Won't Back DownMovie Reviews

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Must Go!
Written September 30, 2012
Won't Back Down

by

is definetly academy award material. Excellent casting, excellent directiing and a plot that hits home for a lot of people. Inspiring and dramatic, it left me in tears. Nominate Maggie Gyllenhaal for Best Actress, nominate Viola Davis for Best Supporting Actress, and the movie for Best Picture. This is a must see but don't take word for it, see it for youselves.
- 26 out of 43 found this review helpful.
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Must Go!
Written September 28, 2012
Won't Back Down

by sherrij421

All parents, teacher and those without children should go and see this heart felt movie. Two parents and a teacher to reach out and fix something that is so wrong and they want to make it right for the children. We all need to do this, have faith, trust and HOPE to make thing work for all of us.
- 27 out of 46 found this review helpful.
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Must Go!
Written September 29, 2012
To: "I love me some propaganda"

by srp123

If you look at the history of public schools prior to charter schools, you will find a failed institution. Be grateful for the innovation of Charter Schools - some have proven success and are in the top 10 schools in the nation. The movie was excellent!
- 24 out of 41 found this review helpful.
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Written September 29, 2012
won't back down

by kirbyl

I loved this movie because it was very truthful and inspiring. Great field trip movie for elementary kids and teachers. I hope this movie inspires both teachers and children.
- 26 out of 45 found this review helpful.
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Must Go!
Written September 30, 2012
Wot Back Down

by TNT7

This was a great movie. It showed that how some school districts actually work when they have bad teachers & they just keep them around & just get used to the idea that the children aren't going to learn anything. It also shows what someone can do if they are commited. There was no bad language in it.
- 24 out of 42 found this review helpful.
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Written September 29, 2012
Won't Back Down

by Great White Shark

A very good movie. Living in California, a State with a powerful teachers union, and some of the worst test scores in the nation, I could relate to the story line. I could feel the frustration, but could cheer these woman who took on a failing system. The audience clapped at the end and everyone seemed to have great attitudes as they left the theater. Unions had a real purpose and served their members well. Now the greedy Unions are bankrupting States, Counties and Cities, and it seems like there is no recourse on poor performance. People are getting fed up. Unfortunately, the members of these Unions could end up suffering for the greed and inept leadership of their Unions when they get pennies on the dollar instead of the retirement they were counting on.
- 23 out of 40 found this review helpful.
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Written October 6, 2012
good!

by friday996

I did like the film, it's very interesting because it touches the very reason why some school are failing, and also shows how dificcult it is to get parents and teachers involved to try and change the culture of our school system.
- 6 out of 7 found this review helpful.
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Written October 2, 2012
Inspiring, but...

by EdManNW

I'm an elementary school teacher in WA state. Saw "Won't Back Down" this past weekend; thought it was a good movie overall, including being inspiring, but I had a few problems with it. For example, it came across as too anti-union and anti-school administration. I thought it was great how Viola Davis' character turned around her attitude and effort towards her job, and was very realistic as a somewhat-burned out teacher who got re-inspired. While I'm not familiar with educational laws in Pennsylvania, the main premise of the movie isn't possible in most states. But overall, it had good acting and an inspiring storyline, and I'm glad I saw it.
- 16 out of 27 found this review helpful.
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Must Go!
Written September 29, 2012
Feel good movie

by welitlpigs

Great movie to watch when you need a lift (and frankly, can't we all?). Story line: A frustrated mother and teacher of a failing school band together to try and make changes for the better, all the while fighting the bureaucracy of the public school system's status quo. Decent drama and acting. May not be an Academy Award movie but definitely worth seeing.
- 22 out of 39 found this review helpful.
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Must Go!
Written September 29, 2012
Won't Back Down

by wcm71

Saw this movie last night....it was great! Shows what is WRONG with our school system. Most of the time, it isn't the teachers, it is the system that is the problem, or just a hand ful of teachers. It's based on a true story, and Viola Davis and Maggie Gyllenhart both give Oscar worthy performances Makes you cry when you see just how bad it is in most schools across the US.....this is a must see. Also, love the little girl...she reminds me of a yound Drew Barrymore!
- 22 out of 39 found this review helpful.
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Written September 29, 2012
Inspiring

by punamk

It can be seen two ways. One - against the unions, or two - for children. The basic message is fight for childrens future. It's also a good movie that made me reflect on why I do the work I do. A teacher, doctor, accountant, anyone... do you do the work you do for the money or for your passion?
- 22 out of 39 found this review helpful.
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Written September 30, 2012
Don't Believe the Bad Reviews: There's much here to learn and love and act on...

by mciavolino

If you read the reviews and the RT rating you'll think this film simplifies issues and attacks unions. Ignore them. The film is also attacked viciously for 'ramming the directors' view' down our throats. But what film doesn't? At least this film has a message that must be heeded: Portions of our public education system are failing and failing badly. Is it perfect? No. Is it a compressed version of the events? Yes (but what film isn't). But it does show how it is possible to change one school and inversely improve the lives of a few hundred children that would multiply out to incalculable benefits to the community.

Does every school need to be taken over? No. But can every school benefit from parental and community involvement? Yes. If this film wakes up one, or two, or a hundred communities, administrators, and teachers, and makes them take a second look at improving education, then the film has done its job. It is also remarkably free from foul language and sex. Go see this film.
- 5 out of 6 found this review helpful.
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Must Go!
Written October 6, 2012
Won't Back Down

by dannalowe

In these crushing economic times, one of the favorite places political leaders cut the
budget is in the area of education...reqiring more of teachers for less $, taking aides
out of classrooms and raising class sizes (to save money).again. The crux of the
movie...no matter what higher ups say, make education of the students the #1 priorty...not greasing someone's hand or pulling the wool over other's eyes. REMEMBER...ALL CHILDREN ARE GIFTED, NO MATTER THEIR CHALLENGES OR STATION IN LIFE!
Today's children are tomorrow's leaders. KUDOS to everyone who made this movie and others similar to it...Holland's Opus, Sister Act II, and recent Hallmark presentations possible.This is a MUST SEE! (every teacher and parent should go) Stand up for your children, your students...our leaders of tomorrow (retired teachers...volunteer for the children's sake). We can ALL make a positive difference in the kid's lives!
- 5 out of 6 found this review helpful.
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Must Go!
Written September 30, 2012
Won't back down is about courage!

by

This movie is awesome and preaches courage to stand up for what you believe, no matter the cost. As Joan of Arc said, "I would rather die, than live a lie." Great film, great message, for any age group. My daughter was an extra in this movie. Holly Hunter was so sweet to talk with her and her friends. Holly Hunter is a CMU grad. Go Pittsburgh! :)
- 4 out of 4 found this review helpful.
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Must Go!
Written September 30, 2012
Won't Back Down

by rareatthetheatre

Awesome, edge of your seat, emotional. Everyone in the theatre was interacting with the the movie. Cheers and applause because it pulled you in to the story. Very well done! The characters really portrayed well what goes on today in my opinion. Great acting! And for all you nay sayers and controversialists! When my disabled young friend heard that the movie was becoming controversial, he said,"What's wrong with just trying to do the right thing? Why do people have to go and ruin a good thing?" Well said my friend!
- 9 out of 14 found this review helpful.
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