| Overall Grade: |
A- |
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| Story: |
A |
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| Acting: |
A |
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| Direction: |
A |
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| Visuals: |
B+ |
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Half Nelson is a genuine, poignant drama.
by Yahoo! Movies User (movies profile)
Jun 11, 2008
2
of
2 people found this review helpful
Half Nelson is a rarity. It's a poignant drama about an inner-city school teacher who's unconventional ways win the trust and attention of his students in a rough urban environment. Seen it before. Wait! No you haven't. There's more. Let me start by saying that even if that was all there was to this story, Ryan Gosling's amazing performance which never, ever strikes a false note would make it work better than any of the myriad other films of this type with the possible exception of 'Stand and Deliver'. He pulls it off effortlessly - and is very believable as a dedicated teacher who loves to teach and cares about the kids.
I said there's more. Behind closed doors (when possible)Gosling battles an escalating cocaine addiction. He is lonely, insecure, unhappy, resentful and finds release in coke. His habits gets worse and worse and he gradually falls apart, becoming a wreck, with bags under his eyes...the amazing thing is that it really doesn't interfere with his passion for teaching and the effort he gives his job. His two passions are coke and teaching but it becomes apparent that they cannot co-exist.
There are many wrenching moments, poignant, potent moments of heart rending power but they are not exploited or used for emotional pull. These moments are shown straight and the story is told simply and efficiently and effectively. There is no sweet wrap-up, no easy answers, no satisfying closure. There is a happy ending but not the type of hollywood happy ending that you'd expect.
Gosling deserved the Oscar for this daring role. He is vulnerable, charming, sad, sympathetic and HUMAN! He is amazing.The script is smart, the dialogue is simple and to the point and rings very true, the filming is true to atmosphere.
This little, low budget slice of life/character study is superb. It never missteps.
Quite an achievement! Four Stars. |
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