1 00:00:02,120 --> 00:00:04,080 I can't get involved in inner school policy. 2 00:00:04,160 --> 00:00:06,360 My principal only listens to my department head, 3 00:00:06,519 --> 00:00:08,480 And she's not very supportive. 4 00:00:08,560 --> 00:00:10,320 You'll have to find a way to deal with it. 5 00:00:10,400 --> 00:00:13,199 No, I'd rather just deal directly with someone in power. 6 00:00:13,320 --> 00:00:15,439 Ms. Gruwell, there's a system in place 7 00:00:15,560 --> 00:00:18,359 Based on years of running an educational facility. 8 00:00:18,559 --> 00:00:21,640 - You have to follow that system. - No. I won't. 9 00:00:22,679 --> 00:00:25,640 Look, I'm just trying to do my job here. 10 00:00:25,719 --> 00:00:28,640 What's the point of a voluntary integration program 11 00:00:28,719 --> 00:00:31,519 If the kids making it to high school have a 5th grade reading level? 12 00:00:31,640 --> 00:00:33,439 I enforced that program. 13 00:00:33,520 --> 00:00:34,640 With all due respect, 14 00:00:34,719 --> 00:00:37,079 All that program is doing is warehousing these kids 15 00:00:37,240 --> 00:00:38,640 Until they're old enough to disappear. 16 00:00:38,719 --> 00:00:40,359 Look, I appreciate your intentions, 17 00:00:40,520 --> 00:00:43,079 But there's nothing I can do on a class-by-class basis. 18 00:00:43,200 --> 00:00:46,719 Dr. Cohn, why should they waste their time showing up 19 00:00:46,840 --> 00:00:49,560 When they know we're wasting our time teaching them? 20 00:00:49,640 --> 00:00:52,359 We tell them, "Go to school. Get an education. " 21 00:00:52,479 --> 00:00:56,600 And then we say, "Well, they can't learn, so let's not waste resources. " 22 00:00:56,960 --> 00:00:58,439 I'm thinking trips. 23 00:00:58,560 --> 00:01:01,439 Most of them have never been outside of Long Beach. 24 00:01:01,520 --> 00:01:04,000 They haven't been given the opportunity 25 00:01:04,120 --> 00:01:06,640 To expand their thinking about what's out there for them. 26 00:01:06,719 --> 00:01:08,120 And they're hungry for it. I know it. 27 00:01:08,239 --> 00:01:10,359 And it's purely a reward system. 28 00:01:10,519 --> 00:01:12,280 They won't get anything they haven't earned 29 00:01:12,439 --> 00:01:14,519 By doing their work and upping their grades. 30 00:01:14,680 --> 00:01:15,959 But if Ms. Campbell won't give you books 31 00:01:16,079 --> 00:01:17,120 Because of budget restrictions, 32 00:01:17,280 --> 00:01:18,400 She's not gonna approve school trips. 33 00:01:18,560 --> 00:01:19,959 I'll raise the money. 34 00:01:20,079 --> 00:01:22,719 I just need to know I won't meet resistance. 35 00:01:23,120 --> 00:01:25,200 See, I can't promise them anything I can't deliver. 36 00:01:25,319 --> 00:01:27,760 It only proves what they already believe. 37 00:01:29,680 --> 00:01:33,519 All I'm saying is, Ms. Campbell doesn't need to be bothered. 38 00:01:37,040 --> 00:01:38,799 You're a concierge at the Marriott? 39 00:01:38,920 --> 00:01:40,040 It's just weekends. 40 00:01:40,159 --> 00:01:42,079 You play tennis with Evan on Saturdays. 41 00:01:42,239 --> 00:01:44,120 And you can play golf with my dad on Sundays. 42 00:01:44,239 --> 00:01:45,239 You want me to play golf? 43 00:01:45,400 --> 00:01:47,680 And the bonus is I get employee rates 44 00:01:47,760 --> 00:01:50,040 On Marriott hotel rooms all over the world. 45 00:01:50,159 --> 00:01:51,120 I've heard a lot of hyphenates, 46 00:01:51,280 --> 00:01:54,719 But a bra-selling-English-teacher- hotel-concierge has gotta be a new one. 47 00:01:54,840 --> 00:01:57,319 You told me your part-time job was temporary. 48 00:01:57,439 --> 00:01:59,799 It is. I just don't know for how long. 49 00:02:00,519 --> 00:02:02,439 - What if I said no? - No, what? 50 00:02:05,079 --> 00:02:07,120 - But I can make it work, Scott. - No, that's not the point. 51 00:02:07,239 --> 00:02:09,639 You can do anything! We know that already. 52 00:02:09,719 --> 00:02:12,759 It's just that I... You... 53 00:02:13,439 --> 00:02:15,199 You didn't even ask me. 54 00:02:16,319 --> 00:02:19,719 - I'm just trying to do my job, Scott. - By getting two more jobs? 55 00:02:20,520 --> 00:02:22,199 I don't understand, Erin. 56 00:02:23,319 --> 00:02:25,879 Scott, this is our time to go after what we want, 57 00:02:25,960 --> 00:02:29,280 When we're young, before we have a family. 58 00:02:29,520 --> 00:02:31,719 Maybe this is the perfect time for you to go back to school, 59 00:02:31,800 --> 00:02:33,960 Get your architect's degree. 60 00:02:34,039 --> 00:02:35,960 Wouldn't that be great? 61 00:02:39,039 --> 00:02:40,479 What? 62 00:02:42,159 --> 00:02:43,439 Nothing. 63 00:02:50,240 --> 00:02:52,120 So, I'll call you with a list of venues. 64 00:02:52,240 --> 00:02:54,319 I've scheduled a PTA board meeting for next week. 65 00:02:54,479 --> 00:02:55,479 So, it should be no problem. 66 00:02:55,599 --> 00:02:56,680 - Thank you so much. - You're welcome. 67 00:02:56,819 --> 00:02:58,229 - Lovely to see you, Paula. - Good to see you, too. 68 00:02:58,301 --> 00:02:59,779 - Hi. - Hello. 69 00:03:00,490 --> 00:03:03,370 Principal Banning received a call from Dr. Cohn at the school board. 70 00:03:04,001 --> 00:03:05,869 Apparently you're taking your students on a trip? 71 00:03:06,001 --> 00:03:10,001 Yes, but it's over the weekend, so it won't affect any test schedules. 72 00:03:10,050 --> 00:03:11,101 I know how busy you are, 73 00:03:11,189 --> 00:03:14,180 And since I'm paying for it myself, I didn't want to bother you. 74 00:03:37,389 --> 00:03:38,780 I'll be right back. 75 00:03:38,989 --> 00:03:41,639 Oh, no. No, no, no. Erin? 76 00:03:41,950 --> 00:03:44,721 - Get back in the car. - Dad, he lives right here. 77 00:03:44,823 --> 00:03:47,848 I'll get him. Get back in the car and lock your door. 78 00:03:49,993 --> 00:03:52,485 - What's his name? - Andre Bryant. 79 00:03:52,597 --> 00:03:53,563 Andre. 80 00:03:57,502 --> 00:04:01,665 Since my pop split, my mom can't even look at me, 'cause I look like my dad. 81 00:04:02,173 --> 00:04:03,969 And with my brother in jail, 82 00:04:04,074 --> 00:04:07,044 she looks at me and thinks that's where I'm going, too. 83 00:04:07,377 --> 00:04:09,004 She doesn't see me. 84 00:04:09,614 --> 00:04:11,639 She doesn't see me at all. 85 00:04:16,254 --> 00:04:17,744 I'm going out. 86 00:04:23,194 --> 00:04:24,218 - What up? - Hey. 87 00:04:24,329 --> 00:04:26,228 Where you going? I need you. 88 00:04:26,697 --> 00:04:29,632 No, man, I can't now. I got something to do. 89 00:04:29,767 --> 00:04:31,360 Tonight. I'll do it tonight. 90 00:04:31,502 --> 00:04:34,596 I gotta go do something, and I can't carry that around with me. 91 00:04:35,005 --> 00:04:36,836 Forget it, man, I'll get somebody else. 92 00:04:36,940 --> 00:04:39,000 I can't be waiting all day on you. 93 00:04:39,644 --> 00:04:40,735 Hey. 94 00:04:42,213 --> 00:04:45,613 Sorry about your brother, man. I hear he going away for life. 95 00:04:45,916 --> 00:04:48,350 They won't get it. The guy he was with confessed. 96 00:04:48,452 --> 00:04:50,579 To who? Your brother? 97 00:04:51,288 --> 00:04:53,689 Hey. You Andre? 