Smart, moving and politically engaged half nelson is one of the most exciting american independent films in years. Outstanding performances from the cast, including an oscar nominated ryan gosling fracture, the notebook, the believer, independent spirit award winner shareeka epps and anthony mackie 8 mile, million dollar baby and an original score that features canadian indie rock group broken social scene, enable director ryan fleck to weave together a moving story of redemption in an unforgiving world.dan dunne gosling is an inner city high school teacher. Dynamic and inspirational in the classroom, he spends his time outside of school on the edge of consciousness. His personal disappointments and disillusionment have led to a serious drug habit. Dan juggles his hangovers and his homework, keeping his lives separated, until one of his students, drey shareeka epps, catches him getting high after school. It is from this pivotal moment that director ryan fleck builds a tentative friendship between these two unlikely allies, creating one of 2007's most arresting films in the process.special featuresfeature length commentary with writer director ryan fleck and writer editor producer anna bodenfleck and boden's sundance award winning short film gowanus brooklyn exclusive interview with the filmmakersextended audience qa with fleck and boden at the everyman cinema, londonouttakesdeleted and extended scenesstills photo gallerytrailer