Lean on Me (1989)
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67% of critics liked it
(15 reviews) -
85% of users liked it
(39,138 ratings)
After earning rave notices for powerful supporting turns as a pimp in Street Smart (1987) and an alcohol abuse counselor in Clean and Sober (1988), actor Morgan Freeman began his ascent to stardom with this, his first lead role in a major motion picture. Freeman is real-life high school principal… More After earning rave notices for powerful supporting turns as a pimp in Street Smart (1987) and an alcohol abuse counselor in Clean and Sober (1988), actor Morgan Freeman began his ascent to stardom with this, his first lead role in a major motion picture. Freeman is real-life high school principal Joe Clark, a tough, harsh educator and administrator who in 1987 is given a nearly impossible task by his old friend, school superintendent Dr. Frank Napier (Robert Guillaume). Clark is asked to reform inner city Eastside High School in Paterson, NJ, a hotbed of delinquent kids and drug dealers. Considered the worst school in New Jersey, the state is threatening to take control of Eastside away from the local school board. If Clark can straighten out Eastside in time to get the school's basic-skills test scores up, he can have the job permanently. Although Clark's tyrannical approach and hard-line policies alienate many members of the staff and the community, his uncompromising campaign gets results and even makes him famous, much to the chagrin of his powerful enemies. ~ Karl Williams, Rovi
- Directed By
- John G. Avildsen
- Genres
- Drama
PG-13,
- In Theaters
- Mar 3, 1989 Wide
- Studio
- Warner Home Video
Critic Reviews
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Polly M. Robertus, Common Sense Media
Inspirational movie about a controversial teacher.
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Luke Y. Thompson, New Times
Is a baseball bat the best way to organize a school? In the movie, sure. In real life, maybe not.
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Nick Davis, Nick's Flick Picks
Freeman, as usual, infuses a standard-issue plot with extraordinary emotional conviction.
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David Nusair, Reel Film Reviews
Freeman goes for the gusto and pulls it off...
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Eugene Novikov, Film Blather
Watchable but formulaic tough-love-teacher movie, made perhaps before Morgan Freeman could get himself better roles.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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Morgan Freeman
as Joe Clark
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Robert Guillaume
as Dr. Frank Napier
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Beverly Todd
as Ms. Levias
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Lynne Thigpen
as Leona Barrett
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Jermaine Hopkins
as Thomas Sams
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Karen Malina White
as Kaneesha Carter
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Todd Alexander
as Derrick
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Robin Bartlett
as Mrs. Elliott
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Michael Beach
as Mr. Carnell
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Heather Rose Dominic
as Stacey
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Marina Durrell
as Miss Ruiz
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Yvette Hawkins
as Mrs. Arthur
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Michael Imperioli
as George
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Tyrone Jackson
as Clarence
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Knowl Johnson
as Tommy
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Michael Joseph
as Brian Banes
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Marcella Lowery
as Mrs. Richards
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Jim Moody
as Mr. Lott
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Michael P. Moran
as Mr. O'Malley
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Alan North
as Mayor Don Bottman
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Ethan Phillips
as Mr. Rosenberg
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Sandra Reaves-Phillips
as Mrs. Powers
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John Ring
as Fire Chief Gaines
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Sloane Shelton
as Mrs. Hamilton
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Mike Starr
as Mr. Zirella
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Regina Taylor
as Mrs. Carter
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Tony Todd
as Mr. Wright
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Harry Madsen
as Teacher in Cafeteria
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Bruce Malmuth
as Burger Joint Manager
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Karina Arroyave
as Maria
- Ivonne Coll
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Richard Grusin
as Mr. Danley
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Pat McNamara
as Police Officer
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Alex Romaguera
as Kid Ray
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Jennifer McComb
as Ellen
- Morgan J. Freeman
