Page

Half Nelson

❚ We may earn commission from links on this page. Our editorial is always independent (learn more).

Watch trailer

02:18

Half Nelson

Save

Summary

Drama starring Ryan Gosling and Shareeka Epps. Dan Dunne is a man in crisis. By day he's a charismatic teacher, but by night he's a disillusioned junkie. His two lives remain separate until school pupil Drey catches him out, and a fragile friendship is gradually forged.

Ad

Powered By

IMDB

Review

A star rating of 3 out of 5.

Sloan Freer

A troubled student helps her self-destructive teacher reclaim his wayward life in Ryan Fleck's beautifully understated drama. Titled after a wrestling hold from which it's virtually impossible to escape, this slow-burning indie feature artfully reworks the clichés of the "redemption through education" genre. An Oscar-nominated Ryan Gosling demonstrates the same quiet intensity he showcased in The Believer, as the charismatic educator who's an inspiration in the classroom but a disillusioned crack addict in private. When he's caught getting high by a 13-year-old pupil (a wonderfully natural Shareeka Epps), Gosling forges a fragile bond with the precocious girl, who understands the devastation of drugs from her own family's experience. While hope is the film's overriding message, what's refreshing is its refusal to offer easy answers. There's neither moralising nor contrived sentimentality, just a reflective, documentary-style honesty that's sobering and poignant. Ultimately this unflashy approach won't appeal to everyone, but for those who stick with it, Half Nelson will prove a rewarding experience.

imdb-square

7.1/10

How to watch

Loading

Streaming

Credits

Cast

rolenameDan DunneRyan GoslingDreyShareeka EppsFrankAnthony MackieIsabelMonique Gabriela CurnenKarenKaren ChiltonRachelTina HolmesMikeCollins PennieJoDeborah RushRussJay O SandersCindyNicole Vicius

Show more

Crew

rolenameDirectorRyan Fleck

Details

Theatrical distributor

Axiom Films

Released on

2007-04-20

Languages

English

Guidance

Contains swearing and drug abuse.

Available on

DVD and Blu-ray

Formats

Colour

News & features about Half Nelson

Ad

Ad

Ad