Do you want to see ‘Lean on Me’?

Lean on Me (1989)

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Average Rating: 5.8/10
Reviews Counted: 15
Fresh: 10 | Rotten: 5

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Average Rating: N/A
Critic Reviews: 1
Fresh: 0 | Rotten: 1

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Average Rating: 3.7/5
User Ratings: 36,306

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Movie Info

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

PG-13, 1 hr. 49 min.

Drama

Directed By: John G. Avildsen

In Theaters: Mar 3, 1989 Wide

On DVD: Oct 20, 1998

Warner Home Video

Lean on Me Trailer & Photos

Cast

Morgan Freeman
Joe Clark
Robert Guillaume
Dr. Frank Napier
Beverly Todd
Ms. Levias
Lynne Thigpen
Leona Barrett
Jermaine Hopkins
Thomas Sams
Karen Malina White
Kaneesha Carter
Todd Alexander
Derrick
Robin Bartlett
Mrs. Elliott
Michael Beach
Mr. Carnell
Heather Rose Dominic
Stacey
Marina Durrell
Miss Ruiz
Yvette Hawkins
Mrs. Arthur
Michael Imperioli
George
Tyrone Jackson
Clarence
Knowl Johnson
Tommy
Michael Joseph
Brian Banes
Marcella Lowery
Mrs. Richards
Jim Moody
Mr. Lott
Michael P. Moran
Mr. O'Malley
Alan North
Mayor Don Bottman
Ethan Phillips
Mr. Rosenberg
Sandra Reaves-Phillips
Mrs. Powers
John Ring
Fire Chief Gaines
Sloane Shelton
Mrs. Hamilton
Mike Starr
Mr. Zirella
Regina Taylor
Mrs. Carter
Tony Todd
Mr. Wright
Harry Madsen
Teacher in Cafeteria
Bruce Malmuth
Burger Joint Manager
Karina Arroyave
Maria
Ivonne Coll
Richard Grusin
Mr. Danley
Pat McNamara
Police Officer
Alex Romaguera
Kid Ray
Jennifer McComb
Ellen
Morgan J. Freeman

Critic Reviews for Lean on Me

All Critics (18) | Top Critics (3) | Fresh (10) | Rotten (5) | DVD (3)

Inspirational movie about a controversial teacher.

January 2, 2011 Full Review Source: Common Sense Media

| Comment

Polly M. Robertus

Common Sense Media

Is a baseball bat the best way to organize a school? In the movie, sure. In real life, maybe not.

April 7, 2004 Comment

Luke Y. Thompson

New Times

Freeman, as usual, infuses a standard-issue plot with extraordinary emotional conviction.

August 17, 2003 Comment

Nick Davis

Nick's Flick Picks

Freeman goes for the gusto and pulls it off...

August 1, 2003 Full Review Source: Reel Film Reviews

| Comment

David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

Watchable but formulaic tough-love-teacher movie, made perhaps before Morgan Freeman could get himself better roles.

August 1, 2002 Comment

Eugene Novikov

Film Blather

calculated to get you cheering -- and it does

July 29, 2002 Comment

James Sanford

Kalamazoo Gazette

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Audience Reviews for Lean on Me

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Morgan Freeman is great in this role, but Lean on Me is a bit cheesy and predictable.

January 26, 2012

Raymond Wieser

Super Reviewer

A good movie. A bit dated but Freeman was great none the less.

April 3, 2011

Brad Wright

Super Reviewer

Lean on Me Quotes

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1. Joe Clark: You'll be dead in a year son. You hear me? You'll be dead in a year.
– Submitted by Emani S (41 days ago)
1. Kid Ray: I don't think I'm cut out for this, ya know, school and all. I just came by to say I'm leaving.
– Submitted by Emani S (41 days ago)
1. Kaneesha Carter: He don't believe in you, cause you don't take care of your responsibilities! Mr. Clark is like a father. He's like a father to some of us who don't have fathers. You don't know a thing about Mr. Clark. Free Mr. Clark!
– Submitted by Emani S (41 days ago)

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