Dangerous Minds
She broke the rules... and changed their lives.
Overview
Former Marine Louanne Johnson lands a gig teaching in a pilot program for bright but underachieving teens at a notorious inner-city high school. After having a terrible first day, she decides she must throw decorum to the wind. When Johnson returns to the classroom, she does so armed with a no-nonsense attitude informed by her military training and a fearless determination to better the lives of her students -- no matter what the cost.
Backdrop
What makes this movie Worth Watching
Released in the mid-1990s, "Dangerous Minds" tapped into anxieties surrounding urban education and the perceived breakdown of traditional family structures. It reflected a mainstream attempt to understand and humanize marginalized communities, although some criticism pointed to a simplistic and potentially savior-complex narrative.
- Michelle Pfeiffer's compelling performance as LouAnne Johnson, portraying a dedicated teacher genuinely connecting with her students.
- The film explores themes of social inequality, poverty, and the challenges faced by underprivileged students in inner-city schools, prompting reflection on educational disparities.
- The soundtrack, featuring Coolio's "Gangsta's Paradise," became iconic and contributes to the film's overall impact and memorable scenes.
- The movie shows a transformative journey of both the teacher and the students.
Fun Facts
- Michelle Pfeiffer performed her own stunts in the film, including some of the martial arts scenes.
- The book that inspired the movie, "My Posse Don't Do Homework," is a true account of LouAnne Johnson's experiences teaching at Carlmont High School in Belmont, California.
- Coolio was initially hesitant to allow "Gangsta's Paradise" to be used in the film, but he eventually agreed after seeing a rough cut of the movie.
Available Languages
English
US
Title:
"She broke the rules... and changed their lives."
Deutsch
DE
Title: Dangerous Minds - Wilde Gedanken
"Sie haben nichts zu verlieren - ausser ihrer Zukunft"
Italiano
IT
Title: Pensieri pericolosi
"Ha infranto le regole... e ha cambiato le loro vite."
Français
FR
Title: Esprits rebelles
"Dans la vie, c'est toujours une question de choix."
Português
PT
Title: Mentes Perigosas
"Ela quebrou as regras ... e mudou suas vidas."
Español
ES
Title: Mentes peligrosas
"Rompió las reglas... y cambió sus vidas."
Where to Watch
Cast
Crew
Reviews
This would have only been ordinary because it's simply adequately directed, has an entire cast of unknowns save for the star, and is from a cliché-riddled script, but this is honestly one of Michelle Pfeiffer's more interesting performances. While she's not entirely convincing as a career-Marine, she's certainly more so than Demi Moore, who tried the stunt not long afterwards, and she's certainly believable as a caring teacher. An intriguing film for Simpson and Bruckheimer to be associated with, this was back in the day, after her career-defining 'Catwoman' role in 'Batman Returns' that she was still getting great starring roles (I greatly look forward to checking her out opposite Daniel Day-Lewis in 'The Age of Innocence'). My favourite work of hers will always be in 'Scarface', but this is right up there IMHO--some really fine acting by her. It's simply a shame only one note was asked of her--had it been a more multi-dimensional character (ie., love or family interests--I've read a possible romance scene with Andy Garcia was left on the cutting room floor so they could focus on her interaction with the students), it would have been even more inviting to watch.
So cheesy, but still fairly good mind you.
I did find myself cringing a decent amount throughout 'Dangerous Minds' though, not necessarily in a negative way but just due to some rather sickly scenes. I found Michelle Pfeiffer's performance to be, for the most part, pleasant, though there are a few scenes where she overacts ever so slightly - in my opinion, of course.
Away from Pfeiffer, there isn't much to shout about. George Dzundza (Hal) has a few moments, as do the likes of Renoly Santiago, Bruklin Harris and Wade Dominguez. The lead is the only one who keeps things interesting, though.
The plot is fine, as is everything else really. They use "Gangsta's Paradise" (at least?) three times which is undoubtedly, absolutely three times too little - what a banger of a song that is from Coolio and L.V.
Oscar Awards
Wins
Haven't Won A Oscar
Nominations
Haven't Nominated for Oscar