Half Nelson

release date:August 25, 2006
Tuesday February 13, 2007 (dvd)
genre:Drama
running time:107 min.
director:Ryan Fleck
studio:THINKFilm
producer(s):Anna Boden, Lynette Howell, Rosanne Korenberg, Alex Orlovsky, Jamie Patricof
screenplay:Ryan Fleck, Anna Boden
cast:Ryan Gosling, Shareeka Epps, Anthony Mackie
Current Tribute rating: Current rating: 3.86    Rate Movie     User Reviews

Half Nelson Movie Synopsis

Dan Dunne (Ryan Gosling), an idealistic inner-city junior high school teacher, inspires his 13 and 14-year-olds to examine everything from civil rights to Civil War with a new enthusiasm. Rejecting the standard Civil Rights curriculum in favor of an edgier approach, Dan teaches his students how change works -- on both a historical and personal scale.

Though Dan can get it together in the classroom, he spends his time outside school on the edge of consciousness. Dealing with a serious drug habit, Dan is a strung-out role model. He juggles his hangovers and his homework, keeping his lives precariously separated, until one of his troubled students, Drey (Shareeka Epps), catches him getting high after school.

From this awkward beginning, Dan and Drey stumble into an unexpected friendship. Despite the differences in their ages and situations, they are both at an important intersection. Depending on which way they turn -- and which choices they make -- their lives will change.

  Canadian Connection: Actor Ryan Gosling is Canadian.

User Reviews view all…

A little slow. Ryan Gosling as the other actors too did a wonderful job though

A character study...not much plot. Ryan Gosling deserves better scripts than this!

This was a Great Indie Film that went unnoticed because it was in Limited Release. The Acting performances were outstanding and the Writing was well Scripted. I love Indie Films that will delve into the story showing the real emotions of a character.The ony problem was the Shaky Camera Shots and Angles,although If I was the director I would`ve had a different ending. 9/10 People should check this one out

Oscar™ Awards/Nominations