98 00:05:05,170 --> 00:05:06,637 - What up? - Hey. 99 00:05:12,509 --> 00:05:14,910 - What? - Put on your seat belt. 100 00:05:18,283 --> 00:05:20,079 You, too, young lady. 101 00:05:23,555 --> 00:05:26,115 You kids ever been to Newport Beach before? 102 00:05:26,324 --> 00:05:29,952 What? We went there last year on our way to Paris. 103 00:05:36,233 --> 00:05:37,701 Paris. 104 00:05:42,105 --> 00:05:43,072 It's good. 105 00:05:43,408 --> 00:05:45,069 I brought you something. 106 00:05:49,180 --> 00:05:51,807 It's a good book. I read it in school. 107 00:05:51,915 --> 00:05:55,716 It's about a gang kid, and I thought you might like to read it. 108 00:06:03,927 --> 00:06:06,761 He told me what I had to say when I'm on the stand. 109 00:07:02,586 --> 00:07:06,648 At the beginning of the tour, they give you a card with a child's picture on it. 110 00:07:06,824 --> 00:07:09,987 You could find out who they were and what camp they were sent to. 111 00:07:10,093 --> 00:07:13,894 And at the end of the tour, you could find out if they survived. 112 00:07:14,766 --> 00:07:17,029 I got a little girl from Italy. 113 00:07:31,348 --> 00:07:33,475 Tito, your hat. 114 00:08:03,447 --> 00:08:07,076 Kristallnacht, they called it. The Night of Broken Glass. 115 00:08:07,185 --> 00:08:09,516 Hundreds of synagogues looted and burned. 116 00:08:09,620 --> 00:08:12,384 More than 7,000 Jewish stores destroyed. 117 00:08:12,490 --> 00:08:14,583 Over 100 Jews killed. 118 00:08:27,372 --> 00:08:32,775 A small center for children in Isieux in the French province of Ain. 119 00:08:33,477 --> 00:08:36,379 Among the children deported that day to Birkenau 120 00:08:36,480 --> 00:08:39,847 was 11-year-old Liliane Berenstein, 121 00:08:39,951 --> 00:08:43,852 who, before leaving, left behind a letter to God. 122 00:08:49,693 --> 00:08:54,323 My little boy died. He got off the train and they killed him. 123 00:08:54,831 --> 00:08:56,993 I don't know why it bothered me so much. 124 00:08:57,134 --> 00:08:59,261 I've seen death all my life. 125 00:08:59,537 --> 00:09:04,201 But this little boy was only five. 126 00:09:25,096 --> 00:09:28,623 Ms. G had a beautiful dinner for us at the hotel where she works. 127 00:09:29,332 --> 00:09:33,292 She invited real Holocaust survivors from the museum to meet us. 128 00:09:34,471 --> 00:09:36,269 There was Elisabeth Mann. 129 00:09:36,374 --> 00:09:40,912 I had my parents, my sister, my two brothers. 130 00:09:41,211 --> 00:09:42,678 Gloria Ungar. 131 00:09:42,779 --> 00:09:45,374 If any of you have seen someone with a number on their arm, 132 00:09:45,482 --> 00:09:47,474 These were the lucky people. 133 00:09:47,585 --> 00:09:50,019 The people who, when we came to Auschwitz, 134 00:09:50,120 --> 00:09:53,921 When they tattooed the people they took us to do the slave work. 135 00:09:54,024 --> 00:09:57,653 Not the others, and that included many of my family. 136 00:09:57,761 --> 00:10:00,025 So, we ran away, some of the young kids. 137 00:10:00,130 --> 00:10:02,565 I was at that time 11-and-a-half years old. 138 00:10:02,667 --> 00:10:03,691 Eddie llam. 139 00:10:03,835 --> 00:10:05,802 And where to go, I didn't know, 140 00:10:05,903 --> 00:10:09,634 But I remember one place where I used to live. 141 00:10:09,740 --> 00:10:12,105 So when I ran there, there was not one Jew left. 142 00:10:12,210 --> 00:10:15,407 I was in the worst camp. I was in Auschwitz. 143 00:10:15,513 --> 00:10:16,980 And Renee Firestone. 144 00:10:17,081 --> 00:10:20,982 When I arrived, my parents were immediately taken away from me. 145 00:10:21,418 --> 00:10:24,717 My little sister, who was then 14 years old, 146 00:10:24,754 --> 00:10:27,485 Stayed with me for a little while. 147 00:10:27,958 --> 00:10:31,155 And then later on, I was separated from her also. 148 00:10:31,261 --> 00:10:33,889 She lost her whole family at the camps. 149 00:10:34,731 --> 00:10:38,827 She came to this country with $4 in her pocket and a newborn baby. 150 00:10:39,903 --> 00:10:42,065 I'll never forget these people. 151 00:10:42,206 --> 00:10:45,004 And then she was killed because they didn't want... 152 00:10:45,109 --> 00:10:48,009 I can't believe Ms. G did all of this for us. 153 00:10:55,552 --> 00:10:57,144 Hi, honey, it's me. 154 00:10:57,254 --> 00:10:59,849 Look, we're still at the restaurant, if you wanted to drop by. 155 00:10:59,956 --> 00:11:01,583 We haven't even ordered dessert yet, 156 00:11:01,692 --> 00:11:04,057 and the kids are having such an incredible time. 157 00:11:04,162 --> 00:11:05,924 You have to see them. 158 00:11:06,029 --> 00:11:09,090 If you get in soon, come by. It's only 9:30 now. 159 00:11:10,500 --> 00:11:14,937 Okay, I'll see you later. Love you. Bye. 160 00:11:46,470 --> 00:11:48,403 How many times I gotta tell your ass again? 161 00:11:48,505 --> 00:11:50,633 Get your butt in here! 162 00:12:22,940 --> 00:12:25,408 So, you had all summer to read and consider this book. 163 00:12:29,547 --> 00:12:33,312 And you know, I thought it would be most valuable 164 00:12:34,018 --> 00:12:39,422 To begin with Victoria to give us the black perspective. 165 00:12:40,991 --> 00:12:42,288 Victoria? 166 00:12:43,094 --> 00:12:45,085 Do I have a stamp on my forehead that says, 167 00:12:45,196 --> 00:12:47,755 "The National Spokesperson for the Plight of Black People"? 168 00:12:47,999 --> 00:12:51,162 How the hell should I know the black perspective on The Color Purple? 169 00:12:51,302 --> 00:12:54,738 That's it, if I don't change classes, I'm gonna hurt this fool. 170 00:12:54,839 --> 00:12:56,898 Teachers treat me like I'm some kind of Rosetta stone 171 00:12:57,041 --> 00:12:58,474 for African-Americans. 172 00:12:58,576 --> 00:13:00,339 What? Black people learn how to read, 173 00:13:00,443 --> 00:13:03,139 and we all miraculously come to the same conclusion? 174 00:13:03,246 --> 00:13:06,841 At that point, I decided to check out my friend Brandy's English class. 175 00:13:06,951 --> 00:13:08,418 - Good to see you, man. - Hey, yeah. 176 00:13:08,519 --> 00:13:10,577 - How was your summer? - Great. 177 00:13:15,091 --> 00:13:17,059 You're still white, I see. 178 00:13:17,695 --> 00:13:19,559 Okay, everybody. Ready? 179 00:13:19,730 --> 00:13:20,855 - Hey, Ms. G. - Hi. 180 00:13:20,965 --> 00:13:22,296 - Hi, Ms. G. - Hi. 181 00:13:31,741 --> 00:13:35,234 Okay, guys, gals, listen up! This is what I want you to do. 182 00:13:35,479 --> 00:13:39,575 I want each of you to step forward and take one of these Borders bags, 183 00:13:39,683 --> 00:13:42,585 Which contain the four books we're gonna read this semester. 184 00:13:42,687 --> 00:13:43,914 All right! 185 00:13:44,654 --> 00:13:46,952 They're very special books, 186 00:13:47,057 --> 00:13:51,518 And they each remind me, in some way, of each of you. 187 00:13:55,432 --> 00:13:58,697 But, before you take the books, 188 00:13:59,336 --> 00:14:03,136 I want you to take one of these glasses of sparkling cider, 189 00:14:03,240 --> 00:14:07,039 And I want each of you to make a toast. 190 00:14:08,346 --> 00:14:11,837 We're each gonna make a toast for change. 191 00:14:12,283 --> 00:14:16,845 And what that means is, from this moment on 192 00:14:17,421 --> 00:14:22,756 Every voice that told you "You can't" is silenced. 193 00:14:23,894 --> 00:14:29,160 Every reason that tells you things will never change, disappears. 