A Marine officer leaves her military career behind to become an inner-city English teacher. With a style all her own she gets her class of tough-as-nails kids to trust her and to believe in themselves. This true-life drama is based on "My Posse Don't Do Homework," a novel by educator LouAnne Johnson.
The true story of one teacher's struggle to have a positive effect on her students' lives.
Ex-Marine LouAnne Johnson abandons her military career in order to pursue her dream of becoming an English teacher. When she is assigned to Parkmont High, a rough "inner-city" school, she soon finds that teaching English is going to be tougher than she expected. Clearly, her bored, surly, unhappy students would rather be anywhere else than in class. However, LouAnne tackles this obstacle, employing unconventional tactics to get through to the kids: she uses Bob Dylan's lyrics to teach poetry, rewards the students with candy bars, and even takes them out for an expensive dinner. Soon, LouAnne notices a change in her pupils, who are beginning to see school -- and life -- in a new light.
Released in the USA August 11, 1995, this film had an opening weekend box office gross of $14.9 million. Spurred on by rapper Coolio's #1 hit song "Gangsta's Paradise," the movie went on to become one of the surprise hits of the year, grossing $84.9 million domestically.
Andy Garcia's role (as the boyfriend of Michelle Pfeiffer's character), was completely edited from the film.
Color by Technicolor.
Additional credits: Jessica Kreps, David Larson (assistant directors); Gala Autumn (costume supervisor).
Produced in association with Via Rosa Prods.
Film was shot in North Carolina.
Also features music performed by Sista (featuring Craig Mack), Rappin' 4-Tay, Tre Black, 24-K, DeVante, Big Mike, Immature, and Mr. Dalvin & Static.
Rated BBFC 15 by the British Board of Film Classification.
DVD Features:
Region 1 Encoding
"Gangsta's Paradise" video by Coolio
Chapter Search
Distributor Notes: Dangerous Minds
Top Hollywood star Michelle Pfeiffer (I AM SAM, WHAT LIES BENEATH) is the driving force behind this gripping and uplifting smash hit! Based on an incredible true-life story -- Pfeiffer is former U.S. Marine LouAnne Johnson, a first-time high school teacher assigned to a class of tough but smart inner city students. When conventional methods fail to reach them, the feisty Ms. Johnson tries the unconventional -- defying the rules and creating her own curriculum! In the process, she instills a new self-confidence in her students -- motivating them toward their greatest potential. Critically acclaimed and powered by a riveting star performance, DANGEROUS MINDS is hard-hitting, crowd-pleasing entertainment you won't soon forget!
Source: Buena Vista Home Entertainment.
Director of Photography
Pierre Letarte:
Production Designer
Donald Graham Burt: Art Director
Review 1:
"...[Pfeiffer gives] a strong, resourceful performance..."
Source: Premiere
p.88 02/01/1996
Review 2:
"...Pfeiffer gives a funny, scrappy performance..."
Source: Rolling Stone
p.108-110 08/24/1995
Review 3:
"...[An] earnest, sweet-natured inspirational drama....Dominguez, Harris and Santiago stir strong sympathy and show a good deal of promise..."
Source: Variety
08/14/1995
Shopping Cart:
