Lean on Me
1989 · Movie · PG-13 · 108 min · ★ 7.3 · 65% critics
A tough, no-nonsense principal is brought in to rescue a crumbling inner-city high school plagued by violence, drugs, and failing scores. Using strict, controversial tactics and demanding accountability from students, staff, and parents, he tries to restore order and pride before outside authorities step in.
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Details
- Original title
- Lean On Me
- Years
- 1989
- Release date
- 1989-03-03
- Language
- English
- Rated
- PG-13
- Runtime
- 108 min
- Critic score
- 65/100
- TMDB rating
- 7.3/10 (344 votes)
About
You’ll likely enjoy this if you want an intense, motivational school drama about tough love and second chances, similar to Coach Carter or Freedom Writers; Not for you if you dislike abrasive authority figures or constant confrontations.
Pros: inspiring true-story energy; strong lead performance; engaging school turnaround | Cons: lots of shouting; can feel clichéd; heavy-handed message
Themes
- high school
- violence in schools
- based on true story
- gang
- drug dealing
- school principal
- public education
Cast & crew
Morgan Freeman
as Principal Joe Clark
Beverly Todd
as Ms. Levias
Robert Guillaume
as Dr. Frank Napier
Ethan Phillips
as Mr. Rosenberg
Lynne Thigpen
as Leonna Barrett
Michael Beach
as Mr. Darnell
Tony Todd
as Mr. William Wright
Karen Malina White
as Kaneesha Carter
Alan North
as Mayor Don Bottman
Robin Bartlett
as Mrs. Elliott
Directed by John G. Avildsen