This brilliantly written and performed drama about the human condition tells the story of two seemingly disparate individuals who try to save each other; a drug addicted junior high school teacher and his street-wise student. The film showcases the talents of powerhouse actor Ryan Gosling, a young titan of the screen, and newcomer Shareeka Epps, a winning young actress who attends a New York high school.

Dan Dunne (Gosling) struggles to infuse a sense of history into his mostly black and Latino students in Brooklyn, especially regarding the Civil Rights Movement and changes in society. He disregards the prescribed curriculum in favor of livelier teaching methods, encouraging the 13 and 14-year-olds to think for themselves. He also coaches the girls’ basketball team, where Drey (Epps) is a member. In his off-hours Dan sniffs lines of cocaine and pretty much stays wasted.

Usually, these activities remain separated; except on one evening when Drey finds Dan prostrate on the girls’ locker room toilet floor after a game. He’s more gone than usual and he asks her to stay with him. At that point an odd friendship develops between them, as each attempts to save the other as they face life or death decisions.

Strangely enough, the threats both Drey and Dan face come from the same source, drugs. In this case those drugs are controlled on the street by Frank (Anthony Mackie of "Freedomland," Clint Eastwood’s "Million Dollar Baby" and Spike Lee’s "She Hate Me"). Drey’s older brother is in prison for selling drugs for Frank, and Frank is Dan’s supplier.

Drey’s mother (Karen Chilton), ironically, is a hard working cop, who often pulls double shifts and Drey is responsible for herself, which she usually handles pretty well. Under the guise of watching out for Drey, Frank gradually tries to pull her in, giving her money from time to time, and driving Drey around to deliver drugs for him to show her how easy it is. Dan confronts Frank about involving Drey in his trade, but after all, he’s one of Frank’s best customers.

An interesting insight into Dan’s character is revealed when he visits his liberal, baby boomer parents (Jay O. Sanders and Deborah Rush), in their comfortable middle class home, a sharp contrast to Dan’s trashy hovel of an apartment. Dad lets slip a slightly racist remark, telling for what is probably a presumed former defender of civil rights back in the day. Mom and Dad’s drug of choice is obviously alcohol, while Dan has moved on to stuff with a harder edge.

Ryan Gosling continues his rise as an actor worth watching any time. His breakthrough role came in "The Believer" and was followed by "Murder by Numbers," "The United States of Leland" and "The Notebook."

"Half Nelson" marks the feature film debut for collaborators Fleck, as director, and Boden, who have partnered on other shorter projects. We were captivated by the film’s use of tight shots, which seemed to allow for looking into the souls of the characters and studying their faces. It lays an uneasy burden on your heart and soul as you watch. This is a hard gem of a story told by two filmmakers that we are anxious to hear from again.