Half Nelson
Despite his dedication to the junior-high students who fill his classroom, idealistic teacher Dan Dunne leads a secret life of addiction that the majority of his students will never know. But things change when a troubled student Drey makes a startling discovery of his secret life, causing a tenuous bond between the two that could either end disastrously or provide a catalyst of hope.
Critics Sentiment
Drey delivers drugs to Dan at a motel room
Dan tells Drey they are not friends and ignores her
The film drops to its lowest point when Dan cruelly rejects Drey, then rises dramatically to its most powerful moment with their devastating drug transaction encounter.
Half Nelson maintains strong critical reception throughout, with reviewers consistently praising Gosling's nuanced performance and the film's understated approach. The sentiment dips during Dan's most self-destructive moments but peaks with the emotionally devastating motel encounter. Critics appreciated the film's refusal to follow typical teacher-student movie clichés, ending on a note of imperfect hope.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 37
Ryan Gosling
Dan Dunne
Shareeka Epps
Drey
Anthony Mackie
Frank
Jeff Lima
Roodly
Monique Gabriela Curnen
Isabel
Tina Holmes
Rachel
Nathan Corbett
Terrance
Tyra Kwao-Vovo
Stacy
Rosemary Ledee
Gina
Tristan Mack Wilds
Jamal
Bryce Silver
Bernard
Kaela C. Pabon
Lena
Erica Rivera
Erika
Stephanie Bast
Vanessa
Eleanor Hutchins
Simone
Sebastian Sozzi
Javier
Karen Chilton
Karen
Starla Benford
Principal Henderson
Denis O'Hare
Jimbo
Deidre Goodwin
Tina
Crew
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