194 00:14:30,701 --> 00:14:34,168 And the person you were before this moment, 195 00:14:34,203 --> 00:14:37,638 That person's turn is over. Now it's your turn. 196 00:14:38,576 --> 00:14:39,873 Okay? 197 00:14:40,977 --> 00:14:44,937 Okay, you ready to get this party going on? 198 00:14:47,918 --> 00:14:49,544 - What? - Stop doing that, man. 199 00:14:49,653 --> 00:14:51,211 What's the dealio? 200 00:14:59,462 --> 00:15:02,489 Man, I've had boyfriends since I was, like, 11, you know. 201 00:15:03,200 --> 00:15:05,964 - I believe you. - Shut up. 202 00:15:06,370 --> 00:15:09,498 Okay, well, I was always the person 203 00:15:09,639 --> 00:15:13,076 That was gonna get pregnant before I turned 16 and drop out. 204 00:15:13,977 --> 00:15:15,342 Like my mom. 205 00:15:19,316 --> 00:15:20,749 Ain't gonna happen. 206 00:15:20,985 --> 00:15:23,179 Nobody ever listens to a teenager. 207 00:15:23,921 --> 00:15:27,549 Everybody thinks you should be happy just because you're young. 208 00:15:27,658 --> 00:15:30,683 They don't see the wars that we fight every single day. 209 00:15:31,461 --> 00:15:33,293 And one day, my war will end. 210 00:15:33,764 --> 00:15:35,527 And I will not die. 211 00:15:37,000 --> 00:15:40,437 And I will not tolerate abuse from anyone. 212 00:15:43,974 --> 00:15:45,304 I am strong. 213 00:15:45,408 --> 00:15:48,639 My moms kicked me out when I got jumped into the gang life. 214 00:15:49,813 --> 00:15:52,111 But I'd like her to see me graduate. 215 00:15:53,716 --> 00:15:55,514 I'd like to be 18. 216 00:15:59,823 --> 00:16:03,350 Ms. G? Can I read something from my diary? 217 00:16:03,461 --> 00:16:04,927 That'd be great. 218 00:16:08,899 --> 00:16:10,559 Who is he? 219 00:16:10,701 --> 00:16:12,793 Man, he's been with us from freshman year, fool. 220 00:16:12,937 --> 00:16:15,837 - What's his name? - I don't know. 221 00:16:17,408 --> 00:16:21,868 "This summer was the worst summer in my short 14 years of life. 222 00:16:22,580 --> 00:16:24,774 "It all started with a phone call. 223 00:16:25,216 --> 00:16:27,649 "My mother was crying and begging, 224 00:16:27,750 --> 00:16:32,711 "asking for more time as if she were gasping for her last breath of air. 225 00:16:33,724 --> 00:16:36,783 "She held me as tight as she could and cried. 226 00:16:36,894 --> 00:16:42,331 "Her tears hit my shirt like bullets and told me we were being evicted. 227 00:16:42,732 --> 00:16:46,692 "She kept apologizing to me. I thought, 'I have no home. 228 00:16:46,803 --> 00:16:50,604 "'I should have asked for something less expensive at Christmas. ' 229 00:16:50,707 --> 00:16:54,576 "On the morning of the eviction, a hard knock on the door woke me up. 230 00:16:54,677 --> 00:16:57,306 "The sheriff was there to do his job. 231 00:16:58,215 --> 00:17:01,741 "I looked up at the sky, waiting for something to happen. 232 00:17:03,586 --> 00:17:07,147 "My mother has no family to lean on, no money coming in. 233 00:17:07,724 --> 00:17:11,387 "Why bother coming to school or getting good grades if I'm homeless? 234 00:17:12,028 --> 00:17:15,896 "The bus stops in front of the school. I feel like throwing up. 235 00:17:16,000 --> 00:17:20,767 "I'm wearing clothes from last year, some old shoes and no new haircut. 236 00:17:21,505 --> 00:17:23,836 "I kept thinking I'd get laughed at. 237 00:17:23,874 --> 00:17:26,342 "Instead, I'm greeted by a couple of friends 238 00:17:26,442 --> 00:17:28,775 "who were in my English class last year. 239 00:17:28,878 --> 00:17:31,779 "And it hits me, Mrs. Gruwell, 240 00:17:31,882 --> 00:17:34,145 "my crazy English teacher from last year, 241 00:17:34,250 --> 00:17:36,913 "is the only person that made me think of hope. 242 00:17:37,988 --> 00:17:41,445 "Talking with friends about last year's English and our trips, 243 00:17:41,558 --> 00:17:43,584 "I began to feel better. 244 00:17:44,193 --> 00:17:49,153 "I receive my schedule and the first teacher is Mrs. Gruwell in Room 203. 245 00:17:49,500 --> 00:17:52,601 "I walk into the room and feel as though 246 00:17:52,635 --> 00:17:56,265 "all the problems in life are not so important anymore. 247 00:17:56,906 --> 00:17:58,374 "I am home. " 248 00:18:00,376 --> 00:18:01,844 Yes, you are. 249 00:18:22,465 --> 00:18:24,297 But you're an honors student. 250 00:18:24,367 --> 00:18:25,960 If you transfer to Ms. Gruwell's class, 251 00:18:26,103 --> 00:18:28,127 Think how that will reflect on your records. 252 00:18:28,271 --> 00:18:31,469 It doesn't matter to me. My grades will still be the same. 253 00:18:31,775 --> 00:18:33,640 Look, Ms. Campbell. 254 00:18:33,743 --> 00:18:37,338 When I first transferred to the school, I had a 4.0 average. 255 00:18:37,681 --> 00:18:41,138 But when I applied for advanced placement at English and Math, 256 00:18:41,250 --> 00:18:44,185 I was told it would be better for me to be in a class with my own kind. 257 00:18:44,288 --> 00:18:47,222 Now, when I did get in, my teacher said, 258 00:18:47,324 --> 00:18:50,952 "Victoria, it's not every day one finds an African-American student 259 00:18:51,060 --> 00:18:54,929 "in A. P. And honors courses. " As if I didn't notice. 260 00:18:55,031 --> 00:18:57,432 And when I asked another honors teacher 261 00:18:57,567 --> 00:19:00,195 Why we don't read more black literature, she said, 262 00:19:00,471 --> 00:19:02,439 "We don't read black literature because of all the sex, 263 00:19:02,573 --> 00:19:04,733 "drugs, cussing and fornication!" 264 00:19:06,876 --> 00:19:11,507 I thought a simple "It's inappropriate" would have sufficed. 265 00:19:15,719 --> 00:19:17,653 Erin can't do that! 266 00:19:17,921 --> 00:19:20,320 Distinguished Honor Students are mine. 267 00:19:20,923 --> 00:19:23,414 She's not allowed to teach them. She's only been here a year. 268 00:19:23,460 --> 00:19:25,051 The student requested it. 269 00:19:25,162 --> 00:19:27,756 And Gruwell has got Cohn in her back pocket. 270 00:19:29,032 --> 00:19:33,970 What gets me is they're violent, they break laws, they destroy school property 271 00:19:34,203 --> 00:19:39,242 And in the end we make them special. We reward them like... 272 00:19:39,278 --> 00:19:41,608 I just don't see what that teaches them. 273 00:19:42,346 --> 00:19:44,746 Hi! Sorry I'm late. 274 00:19:45,115 --> 00:19:47,208 Did you eat? I'm ordering in. Are you hungry? 275 00:19:47,317 --> 00:19:49,182 What question do you want me to answer first? 276 00:19:49,286 --> 00:19:52,186 Did I eat or am I hungry? I ate. I'm not hungry. 277 00:19:52,288 --> 00:19:55,554 Something really cool happened today. I got an honors student. 278 00:19:55,659 --> 00:19:57,558 - Congratulations. - Isn't that great? 279 00:19:57,661 --> 00:19:59,595 She actually requested my class. 280 00:19:59,696 --> 00:20:01,664 Can you teach an honors student? 281 00:20:02,031 --> 00:20:03,056 What do you mean? 282 00:20:03,166 --> 00:20:05,964 Well, I mean, you're used to teaching your kind of kids. 283 00:20:06,103 --> 00:20:08,570 Can you teach somebody who's smart? 284 00:20:09,205 --> 00:20:10,365 Of course I can. 285 00:20:10,507 --> 00:20:12,372 Yeah, but it's not like you have, right? 286 00:20:12,476 --> 00:20:15,707 I mean, you don't really teach what everybody else teaches. 