Dangerous Minds (1995)

An ex-Marine turned teacher struggles to connect with her students in an inner city school.

Director:

John N. Smith

Writers:

LouAnne Johnson (book), Ronald Bass (screenplay)

Stars:

Michelle Pfeiffer, George Dzundza, Courtney B. Vance

6 wins & 7 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Michelle Pfeiffer	...	Louanne Johnson
George Dzundza	...	Hal Griffith
Courtney B. Vance	...	Mr. George Grandey
Robin Bartlett	...	Mrs. 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

Storyline

Louanne Johnson is an ex-marine, hired as a teacher in a high-school in a poor area of the city. She has recently separated from her husband. Her friend, also teacher in the school, got the temporary job for her. After a terrible reception from the students, she tries unconventional methods of teaching (using karate, Bob Dylan lyrics etc) to gain the trust of the students.

---

Plot Keywords:

teacher student relationship | ex marine | pregnancy | high school principal | reference to dylan thomas | 

---

Taglines:

She Broke The Rules... And Changed Their Lives.

---

Genres:

Biography | Drama

---

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

11 August 1995 (USA)

Also Known As:

My Posse Don't Do Homework

Filming Locations:

Burlingame, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$23,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$14,931,503, 13 August 1995, Wide Release

Gross USA:

$84,919,401

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$179,519,401

Company Credits

Production Co:

Hollywood Pictures, Don Simpson/Jerry Bruckheimer Films, Via Rosa Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

99 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Although initial filming was completed in 1994, some re-shoots took place in January 1995.

---

Goofs

When Louanne walks in on the first day Nikki (girl in the overalls) is sitting, the next scene she is standing, then back to sitting.

---

Quotes

Louanne: You asked me once how I was gonna save your life. This is it. This moment.

---

Connections

Referenced in Beavis and Butt-Head: Date Watchers (1995)

---

Soundtracks

THIS IS THE LIFE
Written by Wendy Melvoin, Lisa Coleman, Kris Bell
Performed by Wendy & Lisa
Courtesy of ZTT Records Ltd.
Produced by Trevor Horn

User Reviews

As Good As It Gets

For anyone who's lived the life portrayed in this movie are the only one's who truly know it's essence and value. For those who call it 'questionable' apparently haven't lived life outside of a plastic bubble. Dangerous Minds is an excellent adaption in its own and holds many memories for me and for others as well. I can't imagine someone not taking to this film. and being infinitely inspired. People tend to forget where movies originate from, they mainly based on real events and real life itself and what life is really about. I'll never forget what this movie has taught me and what it won't ever let me forget. Dangerous Minds is about love, hate, fear, and strength. Dangerous Minds is about life.