teachers, and community
advocates from across the nation. In essence, they “Won’t Back Down!”
Rating: 7.5 out 10 stars