287 00:20:17,280 --> 00:20:18,976 My kids' grades are up to B's. 288 00:20:19,148 --> 00:20:21,583 Yeah, but the point is, that's according to you. 289 00:20:21,684 --> 00:20:24,482 It's not like they're really learning what normal kids have to learn. 290 00:20:24,520 --> 00:20:26,385 Normal kids? Yes, they are. 291 00:20:26,490 --> 00:20:27,980 They're reading The Diary of Anne Frank. 292 00:20:28,092 --> 00:20:30,458 They're learning vocabulary, grammar, writing, poetry. 293 00:20:30,560 --> 00:20:32,858 All right. Okay, I apologize. Sorry. 294 00:20:33,797 --> 00:20:35,355 Congratulations. 295 00:20:43,440 --> 00:20:44,498 What is wrong with you? 296 00:20:44,641 --> 00:20:46,632 You know, at Deb's party, I heard you telling people 297 00:20:46,777 --> 00:20:49,143 That I was an architect and that my job was temporary. 298 00:20:49,246 --> 00:20:52,271 I want you to stop that, all right? I like my job. 299 00:20:52,382 --> 00:20:53,473 Fine. 300 00:20:54,451 --> 00:20:56,544 You're the one who said you were gonna be an architect. 301 00:20:56,653 --> 00:20:58,678 Yeah, four years ago, before we got married. 302 00:20:58,788 --> 00:21:00,381 What, I'm gonna go back to school now 303 00:21:00,490 --> 00:21:02,391 For two years and intern for three? 304 00:21:02,492 --> 00:21:03,982 I'll be over 40. 305 00:21:04,094 --> 00:21:06,118 All right. I thought you still wanted it. 306 00:21:06,230 --> 00:21:10,257 It doesn't matter if I want it, Erin. It doesn't mean it's going to happen. 307 00:21:12,435 --> 00:21:13,698 Why not? 308 00:21:22,913 --> 00:21:26,905 "Writing in a diary is a really strange experience for someone like me. 309 00:21:27,049 --> 00:21:29,779 "I mean, not only because I've never written anything before, 310 00:21:29,920 --> 00:21:32,218 "but also because it seems to me that later on, 311 00:21:32,321 --> 00:21:35,119 "neither I nor anyone else will be interested 312 00:21:35,224 --> 00:21:37,056 "in the musings of a 13-year-old schoolgirl. " 313 00:21:37,161 --> 00:21:39,095 "Terrible things are happening outside. 314 00:21:39,195 --> 00:21:40,595 "At any time of day, 315 00:21:40,696 --> 00:21:43,164 "poor helpless people are being dragged out of their homes. 316 00:21:43,267 --> 00:21:44,290 "Families are torn apart. " 317 00:21:44,401 --> 00:21:47,164 "If only I can be myself, I'll be satisfied. 318 00:21:47,270 --> 00:21:49,000 "I know that I'm a woman with inner strength 319 00:21:49,105 --> 00:21:50,868 "and a great deal of courage. 320 00:21:50,973 --> 00:21:54,603 "If God lets me live, I'll achieve more than Mother ever did. " 321 00:21:54,711 --> 00:21:57,770 "Anti-Jewish decrees followed in quick succession. 322 00:21:58,281 --> 00:22:02,582 "Jews must wear a yellow star. Jews must hand in bicycles. 323 00:22:03,153 --> 00:22:05,815 "Jews are banned from trams and forbidden to drive. " 324 00:22:05,955 --> 00:22:07,855 "Jews are forbidden to visit theaters, 325 00:22:07,958 --> 00:22:09,982 "cinemas and other places of entertainment. " 326 00:22:10,093 --> 00:22:12,185 "Jews may not take part in public sports. 327 00:22:12,296 --> 00:22:15,026 "Swimming baths, tennis courts, hockey fields 328 00:22:15,132 --> 00:22:17,726 "and other sports grounds are all prohibited. " 329 00:22:18,769 --> 00:22:23,103 "I can't tell you how oppressive it is never to be able to go outdoors. 330 00:22:23,906 --> 00:22:28,605 "Also, I'm very afraid that we will be discovered and be shot. " 331 00:22:30,047 --> 00:22:34,346 "No one can keep out of the conflict. The entire world is at war. 332 00:22:34,550 --> 00:22:36,711 "And even though the Allies are doing better, 333 00:22:36,854 --> 00:22:38,480 "the end is nowhere in sight. " 334 00:22:40,691 --> 00:22:41,657 Hi. 335 00:22:42,826 --> 00:22:45,089 When is Anne gonna smoke Hitler? 336 00:22:45,695 --> 00:22:48,756 - What? - You know. Take him out? 337 00:22:48,865 --> 00:22:53,461 Eva, this is The Diary of Anne Frank, not Die Hard. 338 00:22:54,337 --> 00:22:55,805 Keep reading. 339 00:22:58,342 --> 00:23:00,537 "We talked about the most private things, 340 00:23:00,644 --> 00:23:04,045 "but we haven't yet touched upon the things closest to my heart. 341 00:23:04,146 --> 00:23:06,672 "I still can't make heads or tails of Peter. 342 00:23:06,782 --> 00:23:08,546 "Is he superficial? 343 00:23:08,684 --> 00:23:12,086 "Or is it shyness that holds him back, even with me?" 344 00:23:17,728 --> 00:23:21,323 - Are Anne and Peter gonna hook up? - I'm not telling you. 345 00:23:22,699 --> 00:23:25,759 "It's utterly impossible for me to build my life on a foundation 346 00:23:25,801 --> 00:23:28,669 "of chaos, suffering and death. 347 00:23:29,472 --> 00:23:33,102 "I see the world being slowly transformed into a wilderness. 348 00:23:33,210 --> 00:23:37,009 "I feel the suffering of millions, and yet when I look up at the sky 349 00:23:37,381 --> 00:23:41,112 "I somehow feel that everything will change for the better. " 350 00:23:45,989 --> 00:23:49,355 - Eva, what's wrong? - Why didn't you tell me she dies? 351 00:23:49,625 --> 00:23:51,890 Why you didn't tell me she gets caught in the end? 352 00:23:52,296 --> 00:23:54,423 I hate you and I hate this book. 353 00:23:54,530 --> 00:23:55,498 Eva. 354 00:23:55,598 --> 00:23:59,830 If she dies, then what about me? What are you saying about that? 355 00:24:01,038 --> 00:24:03,665 - Anne Frank died, but she... - I can't believe they got her! 356 00:24:03,773 --> 00:24:06,402 That ain't supposed to happen in the story! That ain't right! 357 00:24:06,509 --> 00:24:08,239 - 'Cause it's true? - I ain't talking to you! 358 00:24:08,345 --> 00:24:11,040 You're talking around me. That's the same thing. 359 00:24:11,147 --> 00:24:12,979 See, to me, she ain't dead at all. 360 00:24:13,083 --> 00:24:15,778 How many friends did you know that are dead now that got killed? 361 00:24:15,919 --> 00:24:17,250 Too many to count. 362 00:24:17,354 --> 00:24:19,788 How many have you read a book about? 363 00:24:20,057 --> 00:24:23,026 Have you seen them on TV or even in the newspaper? 364 00:24:23,093 --> 00:24:24,720 That's why this story's dope. 365 00:24:24,827 --> 00:24:26,590 She was our age, man. 366 00:24:26,730 --> 00:24:30,221 Anne Frank understands our situation, my situation. 367 00:24:30,334 --> 00:24:33,269 And that Miep Gies lady, the one that helped hide them? 368 00:24:33,369 --> 00:24:34,597 I like her. 369 00:24:34,704 --> 00:24:37,138 I got all these other books about her from the library. 370 00:24:37,240 --> 00:24:40,106 Wow. You used your library card? 371 00:24:42,045 --> 00:24:43,103 No. 372 00:24:45,382 --> 00:24:50,148 Okay, listen up. Marcus has given me an idea. 373 00:24:50,653 --> 00:24:54,145 Instead of doing a book report on The Diary of Anne Frank, 374 00:24:54,290 --> 00:24:58,227 For our assignment I want you to write a letter to Miep Gies, 375 00:24:58,327 --> 00:25:00,592 The woman who helped shelter the Franks. 376 00:25:00,696 --> 00:25:04,154 She's still alive and she lives in Europe. 