Won't Back Down

When I finished high school ten years ago, about half of my class graduated. Half! My high school was on its way to failing and it was only getting worse. Ten years later, my high school is gone and has been replaced with a middle school. I'm not sure exactly what happened or if anyone tried to do anything about it. But if you ask me about it, it breaks my heart and it's very saddening. If this was happening to a high school in my city, what's to say it won't happen to the rest of the schools?

When I had my son I knew how I wanted to raise him, what foods I wanted to feed him and what not to feed him and what kind of bottles and diapers I was going to use. The one thing I didn't know was where we were going to put him in school. I knew for sure that it wasn't going to be in my hometown and that was one of the main reasons why we moved out of there. My son is almost 4 years old and elementary school is just around the corner and the thought of where to start his educational path scares me.

Where are the best teachers?
Where is the best eduation?
How far will I go to get him the best education he needs??

I had the wonderful opportunity to attend a screening of Won't Back Down the other night in San Francisco thanks to Circle of Moms. Starring Maggie Gyllenhaal, Viola Davis, and Holly Hunter, the movie is about two mothers who decide to drastically change their children's failing inner-city school. The task itself isn't easy and throughout the movie you see how they are tested but continue to strive to make a difference in not only their children's lives, but the whole community.

I hadn't heard of the movie before the screening but I'm so glad I was introduced to it. When I saw the preview I knew it was going to be a powerful movie! And it was. It wasn't only powerful, but it was one of the most touching and heartwarming movies I've seen in a long time. Any movie that can make me cry gets two thumbs up in my book. Seeing the struggle and frustration Maggie Gyllenhaal's character Jamie had with her daughter's school was a reminder that you can't just put your kids in any school and expect them to have the best education.

Being a mother myself, I couldn't help but feel every emotion that the two mothers went through. Their pain, their dedication, their tears, their fight, and their joy. It was all there and it was for their children! I don't think I've ever felt this much admiration for two characters in a movie before. They did what they could and sacrficied everything to give their children the best. And isn't that what motherhood is all about, sacrifice?

Won't Back Down is a reality check that our children only have one life to live and that we shouldn't back down when it comes their future. Maggie Gyllenhall and Viola Davis delivered an outstanding performance. This movie give mothers everywhere hope and it is truly inspiring from beginning to end!

FTC DISCLOSURE: A Mommy's Lifestyle aims to provide unbiased editorials. However, I wish to disclose that from time to time I may receive free products or other compensation from companies for blogger reviews.