I like "feel good" movies and admit readily that I am a sucker for a happy ending, especially if I connect strongly in an emotional way. When that happens I will admit I am not the most objective of reviewers.
This is the case with Dangerous Minds, a movie filmed in 1995, based on a real story. Michelle Pfieffer plays an ex-marine who applies to teach smart kids, and instead ends up being assigned a class of inner city youth of hispanic and Black descent. She struggles to reach them and somehow manages.
Any success she has, is despite the bueacracy of the school and the attitude of many of the families involved.
It has been compared to "To Sir With Love". I would say that that description is pretty accurate. The difference is that Dangerous Minds brings it "home" to America. Check out the movie, and then read some reviews on Amazon. Many of those reviews will understand the message I am presenting either by agreeing or disagreeing. Some of those that disagree and think that the movie is sub-par illustrate all to well, the cynicism that often enters the proecess of trying to handle inner city issues. Very definitely a movie that I recommend.