Lean On Me

An unorthodox educator takes on a failing school, battling against the odds to inspire change.

Critics generally found the film earnest and effective as an inspirational school drama, while considering its treatment of Joe Clark and institutional conflict somewhat conventional.

• Joe Clark imposes sweeping disciplinary and academic changes to reverse the school's drug abuse, gang violence, and institutional decline.
• Clark's unorthodox leadership produces results but also threatens his position through clashes with city officials.
• The story is based on the true career of school principal Joe Clark and foregrounds his public educational work.
• Students and staff confront drugs, gangs, violence, and urban despair through renewed academic expectations.

• Stand and Deliversocially conscious school drama centered on an uncompromising educator and institutional resistance
• The Principalinspirational teacher drama combining youth adversity, public education, and determined mentorship
• Freedom Writerstrue-story coming-of-age drama about education, troubled students, and transformative leadership
• The Great Debatersearnest biographical drama about confronting entrenched social and institutional problems

Director

John G. Avildsen

Release Date

1989-03-03

Runtime

108 min

Rating

7.3 / 10 (361)

What is Lean On Me about?

A ferocious principal wages a morally complicated campaign to rescue a troubled high school from violence, drugs, and bureaucratic indifference.

What is Lean On Me like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Lean On Me as brisk, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.

Is Lean On Me violent?

Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Lean On Me as moderate.

What did critics think of Lean On Me?

Critics generally found the film earnest and effective as an inspirational school drama, while considering its treatment of Joe Clark and institutional conflict somewhat conventional.

Which films are like Lean On Me?

Films with a similar feel include Stand and Deliver, The Principal, Freedom Writers, and The Great Debaters.

How long is Lean On Me?

Lean On Me runs 108 minutes.

Where can I watch Lean On Me?

In United States, Lean On Me streams on Tubi TV.