Classics: A Review of Dangerous Minds By Lauren Ennis

The buses are geared up and the backpacks are packed as back to school time is upon us once again. To commemorate the return to the classroom I'll be turning the spotlight on the ultimate inspirational teacher movie; 1995's Dangerous Minds. Beloved, mocked, and parodied in equal measure the film has become part of popular consciousness in the nearly thirty years since its release. Before heading back to school hit the books with Michelle Pfeiffer in Dangerous Minds.

The scene that launched a thousand teaching careers

The story begins with former marine LouAnne Johnson taking a teaching position at a high school in impoverished East Palo Alto California. Despite her best intentions Johnson is initially dismissed by her students who are too preoccupied with the violence and poverty surrounding them to engage in her poetry and literature lessons. Determined to reach her students ,Johnson begins utilizing unorthodox methods to spark their interest and make the curriculum relevant to their lives. While her unique style raises the ire of the school's staff it also earns the respect of her students. After initial growing pains both teacher and students begin to learn from one another and over the course of the school year ultimately change each others' lives for the better. 

Inspired by Johnson's 1992 memoir My Posse Don't Do Homework, Dangerous Minds has become synonymous with the words 'teacher movie'. Following in the footsteps of such classics as Blackboard Jungle and To Sir With Love the film follows Johnson's journey over the course of a single school year. Like its predecessors the film includes such familiar genre tropes as rebellious students, an apathetic administration, and a novice teacher in over her head. In spite of its familiarity, the film manages to highlight the all too real trials and triumphs of public education while lending the story its own unique flair. Through its exploration of Johnson's students' individual struggles the film ensures that the story maintains originality even as it relates universal lessons. As a result, the film resonates with viewers from the city to the suburbs. While the film's heavy emphasis upon its 1990's urban setting has begun to show its age its focus upon the struggles of students and teachers remain as relevant as ever. Before heading back to school enter the gangster's paradise that is the modern education system courtesy of Dangerous Minds.

Partying like its 1995

The film brings Johnson's story to visceral life thanks to the superb work of its cast. Bruklin Harris infuses top student turned teen mom Callie with intelligence and resilience. Renoly Santiago expertly balances boyish charm, intellect, and grit in his portrayal of Raul's efforts to escape the criminality surrounding him. Wade Dominguez blends charisma, menace, and inner torment as class rebel Emilio. Michelle Pfeiffer brings Johnson to vibrant life in a performance that combines vulnerability, determination, humor, and her signature charm.

While its Gen X sensibility has started to show its age Dangerous Minds remains the fist title that many viewers think of when they hear 'teacher movie' and for good reason. Through its by turns heartfelt, humorous, and ultimately inspiring script the film acts as an apt tribute to teachers and students alike. The cast bring each of the characters to vibrant life with Pfeiffer turning in one of the most iconic performances of her career. Get an education in feel good viewing courtesy of Dangerous Minds.