Dangerous Minds
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- This article is about the film. For the episode of Xiaolin Showdown, see Dangerous Minds (Xiaolin Showdown).
| Dangerous Minds | |
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 Dangerous Minds |
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| Directed by | John N. Smith |
| Produced by | Don Simpson Jerry Bruckheimer |
| Written by | Ronald Bass, Novel by LouAnne Johnson |
| Starring | Michelle Pfeiffer |
| Music by | Wendy & Lisa |
| Distributed by | Hollywood Pictures |
| Release date(s) | August 11, 1995 |
| Running time | 99 min. |
| Language | English |
| IMDb profile | |
Dangerous Minds is a 1995 film based loosely on a book by, and the life of, LouAnne Johnson that tells the story of a retired Marine who leaves her career to become an English teacher at an inner-city high school. The film, starring Michelle Pfeiffer, focuses on the challenges of growing up in the inner-city and of the efforts of a dedicated teacher to allow her class to learn to believe in themselves.
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[edit] Synopsis
When a retired Marine, LouAnne Johnson (Michelle Pfeiffer), arrives at an inner-city high school in East Palo Alto, California, (though the movie was actually filmed at a wealthier Bay Area public school, Burlingame High School just 15 miles from the school Johnson actually taught at) she finds a class of tough, street-wise kids, involved in gangs and drugs, whom Johnson quickly dubs the "rejects from hell." Her initially meek demeanour, small stature, and white skin earn her the nickname "white bread" from her students. Determined to have them trust and respect her, she quickly changes her presentation, wearing leather jackets, teaching karate to her students and cursing in the classroom. Creating her own curriculum for her "socially challenged" but otherwise extremely bright class, she starts having them read college-level texts, using Bob Dylan lyrics to teach poetry. LouAnne Johnson rewards her students for hard work. Rewards include chocolate bars, toy prizes and trip to an amusement park.
Through the dedication of both her and the class, LouAnne Johnson teaches them not only to respect education for its own worth, but more importantly to respect and believe in themselves.
The film was based on the true story by LouAnne Johnson, My Posse Don't Do Homework, and follows themes found in similar movies, such as The Blackboard Jungle, To Sir, with Love, and Stand and Deliver. The MPAA rated the film R for profanity.
[edit] Music
The rap-based music score was written by Wendy & Lisa, who also wrote one of the theme songs, "This Is The Life." The movie also featured the hit hip-hop song "Gangsta's Paradise" by Coolio.
[edit] Cast and crew
- Michelle Pfeiffer - LouAnne Johnson
- George Dzundza - Hal Griffith
- Courtney B. Vance - George Grandey
- Robin Bartlett - Carla Nichols
- Beatrice Winde - Mary Benton
- John Neville - Waiter
- Lorraine Toussaint - Irene Roberts
- Renoly Santiago - Raul Sanchero
- Wade Dominguez - Emilio Ramirez
- Bruklin Harris - Callie Roberts
- Marcello Thedford - Cornelius Bates
- Roberto Alvarez - Gusmaro Rivera
- Richard Grant - Durrell Benton
- Marisela Gonzales - Angela
- Toni Nichelle Buzhardt - Nikki
- Norris Young - Kareem
- Rahman Ibraheem - Big 'G'
- Desire Galvez - Taiwana
- Wilson Limpo - Roderick
- Raymond Grant - Lionel Benton
- Veronica Robles - Stephanie
- Michael Archuleta - Oso
- Deshanda Carter - Tanyekia
- Ebony Jerido - Deanne
- Brandi Younger - Grip
- Asia Minor - Pam
- Karina Arroyave - Josy
- Paula Garcés - Alvina
- Ivan Sergei - Huero
- Mark Prince Edwards - PJ
- Ismael Archuleta - Lalo
- Skye Bassett - Jody
- Gaura Vani Buchwald - Warlock (as Gaura Buchwald)
- Cynthia Avila - Mrs. Sanchero
- Roman Cisneros - Mr. Sanchero (as Roman J. Cisneros)
- Camille Winbush - Tyeisha Roberts
- Al Israel - Mr. Santiego
- Brian Anthony - Joey
- Jason Gutman - Adam
- Lara Spotts - Dianna
- John N. Smith - Director
- Ronald Bass - Screenplay
- LouAnne Johnson - Author of My Posse Don't Do Homework
