Half Nelson.

I am glad I spent the last of my wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday watching a film I have been meaning to see for some time.  Rarely is a film as touching and emotionally raw as Half Nelson.

Ryan Gosling stars as a high school history teacher living with his addiction to drugs.  Getting through the grind of the workweek living a dual life of teacher/drug addict is further complicated when one of his students discovers his secret.  The student, played by Shareeka Epps possesses a wiseness beyond her years and yet has to deal with her own growing pains.  A unique and powerful friendship is formed as Epps struggles to find a role model she can count on.

In his powerful Academy-Award Nominated performance, Gosling shows the full scope of his talent.  He is likable despite his faults and the vulnerability exposed is nothing short of heroic.  To keep the audience with you on a long journey of drug use without them leaving you is tough.  He does heavy lifting without working too hard.

Directed by Ryan Fleck.  Written by Fleck & Anna Boden.