Half Nelson

Films set in schools are some of my favourites, so I was looking forward to seeing Half Nelson. Unfortunately, though, I was very disappointed. The story itself is nothing special and therefore I would have expected at least a better portrayal of the characters, but I couldn't grasp their thoughts or emotions and I was unable to empathise with the protagonists. Even Gosling, whose performance is superb as always, didn’t win me over. There was no emotion coming out of this film and therefore I didn't feel anything either, except a lot of boredom. The only good thing I found is the point of view. Films like The class, Freedom Writers, Dangerous Minds, Detachment, point to systemic problems, problems of discipline, racism, failed integration, whether in the classroom or in society, and they also point to the plight of teachers who face daily disinterest and apathy on the part of their students, and sooner or later question whether their mission is worthwhile. Half Nelson is different, discipline is not the problem, the students are not the problem, the teacher is the problem. He tries to protect his student from the world of drugs, even though he himself is on a runaway train. That's not a bad theme at all, but in my opinion it was not very well handled. (28.07.2016)