Half Nelson

Name: Half Nelson
Genre: Drama
Released: August 11, 2006
Duration: 106 min
Rating: 85
Cast: Ryan Gosling, Shareeka Epps

2006

METASCORE

Universal acclaim based on 31 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 261 Ratings

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7.8

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7.8	Your Score
7.8	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 261 Ratings

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Half Nelson

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Movie Details & Credits

THINKFilm | Release Date: August 11, 2006 | R

Starring: Ryan Gosling, Shareeka Epps

Summary: Dan, an idealistic inner-city junior high school teacher with a drug habit, and Drey, one of his troubled students, stumble into an unexpected friendship that threatens either to undo them or to provide the vital change they both need to move forward in their lives. [ThinkFilm]

Director: Ryan Fleck

Genre(s): Drama

Rating: R

Runtime: 106 min

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Critic Reviews

100

Lisa Schwarzbaum

Half Nelson offers an opportunity to marvel, once again, at the dazzling talent of Ryan Gosling for playing young men as believable as they are psychologically trip-wired. Read full review

100

Jonathan Rosenbaum

A dedicated, charismatic, crack-addicted history teacher is the most believable protagonist in an American movie this year. Read full review

Rob Nelson

The audacity of making an inner-city drama in which the white-male authority figure is the crackhead finds its equal in Gosling's already legendary performance, a high-wire act that's gutsiest for its unconscionable charm. Read full review

Ann Hornaday

Nearly every scene rings with its own ragged truth, which becomes increasingly painful as Dan's addiction becomes more unmanageable and as he refuses to confront the untenable politics of his own behavior. Read full review

Don R. Lewis

Fleck manages to mix the storylines which include drug abuse, political commentary and making good choices about your life's path flawlessly. Read full review

Dennis Harvey

Avoiding rote inspirational notes as well as boyz-in-the-hood violence, scrupulously low-key drama nonetheless builds to a powerful impact. Read full review

Kyle Smith

Too bad there is only about half an hour's worth of story here. Mostly, we just watch the teacher get high, and his classroom talks about civil rights are nothing but filler. Read full review

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User Reviews

CailinD.

Sep 15, 2006

Stunning, simple movie. Ryan Gosling gives a brilliant performance.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

BobP.

Mar 7, 2007

Half Nelson is an amazing movie full of heartbreak and a few amusing moments. Ryan Gosling plays his most interesting role yet and proves to be the actor to watch. Shareeka Epps is intriguing! Half Nelson gets two thumbs up from me!

0 of 0 users found this helpful

TyP

Apr 26, 2009

In my top 5 movies of all time. Captures a lifestyle in an subtle, accurate, and painful piece of art.

1 of 1 users found this helpful

SamB.

Aug 29, 2006

This film was incredible. Anyone who says there is no resolution is a fool who is incapable of identifying subtlety. I wouldn't dare ruin the ending for those who haven't seen it. The score is haunting and adds a whole other level to the beauty of the film. And the ....... from This film was incredible. Anyone who says there is no resolution is a fool who is incapable of identifying subtlety. I wouldn't dare ruin the ending for those who haven't seen it. The score is haunting and adds a whole other level to the beauty of the film. And the ....... from the New York Post who said it had tons of filler doesn't understand that those things were all working towards the way the resolution works out.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful

FP.

Sep 7, 2006

Good film - realistic rendering of yearning, suffering and learning.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

RyanM.

Feb 20, 2007

There is no story here and no plot development. Very disappointing, considering all the reviews I've read. Gosling and Epps are flawless, and save this movie from being a complete waste.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

JamesB.

Feb 25, 2007

Hated it. Druggie movie about nothing. Saw it on DVD and walked out.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

SEE ALL 85 REVIEWS

16	#16 Best Movie of 2006
51	#51 Most Discussed Movie of 2006
65	#65 Most Shared Movie of 2006