377 00:25:04,267 --> 00:25:07,030 In the letter, I want you to tell her how you feel about the book. 378 00:25:07,136 --> 00:25:09,627 Tell her about your own experiences. Tell her anything you like. 379 00:25:09,740 --> 00:25:11,901 But I want the letters to be perfect, 380 00:25:12,009 --> 00:25:14,442 So be prepared to do more than one draft, okay? 381 00:25:14,544 --> 00:25:16,010 Is she gonna read the letters? 382 00:25:16,113 --> 00:25:18,512 Well, right now it's a writing assignment. I'll read them. 383 00:25:18,682 --> 00:25:20,240 We should get her to read them. 384 00:25:20,384 --> 00:25:23,443 - Yeah, you can do that, right, Ms. G? - Well, I don't know. 385 00:25:23,519 --> 00:25:24,884 Maybe we should get her to come and speak. 386 00:25:24,988 --> 00:25:26,818 Yeah, and have a big dinner again. 387 00:25:28,592 --> 00:25:30,423 Wait. Guys. 388 00:25:33,630 --> 00:25:37,224 Guys! Everyone! Listen! She's elderly! 389 00:25:37,334 --> 00:25:39,801 I don't know how to contact her. I don't even know if she travels. 390 00:25:39,903 --> 00:25:41,529 And it would be really expensive. 391 00:25:41,637 --> 00:25:43,333 We could raise the money. 392 00:25:44,273 --> 00:25:45,332 Ms. G? 393 00:25:45,442 --> 00:25:49,401 When Miep Gies come, can I, like, be the one to escort her in? 394 00:26:09,266 --> 00:26:10,563 Five. 395 00:26:23,980 --> 00:26:25,378 Hi, I'm trying to get the number 396 00:26:25,481 --> 00:26:27,972 For the Anne Frank Foundation in Basel, Switzerland. 397 00:27:42,759 --> 00:27:44,317 Come in, Margaret. 398 00:28:30,941 --> 00:28:33,739 Ms. G sent our letters all the way to Amsterdam 399 00:28:33,843 --> 00:28:35,640 to Miep Gies, herself. 400 00:28:35,845 --> 00:28:38,039 When Ms. G made up her mind about something, 401 00:28:38,147 --> 00:28:40,638 there was no stopping her, man, for real. 402 00:28:47,958 --> 00:28:52,087 And after we raised the money to bring her to Long Beach, there she was. 403 00:28:54,497 --> 00:28:58,297 But, damn, I didn't expect her to be so small. 404 00:29:16,952 --> 00:29:20,480 The bounty on a Jew was about $2. 405 00:29:21,357 --> 00:29:24,623 Someone desperate for money told the Gestapo. 406 00:29:24,661 --> 00:29:28,528 On August 4th, they stormed into my office, 407 00:29:29,231 --> 00:29:35,603 And a man pointed a gun at me and said, "Not a sound. 408 00:29:36,105 --> 00:29:37,732 "Not one word. " 409 00:29:38,875 --> 00:29:41,502 And then they went straight upstairs to the attic. 410 00:29:42,045 --> 00:29:44,479 I felt so helpless. 411 00:29:44,580 --> 00:29:47,141 I could hear Anne screaming, objects being thrown around. 412 00:29:47,284 --> 00:29:50,013 So, I ran back to my house. 413 00:29:50,153 --> 00:29:52,883 I looked for an earring or knick-knacks, you know, 414 00:29:52,989 --> 00:29:55,752 Anything I could take back with me to bribe them. 415 00:29:55,892 --> 00:29:59,191 So I took this back with me, all these things, 416 00:29:59,296 --> 00:30:03,596 And the soldier there took out his gun 417 00:30:04,233 --> 00:30:06,429 And put it against my head. 418 00:30:11,007 --> 00:30:15,603 You could be shot for hiding a Jew or go to a camp. 419 00:30:16,313 --> 00:30:20,271 So, another soldier recognized my accent. 420 00:30:20,482 --> 00:30:24,180 He was Austrian, and so was I, 421 00:30:24,621 --> 00:30:27,384 But I had been adopted by a Dutch family. 422 00:30:27,490 --> 00:30:31,289 So, he told the soldier with the gun to let me go. 423 00:30:33,195 --> 00:30:37,723 There isn't a day that I don't remember August 4th 424 00:30:39,035 --> 00:30:42,868 And I think about Anne Frank. 425 00:30:45,442 --> 00:30:46,534 Yes? 426 00:30:54,416 --> 00:30:56,509 I've never had a hero before. 427 00:30:57,420 --> 00:30:58,886 But you are my hero. 428 00:30:59,355 --> 00:31:03,053 Oh, no. No, no, young man, no. 429 00:31:03,159 --> 00:31:05,855 I am not a hero. No. 430 00:31:05,961 --> 00:31:12,491 I did what I had to do, because it was the right thing to do. 431 00:31:12,902 --> 00:31:14,300 That is all. 432 00:31:16,338 --> 00:31:19,172 You know, we are all ordinary people. 433 00:31:19,875 --> 00:31:26,713 But even an ordinary secretary or a housewife or a teenager 434 00:31:28,117 --> 00:31:34,022 Can, within their own small ways, turn on a small light 435 00:31:36,526 --> 00:31:38,323 In a dark room. 436 00:31:38,894 --> 00:31:40,055 Ja? 437 00:31:44,267 --> 00:31:47,827 I have read your letters, 438 00:31:47,936 --> 00:31:52,703 And your teacher has been telling me many things about your experiences. 439 00:31:54,844 --> 00:31:57,642 You are the heroes. 440 00:31:58,948 --> 00:32:02,576 You are heroes every day. 441 00:32:09,459 --> 00:32:12,894 Your faces are engraved in my heart. 442 00:32:32,582 --> 00:32:33,946 You hungry? 443 00:32:38,387 --> 00:32:41,152 You know what you're gonna say in that courtroom? 444 00:32:41,790 --> 00:32:43,759 I know what I have to say. 445 00:32:45,461 --> 00:32:46,554 Yeah. 446 00:32:47,230 --> 00:32:49,493 - You know how that is. - I know. 447 00:32:50,866 --> 00:32:53,494 And that man that put your father in prison, 448 00:32:53,603 --> 00:32:56,265 He knew he was sending an innocent man. 449 00:32:56,638 --> 00:32:57,935 But, you know, 450 00:32:59,875 --> 00:33:01,468 He was just 451 00:33:03,546 --> 00:33:05,275 Protecting his own. 452 00:33:11,488 --> 00:33:14,183 What the hell does everybody want from me? 453 00:33:40,983 --> 00:33:42,951 Hey, Mama. Mama. 454 00:33:48,557 --> 00:33:50,958 What the hell are you doing here? 455 00:33:57,267 --> 00:34:01,202 I want to come home. I don't want to be in the streets no more. 456 00:34:01,304 --> 00:34:02,601 I'm sorry. 457 00:34:05,107 --> 00:34:08,235 I want to change. I can't do it alone. 458 00:34:10,146 --> 00:34:11,773 I need you, Mama. 459 00:34:13,583 --> 00:34:15,050 I need you. 460 00:34:52,722 --> 00:34:54,485 And what time was that? 461 00:34:55,358 --> 00:34:57,655 I told you, 9:00, 9:30. 462 00:34:58,327 --> 00:34:59,795 And you had a clear view of the defendant, 463 00:34:59,896 --> 00:35:01,760 Grant Rice, in the store? 464 00:35:02,965 --> 00:35:05,331 I told you he was playing the video game. 465 00:35:05,934 --> 00:35:08,402 Then what happened? What did you see? 466 00:35:08,838 --> 00:35:10,931 Well, he got all whacked because he lost the game, 467 00:35:11,074 --> 00:35:14,668 And then he started shouting and all, threatening everybody. 468 00:35:14,777 --> 00:35:17,974 He threatened everyone? He threatened you? 469 00:35:19,081 --> 00:35:21,516 No. The guy who ran the store. 470 00:35:21,650 --> 00:35:23,675 He wanted his money back for the game. 471 00:35:23,719 --> 00:35:25,744 And what did the store owner do? 472 00:35:26,588 --> 00:35:29,887 He shouted back. And they were fighting. 473 00:35:30,159 --> 00:35:34,425 Then he, the defendant, knocked something over and left the store. 474 00:35:34,998 --> 00:35:37,489 And then what happened? What did you see? 475 00:35:41,670 --> 00:35:43,297 I saw... 476 00:35:55,485 --> 00:35:56,952 I saw... 477 00:36:12,235 --> 00:36:13,702 Paco did it. 478 00:36:17,873 --> 00:36:19,603 Paco killed the guy. 479 00:37:45,228 --> 00:37:47,719 My father won't talk to me anymore. 