Half Nelson

Ryan Gosling (The Notebook,Blue Valentine) delivers his Academy Award nominated performance in Half Nelson. Dan Dunne is a young teacher whose edgy yet brilliant approach inspires his Brooklyn students to think for themselves. But outside the classroom, Dan's life is spiralling out of control. Wrestling his inner demons and nursing a serious drug habit, Dan finally hits rock-bottom - only to be witnessed by one of this troubled students, Drey (Shareeka Epps). An unlikely friendship develops on this shared secret, and Dan tries to steer Drey away from a small-time drug dealer (Notorious's Anthony Mackie), but no matter which way they turn to survive, their lives will change forever.