Half Nelson

Half Nelson is a film that grabs hold of you almost immediately when it starts. The film features fine performances by its leading actors and is gripping from start to finish. As you may or may not know a 'half nelson' is a wrestling hold, used here as a metaphor for struggle as director Ryan Fleck explains in one of his interviews: 'It works for like addiction or political struggle or anything and that’s sort of it.' Bringing the relationship between a teacher and a young student to the forefront, Half Nelson tells about the struggle with addiction and the she-might-go-wrong future of Drey, the student, played by Shareeka Epps. Intensifying the struggle is the use of camerawork which provides for full close-ups of the actors and the frequently switching between in and out of focus makes the images seem unstable just like the mindstate of the film's characters. The one who most shines in this film is Ryan Gosling. The young up and coming actor who got nominated for his first Oscar by playing Dan Dunne, the teacher. Totally deserved, Gosling inhabits every part of his character, showing his raw emotions, from confusion to loneliness and uncertainty. Supporting him is Shareeka Epps, who is astonishing as Drey, giving her character freshness and intelligence by giving a beautiful subtle performance.

What is it about?

Dan Dunne is a young history teacher and also basketball coach, who's struggling with a secret drug addiction. When one day after practice Drey, one of his students, caughts him in the act in one of the bathrooms from the locker room the two start an uncommon friendship. Concerned about Dunne, Drey tries to look after her teacher as much as she can, the same way as Dunne tries to look after her. Coming from a one parent family, Drey has a tough time growing up. Almost always being on her own, with her only sibling being in prison. Dunne, also very much alone, has a tough time growing up too, even though he's already an adult, he also has a lot to learn still. Feeling extra miserable now his former girlfriend is getting married, he falls deeper and deeper. Even though he know he has to stop using drugs, they are his only escape. At the end all goes wrong for the young teacher who needs to be taught himself by the only person who can save him from going under, his student, Drey.

Final Verdict: *****

Half Nelson is a fresh take on the teacher student relationship, putting the focus for a difference on just one student instead of a whole class who needs to be taught. The actors do a tremendous job bringing their characters to life and giving them real subtance and making them feel real also, without the feeling of being forced. The look of the film as a whole feels raw which is intesified by the always moving camera closing up on the characters. A truly moving film that touches you deeply on the inside. Sometimes laughing, almost all the time smiling and close to tears, Half Nelson is an extremely well made drama and succeeds in being original and different, bringing its viewers a story about life and growing up. Meant to be seen by a big audience, it's a little gem that shines bright.