480 00:37:50,099 --> 00:37:55,469 And I have to lay low for a little while because there's word out to jump me. 481 00:37:56,873 --> 00:37:59,170 So I'm gonna be living with my aunt. 482 00:38:00,643 --> 00:38:05,603 See, my aunt lives even further away, 483 00:38:07,682 --> 00:38:11,983 So I was just wondering if I could, like, 484 00:38:15,123 --> 00:38:16,907 Stay here late with you 485 00:38:16,943 --> 00:38:18,693 Stay here late with you 486 00:38:20,563 --> 00:38:25,056 So I can get my homework done, 'cause it's late by the time I get home. 487 00:38:27,536 --> 00:38:30,505 You can stay as late as you want. 488 00:38:31,873 --> 00:38:35,833 And I can even drive you to your aunt's, if it gets too late. 489 00:38:39,081 --> 00:38:40,911 Ms. G, let's not get nuts. 490 00:39:16,686 --> 00:39:18,619 I think I got your color. 491 00:40:05,300 --> 00:40:07,291 Just come by the concierge on your way out, 492 00:40:07,402 --> 00:40:10,166 I'll have the directions for you. Yep, that's fine. 493 00:40:17,213 --> 00:40:21,012 Stop! That's it! Now, now! Hey! 494 00:40:22,751 --> 00:40:25,219 You get an extra three seconds. Go! 495 00:40:31,393 --> 00:40:33,657 ... enraged them and provoked them into acts of violence. 496 00:40:33,762 --> 00:40:38,028 In 1961, an interracial civil rights group traveled by bus through the South 497 00:40:38,134 --> 00:40:39,862 to challenge segregation. 498 00:40:39,969 --> 00:40:42,835 Blacks sat in the front, whites in the back. 499 00:40:43,306 --> 00:40:46,833 They were attacked, firebombed, but they kept going. 500 00:40:47,443 --> 00:40:51,606 In Montgomery, Alabama, Jim Zwerg offered to be the first off the bus, 501 00:40:51,713 --> 00:40:54,079 knowing there was a mob waiting for them. 502 00:40:54,215 --> 00:40:57,184 He was almost beaten to death so the others could get away. 503 00:40:57,286 --> 00:41:00,777 That kind of courage is unbelievable to me. 504 00:41:00,922 --> 00:41:04,289 I was afraid of just being in this class, and I was ashamed 505 00:41:04,393 --> 00:41:08,159 because I've always been the dumb kid in school, even with my friends. 506 00:41:08,331 --> 00:41:09,695 But not anymore. 507 00:41:09,864 --> 00:41:11,389 And I must have some kind of courage, 508 00:41:11,500 --> 00:41:15,231 because I could have lied to get out of here, but I stayed. 509 00:41:16,304 --> 00:41:17,601 I stayed. 510 00:41:18,039 --> 00:41:19,336 Hi, I'm home! 511 00:41:19,942 --> 00:41:24,878 Sorry, it got late. I drove the kids home. I didn't want them taking buses. 512 00:41:25,414 --> 00:41:27,780 You're never gonna believe what happened. 513 00:41:29,150 --> 00:41:30,811 I'm so tired. 514 00:41:31,320 --> 00:41:34,186 It's so cute, though. They never want to go home. 515 00:41:34,856 --> 00:41:38,088 We have such a good time together. I'm gonna take a shower. 516 00:41:57,713 --> 00:42:00,806 If you have another glass, you're gonna have a headache. 517 00:42:01,583 --> 00:42:05,987 Your bags are packed and you think the wine's gonna give me a headache? 518 00:42:07,989 --> 00:42:09,753 Why are you doing this? 519 00:42:09,858 --> 00:42:13,123 Because I don't pay enough attention to you? 520 00:42:13,228 --> 00:42:15,197 No. That's not it. 521 00:42:17,565 --> 00:42:21,626 I just... I feel like I'm living a life I just did not agree to. 522 00:42:23,972 --> 00:42:25,599 Erin, it's just... 523 00:42:26,842 --> 00:42:28,331 It's too hard. 524 00:42:28,943 --> 00:42:31,105 Your life is too hard? 525 00:42:31,614 --> 00:42:34,139 I think what you're doing is noble. 526 00:42:34,750 --> 00:42:38,311 And it's good. And I'm proud of you. 527 00:42:38,920 --> 00:42:40,217 I am. 528 00:42:42,557 --> 00:42:45,856 I just want to live my life and not feel bad about it. 529 00:42:45,960 --> 00:42:49,123 - I'm not trying to make you feel bad. - You don't have to try. 530 00:42:49,231 --> 00:42:52,028 I didn't plan on becoming responsible for these kids. 531 00:42:52,134 --> 00:42:54,159 - Well, who asked you to? - No one asked me to! 532 00:42:54,269 --> 00:42:55,259 They're not even your kids! 533 00:42:55,371 --> 00:42:59,170 Why do I have to be asked? Scott... 534 00:43:03,311 --> 00:43:08,215 I finally realized what I'm supposed to be doing and I love it. 535 00:43:08,349 --> 00:43:13,014 When I'm helping these kids make sense of their lives, 536 00:43:13,655 --> 00:43:16,489 Everything about my life makes sense to me. 537 00:43:20,028 --> 00:43:22,394 How often does a person get that? 538 00:43:25,701 --> 00:43:29,797 - Then what do you need me for? - You're my husband. 539 00:43:29,905 --> 00:43:34,807 Why can't you stand by me and be part of it, the way wives support husbands? 540 00:43:34,909 --> 00:43:36,775 Because I can't be your wife. 541 00:43:44,085 --> 00:43:46,384 I wish I could make that sound less awful. 542 00:43:48,556 --> 00:43:49,717 Erin? 543 00:43:51,327 --> 00:43:53,887 You know, if you had to choose between us 544 00:43:55,396 --> 00:43:57,023 And the class, 545 00:43:58,833 --> 00:44:00,266 Who would you pick? 546 00:44:02,304 --> 00:44:05,762 If you love me, how could you ever ask me that? 547 00:44:06,742 --> 00:44:08,369 Erin, look at me. 548 00:44:11,880 --> 00:44:14,041 This is all there's ever been to me. 549 00:44:14,416 --> 00:44:18,784 This is it. I'm not one of those kids. I don't have any more potential. 550 00:44:20,623 --> 00:44:22,146 See? You don't want to be here either, 551 00:44:22,291 --> 00:44:25,623 'cause if you did, would you be in the classroom every night? 552 00:44:26,961 --> 00:44:31,592 That's not true. I want to be here. I love you. 553 00:44:32,768 --> 00:44:34,735 You love the idea of me. 554 00:44:40,275 --> 00:44:42,574 But it's such a great idea. 555 00:44:46,248 --> 00:44:47,545 I know. 556 00:45:15,610 --> 00:45:17,407 Dad? Hi. 557 00:45:20,014 --> 00:45:23,211 You know, I was actually trying to call someone else, 558 00:45:23,351 --> 00:45:25,320 And I automatically dialed you. I'm sorry. 559 00:45:25,353 --> 00:45:27,914 Look, I'm gonna call you tomorrow, okay? 560 00:45:28,056 --> 00:45:31,356 I need to make this call. I love you. 561 00:45:44,405 --> 00:45:46,896 Ms. G made us read Twelve Angry Men. 562 00:45:47,009 --> 00:45:50,646 It's all about how this one juror helped to turn the hearts of 11 jurors. 563 00:45:50,681 --> 00:45:52,510 It made me feel hopeful. 564 00:45:53,047 --> 00:45:56,313 At 2:00 today, my brother was given a verdict on his own trial. 565 00:45:56,452 --> 00:45:59,079 No O. J. Dream Team, just a court-appointed attorney 566 00:45:59,221 --> 00:46:01,188 who probably thought his ass was guilty. 567 00:46:01,322 --> 00:46:04,952 And I realized Twelve Angry Men was just a book and nothing more. 568 00:46:05,293 --> 00:46:08,023 My brother got 15 years to life. 569 00:46:08,130 --> 00:46:10,860 Justice don't mean the bad guy goes to jail. 570 00:46:10,965 --> 00:46:13,161 It just means somebody pays for the crime. 571 00:46:19,007 --> 00:46:20,532 So, you got time now? 572 00:46:27,416 --> 00:46:29,007 Anyone know where Andre's been? 573 00:46:29,150 --> 00:46:30,413 I haven't seen him on the bus. 574 00:46:30,552 --> 00:46:32,018 Yeah, I haven't talked to him either. 575 00:46:40,929 --> 00:46:42,452 Ms. G? 576 00:46:42,831 --> 00:46:45,163 Are we gonna have this same room next year, again? 577 00:46:45,266 --> 00:46:48,394 I don't know. You're gonna be juniors next year. 578 00:46:49,938 --> 00:46:51,461 What do you mean? 579 00:46:51,572 --> 00:46:54,268 Well, I teach freshman and sophomore years. 