Lean On Me
Eastside High was out of control...until Joe Clark took it back.
1989 • 108 min • Drama
Synopsis
When principal Joe Clark takes over decaying Eastside High School, he's faced with students wearing gang colors and graffiti-covered walls. Determined to do anything he must to turn the school around, he expels suspected drug dealers, padlocks doors and demands effort and results from students, staff and parents. Autocratic to a fault, this real-life educator put it all on the line.
Our family guide
Best from age 13- 73 Audience · 351 · 100%
Based on a true story, a tough, unconventional principal takes over a troubled inner-city high school, determined to improve student performance and safety. His radical methods challenge students, staff, and parents.
- Violence & peril
- 6/10
- Language
- 5/10
- Drinking, drugs & smoking
- 6/10
- Romance & sensuality
- 1/10
- Scary moments
- 4/10
Heads up
- Depicts real-world challenges in schools
- Strong language is used occasionally
- Consequences of drug dealing are shown
What it models well
- Perseverance and determination
- Taking responsibility for your community
- The importance of education
Talk about it after
- Leadership styles and their impact
- The challenges of public education
- Fairness versus effectiveness
Written by the Movie Knight editorial team for Lean On Me. Our own words, our own scoring — always double-check against your family's standards.
Where to watch
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Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At HomeBuy
- Amazon Video
- Apple TV Store
- Google Play Movies
- YouTube
- Fandango At Home
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Top billed cast
Director: John G. Avildsen • Crew: Michael Schiffer
Trailers & clips
Lean On Me (1989) Trailer
Reviewer notes
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Gallery
Details
- TMDB audience
- 7.3/10 (351)
- Age rating
- PG-13
- Status
- Released
- Budget
- $10,000,000
- Box office
- $31,906,454
- IMDb
- tt0097722
