Tag: Movies

Last night we watched the Hilary Swank movie, Freedom Writers.

It’s in the same category of Gridiron Gang, starring The Rock, which I mentioned last week.

Freedom Writers is the true story of a beginning teacher named Erin Gruwell who makes a difference in the lives of teenage gang members forced to integrate in her classroom in Long Beach, California in 1994.

The movie is inspiring on many levels, but to me personally because the teacher uses writing and reading to help transform these “unteachable, at-risk” youths.

When Gruwell discovers that the teenagers have no idea what the Holocaust was, she works three jobs to raise the money to buy the kids copies of Anne Frank’s famous diary, The Diary of a Young Girl.

The youths read it, transfixed by the story, and enraged by the ending of it.

In one hypnotic scene, the kids get excited about bringing to their class Miep Gies, the woman who hid Anne Frank.

They manage to raise the money and actually bring her to class, to speak to them. Miep tells them, “You are the real heroes today.”

Freedom Writers is a powerful movie with an inspiring message. It’s on DVD. I suggest you get it and watch it.

For information on the foundation Erin Gruwell and the Freedom Writers started, including how to contribute to their efforts to create change in the school system, see www.freedomwritersfoundation.org/

If you want to know how you can help troubled teenagers when you see movies like Freedom Writers and Gridiron Gang, consider that peace begins with you. 

Scientific research has defined a powerful new ”technology of peace” that can help you here. You can take world peace into your own hands with it. There is a lot of free information (including a downloadable mini-book) that explains the scientific studies behind this method.

I think you’ll find it’s one of the most amazing sites on the Web. It gives you a tool to help create peace. To see it, just click here: www.CreatePermanentPeace.com

Ao Akua,

Joe
www.mrfire.com

PS — As I watched the Freedom Writers movie, I kept “cleaning”, ala the ho’oponopono method described in the book, Zero Limits. There were some tough scenes to watch, but clearing helped. Keep in mind that all change happens within first, and then appears on the outside later. It all begins with you.

Last night we sat in a sold out theatre and watched the premier of Michael Moore’s latest documentary, Sicko.

Moore is one of the most powerful and smoothest persuasion masters of modern times. He’s made several controversial movies before this one. This time around he tackles health care in America.

The movie makes you want to overthrow the system, move to another country (such as Cuba or even France), or get so independently wealthy that you aren’t worried about health care costs for you or your family.

Moore’s movie flows easily, has humor as well as shock, and clearly makes his point: something has to change for we Americans. The system is sick and we’re not getting well.

I admire Michael Moore’s positive use of his hypnotic persuasion skills. I admire his message.

My only complaint is he doesn’t tell you what to do to solve the problem. For that you have to click here:

I urge you to see Sicko when it opens June 29.

Meanwhile, stay well.

Ao Akua,

joe
www.mrfire.com

PS — There’s an elderly English chap in Sicko who stands out for his wisdom and articulation. If you know his name, please tell me. I want to talk to him. Thank you.

Back in 1995 I promoted a policeman turned author who believed gang members needed rules and structure, that in fact that’s what they sought by joining a gang.

Last night we watched the movie Gridiron Gang, which essentially said the same thing: give kids structure, rules and a challenge, and they can transform.

I loved the movie. In one scene the head coach, played by The Rock, tells a troubled youth (in fact, a killer), that he has to forgive his father for what he did to him.

The coach explains his own father had destroyed his self-esteem; that his own youth was no picnic.

The youth asks the coach how long it took him to forgive his father.

There’s a long period of silence before the coach, with tears in his eyes, admits he hadn’t forgiven his own father until that very moment.

The movie isn’t all about forgiveness but it is about inspiration. It’s about not giving in to the possible and instead going for the impossible. It’s about not letting “throwaway” kids die but instead giving them real hope. It’s about daring something worthy.

It’s based on a true story and is well worth your time.

Ao Akua,

Joe
www.mrfire.com

PS – If you want help in forgiving your father or anyone else, consider the Subliminal Manifestation DVD at www.subliminalmanifestation.com Forgiveness frees you to experience life with power and love.