580 00:46:54,376 --> 00:46:57,503 You mean, we're not gonna be with you next year? 581 00:47:00,215 --> 00:47:01,579 Well, I... 582 00:47:03,452 --> 00:47:07,182 I don't teach juniors. I thought you guys understood that. 583 00:47:07,690 --> 00:47:08,815 What? What are you talking about? 584 00:47:11,025 --> 00:47:12,652 You don't wanna be our teacher next year? 585 00:47:12,760 --> 00:47:15,286 Of course I do. I can't. 586 00:47:15,396 --> 00:47:17,887 - Why not? - It's the Board of Ed. 587 00:47:18,000 --> 00:47:19,934 It's regulations. 588 00:47:22,670 --> 00:47:25,469 Ms. G hasn't been here long enough to have seniority. 589 00:47:25,507 --> 00:47:26,838 Who cares about seniority? 590 00:47:26,974 --> 00:47:29,534 Shit! They can't do that! They don't have the right! 591 00:47:31,646 --> 00:47:34,445 - Ms. G, this is our kick-it spot. - Yeah. 592 00:47:34,583 --> 00:47:38,018 Everybody's cool with everybody. Everybody knows everybody. 593 00:47:38,152 --> 00:47:41,588 This is the only place where we really get to be ourselves. 594 00:47:41,724 --> 00:47:43,748 There's no place like this out there for us. 595 00:47:44,025 --> 00:47:45,425 That's true. 596 00:47:45,927 --> 00:47:48,487 I'm not allowed to teach junior and seniors. 597 00:47:48,630 --> 00:47:49,597 You're not allowed? 598 00:47:51,632 --> 00:47:55,262 Ms. G, we can fight this, you know, like the Freedom Riders. 599 00:47:55,371 --> 00:47:57,134 Yeah, yeah, we'll all drive around on a bus. 600 00:47:57,239 --> 00:47:59,230 Only this time, they try and bust us up, 601 00:47:59,340 --> 00:48:01,137 We bust a few of them board members' heads. 602 00:48:01,777 --> 00:48:02,766 Marcus. 603 00:48:02,878 --> 00:48:06,507 Or we can go to the newspapers, media. That'll get their attention. 604 00:48:06,748 --> 00:48:08,215 Or we can paint the administration building 605 00:48:08,349 --> 00:48:10,818 With the word "assholes" in various colors. 606 00:48:12,554 --> 00:48:14,248 Hey, it's something. We can do this. 607 00:48:19,695 --> 00:48:20,661 What? 608 00:48:20,762 --> 00:48:24,324 These are my books, not Scott's. I'm packing the wrong books. 609 00:48:24,432 --> 00:48:26,128 Honey, take a break. 610 00:48:30,072 --> 00:48:31,539 Sit down. 611 00:48:34,710 --> 00:48:37,304 I can't believe I'm getting divorced. 612 00:48:38,780 --> 00:48:41,215 I never thought this would happen. 613 00:48:45,186 --> 00:48:47,280 What do I do now? 614 00:48:48,257 --> 00:48:50,724 Next year, I won't even have my kids. 615 00:48:51,126 --> 00:48:53,423 You think you should stay with them? 616 00:48:54,295 --> 00:48:56,594 Or is it better they move on? 617 00:48:56,931 --> 00:48:58,398 I don't know. 618 00:49:02,204 --> 00:49:04,672 It's just a job, like you said. 619 00:49:04,773 --> 00:49:06,400 Yeah, it is. 620 00:49:07,342 --> 00:49:09,309 But is the job finished? 621 00:49:11,646 --> 00:49:13,239 Listen to me now. 622 00:49:13,514 --> 00:49:16,039 What you've done with those kids... 623 00:49:18,454 --> 00:49:20,751 I don't even have words for it. 624 00:49:22,490 --> 00:49:27,451 But one thing's for sure, you are an amazing teacher. 625 00:49:29,331 --> 00:49:30,695 Special. 626 00:49:31,467 --> 00:49:35,869 You have been blessed with a burden, my daughter. 627 00:49:37,840 --> 00:49:39,807 And I envy you that. 628 00:49:42,510 --> 00:49:44,137 And I admire you. 629 00:49:46,648 --> 00:49:50,641 And how many fathers ever get to say that to their daughters 630 00:49:50,786 --> 00:49:52,753 And really mean it? 631 00:49:56,625 --> 00:49:59,719 What she is suggesting is in violation of our union charter. 632 00:49:59,827 --> 00:50:02,990 She may not move on with her students to teach them junior year. 633 00:50:03,097 --> 00:50:05,088 She's only been here two years. 634 00:50:05,199 --> 00:50:07,293 There are teachers here who have tenure, 635 00:50:07,402 --> 00:50:09,666 Who have worked and committed themselves for far longer 636 00:50:09,771 --> 00:50:11,670 To attain a position of seniority. 637 00:50:11,773 --> 00:50:15,731 Not to mention their experience in teaching students of a higher caliber. 638 00:50:15,844 --> 00:50:18,641 The Distinguished Scholars Program is under our jurisdiction. 639 00:50:18,813 --> 00:50:21,577 I don't want to replace the Distinguished Scholars Program. 640 00:50:21,717 --> 00:50:23,617 I just want to stay with my kids next year. 641 00:50:23,719 --> 00:50:25,914 She can't. I have the juniors. 642 00:50:25,987 --> 00:50:28,012 The Board of Education will not allow this. 643 00:50:28,155 --> 00:50:30,090 Teaching rotations will be disrupted, 644 00:50:30,192 --> 00:50:32,489 Retirement schedules will be reevaluated, 645 00:50:32,594 --> 00:50:36,030 Disrespecting teachers who have earned their way far longer 646 00:50:36,130 --> 00:50:38,291 And who focus on the classroom, 647 00:50:38,400 --> 00:50:41,233 Not on public relations and newspaper articles. 648 00:50:41,335 --> 00:50:43,327 I didn't ask for those articles to be written. 649 00:50:43,438 --> 00:50:44,927 She's in the middle of a divorce. 650 00:50:45,039 --> 00:50:47,530 Note, they stay late in her class, they're eating, they're playing games! 651 00:50:47,643 --> 00:50:50,737 All right, let's all just take a breath here. All right? 652 00:50:52,179 --> 00:50:54,273 Now I had hoped that we could talk this out, 653 00:50:54,416 --> 00:50:56,110 Maybe come to some kind of arrangement. 654 00:50:56,251 --> 00:50:58,719 - There is no arrangement... - Margaret. 655 00:50:59,588 --> 00:51:01,054 Carl, look. 656 00:51:01,657 --> 00:51:04,717 Putting aside all obvious resentments for the moment, 657 00:51:04,826 --> 00:51:06,224 Even if an arrangement were made 658 00:51:06,327 --> 00:51:10,458 And she could teach them as juniors, there isn't an accredited course 659 00:51:10,565 --> 00:51:12,931 In the curriculum for her to teach. 660 00:51:13,568 --> 00:51:17,231 Unless Brian trades one of his junior classes for a sophomore. 661 00:51:17,338 --> 00:51:18,396 No. 662 00:51:20,175 --> 00:51:22,405 Then there's nothing I can do. 663 00:51:25,947 --> 00:51:27,244 So that's it? 664 00:51:28,382 --> 00:51:29,849 Believe it or not, Ms. Gruwell, 665 00:51:29,952 --> 00:51:32,681 There are other capable teachers in this school. 666 00:51:32,820 --> 00:51:34,811 If you've made the progress you say you have, 667 00:51:34,956 --> 00:51:36,617 Your students should be ready to move on. 668 00:51:36,724 --> 00:51:39,387 They might even gain something from more experienced teachers. 669 00:51:39,494 --> 00:51:42,759 You can't teach them. You don't even like them. 670 00:51:42,864 --> 00:51:44,695 What does that have to do with teaching? 671 00:51:44,800 --> 00:51:47,393 I've been an educator for over 30 years. 672 00:51:47,802 --> 00:51:49,498 I have students that still remain in touch with me. 673 00:51:49,605 --> 00:51:52,039 I know what it is to be loved by a classroom! 674 00:51:52,139 --> 00:51:55,108 You have no idea how many battles I've had 675 00:51:55,210 --> 00:51:56,871 Fighting to be a better teacher, 676 00:51:56,978 --> 00:52:00,346 And now, what, suddenly I'm incapable of educating your students? 