Won’t Back Down is a drama, inspired by actual events, that will be hitting theaters on September 28th, 2012. This movie focuses on two mothers who want the best education for their children but cannot get it through the existing options. So, what do they do? They fight to change those options!
The film starts off slow, really slow. There was a lot of dialogue and several dramatic scenes – I just couldn’t follow what was going on. I dreaded that it would continue like that for the next hour and a half or so. Thankfully, the story picked up after 20-30 minutes and, by that time, I was fully entrenched in the situation at hand. As the climax approached, I found myself sobbing, booing/cheering, etc. Once you understood the motivation and circumstances these two women/mothers faced, you felt for them and wanted their hopes to be realized. The emotional charge Won’t Back Down created was overwhelming and had all in attendance discussing the issues as they exited the theater.
So you can better enjoy the film, let me fill you in on the underlying problems. Jamie Fitzpatrick (played by Maggie Gyllenhaal) is a struggling, single mother whose daughter is stuck in a school system that penalizes her for being dyslexic. Nona Alberts (played by Viola Davis) wants to be the best teacher she can be but, the very union created to protect teachers, prevents her from actually doing so. Pride, bureaucratic regulations, and paychecks get in the way of providing what’s best for the children.
Parents, educators, and those who want the best for children will find this movie riveting and encouraging. Children or those generally unconcerned with kids may be easily bored. I personally enjoyed it and will likely recommend it to those that fall into the first audience demographic. Do you think this movie is for you?
I received complimentary admission and compensation, through Circle of Moms, to see the pre-screening of the film and to write an honest review. All opinions are 100% my own
