Hard Lessons [DVD]

I am one of many family members who in fact attended George Washington High School, now George Washington Preparatory High School. After reading the previous reviews of others, I can make this statement. You have to live an event to really appreciate art imitating life. For most movie makers it can be difficult at best to recreate a story such as this about a person who took on odds, doubt & obstacles to give African American & Latino students a better shot at life, through eduaction. Personally, I loved this movie. I first saw it during my Sophomore year in high school. I was on hiatus my fall semester attending another school, and was upset that I couldn't be back home. However, I was filled with pride knowing that my principal, & school's history was becoming a part of Americana. So to some this may have been a cheezy attempt. To me this made for TV film will go down in history that preceeded Lean On Me, Stand and Deliver an others, but all will chronical the struggles and triumphs that a few will self inflict to take on the inequalities our nation perpetuates on it's inner city youth.

All teachers, community leaders and parents should see this. This was based on a true story about one mans, courage and preservation to mkae something out of those who gave up on themselves, their children and education. It took Denzel with that swagger to make his point come across. For the real George McKenna you should have gotten a Nobel Peace prize for what you did. You proved that it takes a village to take care, protect and raise a child and that without an education you won't go far. Thank you I was literally moved to tears.

It's Denzel Washington! Nothing else needs to be said. His delivery of the story of Mr. McKenna was incredibly done! If teachers today championed students like he did, the world would be a better place.

Impressed. Learning that this movie was based a true story and it originated before Lean on Me will put in the right perspective when watching IT. Denzell did a marvelous job of showing his conviction for this role and portraying change ---- against all odds. It is a true reminder to believe in YOURSELF and it is okay to rely on a few good people to make all of the difference in the world.IF YOU ARE COLLECTING GOOD WHOLESOME VIDEOS THAT CAN BE PULLED OUT OF YOUR LIBRARY AND SHOWN TO ALL AGES, ESPECIALLY HIGH SCHOOL SOPHOMORES AND UP --- THIS IS A MUST SEE AND PURCHASE. GET THE FAMILY TOGETHER AND SET TIME ASIDE FOR A DISCUSSION AFTERWARDS, IT JUST MIGHT PRODUCE A CHANGE IN YOUR PERSPECTIVE.When you get finish watching it, you will actually want MORE --- because it was just that good.

Great flick, super fast shipping

Thia movie will make you appreciate the time were living in now, kids still act the same to me thou only worse now, let them see this movie.

This book reflected a story I experienced hands on. I attended Washington Prep and had the opportunity to be a student under Principle George McKenna between 1984 and 1986. He demonstrated that one person can make a difference when they are willing to show true compassion to others.

Ummm... Its not the greatest thing I ever sat through, but it sure isn't Fantastic Four bad.

film en dvd doos in perfecte staat,mooie film,heel tevreden

Vorab, dieser Film enthielt überraschender Weise zwei verschiedene Filme auf einer DVD.Zum einen den 'Hauptfilm' 'Hard Lesson', auch bekannt unter 'the George McKenna Story' aus dem Jahre 1986.Außerdem befindet sich noch der Film 'License to kill' von 1984 auf der Disc.Beide Filme sind natürlich mit Denzel Washington, obwohl er nur im Hauptfilm auch der Hauptdarsteller ist.Um nun kurz zum Film 'Hard Lesson' zu kommen:Man sollte sich nicht vom Cover der Disc abschrecken bzw. verwirren lassen, denn dies hat wenig mit der Handlung zu tun. Im Film sind wenig bis keine Action zu sehen. Ich würde ihn eher in die Kategorie Drama schieben.Es geht um einen Lehrer, der einen neuen Direktoren Job an einer sehr unbeliebten, gewalttätigen Schule annimmt, diese versucht neu aufzubauen bzw. den Ruf zu verbessern, um den Schülern bestmögliches lernen zu ermöglichen.Dabei gelangt er u.a mit einigen seiner Angestellten sowie verschiedener Bandengangs (Bloods/Crips..) in Konfrontation.Ein gelungenes Drama mit Denzel Washington, welches die damaligen und teils auch heutigen Probleme an Amerikas Schulen in Problemvierteln aufzeigt. Viele passen sich einfach an oder flüchten nur schnell davor. Nur wenige wehren sich und möchten zur Besserung beitragen, dazu gehörte der Direktor George McKenna.Sehr gute Schauspieler-Besetzungen und auch damals konnte man erkennen, Denzel Washington kann ein ganz großer werden.Das einzige, was ich bemängeln kann, ist die Qualität des Films. Ich denke aber, dass man da nicht mehr erwarten kann, da dieser Film von 1986 stammt, damals gab es halt noch kein HD. Wir sind da etwas verwöhnt ;-)Abschließend: Ich kann diese DVD nur empfehlen.