677 00:52:00,449 --> 00:52:03,110 You know, if they move on to our classes and they fail, 678 00:52:03,251 --> 00:52:05,309 It'll be because they weren't prepared! 679 00:52:05,454 --> 00:52:08,150 Lt'll be because you failed, not them! 680 00:52:26,742 --> 00:52:29,403 Andre? Wait a minute before you go in. 681 00:52:42,657 --> 00:52:45,126 I heard about your brother's conviction. I'm sorry. 682 00:52:45,260 --> 00:52:47,454 Is that why you've missed class so much? 683 00:52:47,561 --> 00:52:49,358 I had things to do. 684 00:52:52,634 --> 00:52:54,431 About this. 685 00:52:54,902 --> 00:52:56,063 The evaluation assignment 686 00:52:56,170 --> 00:52:57,637 Was to grade yourself on the work you're doing. 687 00:52:57,739 --> 00:53:00,172 You gave yourself an F. What's that about? 688 00:53:00,574 --> 00:53:03,771 - It's what I feel I deserve. That's all. - Oh, really? 689 00:53:05,347 --> 00:53:07,041 You know what this is? 690 00:53:07,349 --> 00:53:11,342 This is a "Fuck you" to me, and everyone in this class! 691 00:53:11,485 --> 00:53:14,751 I don't want excuses. I know what you're up against. 692 00:53:15,090 --> 00:53:17,320 We're all of us up against something. 693 00:53:18,293 --> 00:53:21,659 So you better make up your mind, because until you have the balls 694 00:53:21,762 --> 00:53:24,561 To look me straight in the eye and tell me this is all you deserve, 695 00:53:24,666 --> 00:53:26,224 I am not letting you fail, 696 00:53:26,268 --> 00:53:28,327 Even if that means coming to your house every night 697 00:53:28,436 --> 00:53:30,132 Until you finish the work. 698 00:53:30,237 --> 00:53:32,034 I see who you are. 699 00:53:32,574 --> 00:53:34,701 Do you understand me? 700 00:53:35,710 --> 00:53:37,679 I can see you. 701 00:53:39,547 --> 00:53:41,481 And you are not failing. 702 00:53:44,920 --> 00:53:49,856 So, take a minute. Pull yourself together and come inside. 703 00:53:50,391 --> 00:53:52,416 I want a new evaluation. 704 00:53:57,632 --> 00:54:00,429 An F. What, are you tripping? 705 00:54:06,108 --> 00:54:09,565 I want you all to know that Dr. Cohn and I tried very hard. 706 00:54:12,347 --> 00:54:15,213 But it's been decided we can't continue with each other junior year. 707 00:54:15,349 --> 00:54:16,442 - What? - What? 708 00:54:18,085 --> 00:54:19,985 You... Wait. 709 00:54:20,722 --> 00:54:22,690 Wait. Guys. Everyone. 710 00:54:24,092 --> 00:54:26,559 No! That don't fly, Ma! 711 00:54:28,130 --> 00:54:31,793 Look, first of all, I'm not anyone's mother in here, okay? 712 00:54:31,900 --> 00:54:34,094 No, it doesn't mean mother. 713 00:54:34,802 --> 00:54:37,135 It's a sign of respect for you. 714 00:54:51,353 --> 00:54:52,751 Listen to me. 715 00:54:52,987 --> 00:54:54,284 All of you. 716 00:54:55,056 --> 00:54:59,686 Don't use me as another excuse for why you can't make it. 717 00:55:01,596 --> 00:55:04,894 You made it to your junior year. 718 00:55:05,699 --> 00:55:08,498 Think about how you did that. 719 00:55:09,871 --> 00:55:13,534 Everyone in this room has a chance to graduate. 720 00:55:14,576 --> 00:55:17,135 For some, you'll be the first in your family. 721 00:55:17,244 --> 00:55:20,009 The first with a choice to go to college. 722 00:55:21,016 --> 00:55:23,813 Some may move faster than others. 723 00:55:25,420 --> 00:55:27,717 But you'll each have the chance. 724 00:55:28,789 --> 00:55:31,759 And you did that. Not me. 725 00:55:38,833 --> 00:55:42,496 Now, I have one 726 00:55:44,539 --> 00:55:46,130 Final project in mind. 727 00:55:46,240 --> 00:55:48,436 - Ms. G. - Yeah? 728 00:55:50,277 --> 00:55:55,237 Ms. G wanted us to put our diaries together in a book, just like Anne Frank. 729 00:55:55,983 --> 00:55:58,009 She got this businessman, John Tu, 730 00:55:58,152 --> 00:56:00,985 to donate 35 computers so we could work. 731 00:56:06,061 --> 00:56:09,461 She told us we have something to say to people. 732 00:56:09,630 --> 00:56:10,829 We weren't just kids in a class anymore. 733 00:56:10,864 --> 00:56:12,028 We weren't just kids in a class anymore. 734 00:56:12,132 --> 00:56:15,829 We were writers with our own voices, our own stories. 735 00:56:15,936 --> 00:56:17,996 And even if nobody else read it, 736 00:56:18,106 --> 00:56:21,701 the book would be something to leave behind that said we were here, 737 00:56:22,309 --> 00:56:25,403 this is what happened, we mattered. 738 00:56:25,880 --> 00:56:30,146 Even if it was just to each other. And we won't forget. 739 00:56:31,853 --> 00:56:34,219 Ms. G didn't promise it would get published or anything, 740 00:56:34,322 --> 00:56:37,188 but we could get it out there ourselves. 741 00:56:37,925 --> 00:56:40,155 She asked us to come up with a title, 742 00:56:40,695 --> 00:56:42,663 something to call ourselves. 743 00:57:00,447 --> 00:57:02,313 I just received a call from Karin Polacheck 744 00:57:02,449 --> 00:57:03,541 At the Board of Education. 745 00:57:03,684 --> 00:57:05,675 There's to be a meeting with Dr. Cohn about your classes. 746 00:57:05,820 --> 00:57:09,255 - Do you know anything about this? - No. 747 00:57:17,065 --> 00:57:22,525 These students, this class, they've become a family. 748 00:57:23,438 --> 00:57:25,030 To who? To you? 749 00:57:25,706 --> 00:57:27,333 To each other. 750 00:57:28,143 --> 00:57:31,476 Room 203 is a kind of a home for them. 751 00:57:32,012 --> 00:57:35,346 Their trust is all wrapped up in us being together as a group. 752 00:57:35,784 --> 00:57:36,909 Once they're out of her class, 753 00:57:37,052 --> 00:57:39,485 Believe me they'll slip back into their old habits. 754 00:57:39,586 --> 00:57:43,545 Their reading scores, their writing has markedly improved, Ms. Campbell. 755 00:57:43,692 --> 00:57:47,184 On paper. But what has she accomplished in reality? 756 00:57:47,295 --> 00:57:48,922 What about new students that come in next year? 757 00:57:49,030 --> 00:57:51,021 Can she repeat this process every year? 758 00:57:51,132 --> 00:57:52,530 Her methods are impractical, 759 00:57:52,634 --> 00:57:55,262 Impossible to implement with regularity. 760 00:57:55,369 --> 00:57:57,860 What if every teacher performed in this way? 761 00:57:58,472 --> 00:57:59,701 We have millions of children 762 00:57:59,807 --> 00:58:01,536 To get through the education system in this country, 763 00:58:01,643 --> 00:58:03,474 And we need a means of accomplishing that 764 00:58:03,577 --> 00:58:06,478 Which allows as many students to benefit as possible, 765 00:58:06,581 --> 00:58:08,514 Not just special cases. 766 00:58:10,018 --> 00:58:13,476 And you honestly think you can create this family in every classroom, 767 00:58:13,621 --> 00:58:16,590 For every grade, for every student you teach? 768 00:58:21,161 --> 00:58:22,628 I don't know. 769 00:58:28,836 --> 00:58:30,168 Thank you. 770 00:58:50,557 --> 00:58:53,458 Hey, there go Ms. G. Hey, there go Ms. G! 771 00:59:02,369 --> 00:59:03,768 What happened? 772 00:59:04,572 --> 00:59:08,371 So? Are we gonna be together for junior year? 773 00:59:14,215 --> 00:59:15,512 No. 774 00:59:16,451 --> 00:59:18,315 - What? - What? 775 00:59:22,923 --> 00:59:26,291 We're gonna be together junior and senior year. 776 00:59:27,728 --> 00:59:28,786 Yes!