Poster for Lean on Me

Lean on Me

1989, Biography/Drama, 1h 48m

19 Reviews 25,000+ Ratings

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Lean on Me Photos

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Movie Info

In this fact-based film, a New Jersey superintendent, Dr. Frank Napier (Robert Guillaume), watches helplessly as East Side High becomes the lowest-ranked school in the state. With nowhere else to turn, Dr. Napier enlists maverick ex-teacher Joe Clark (Morgan Freeman) to take over as principal of the declining school. Unfortunately for Clark, before he can focus on improving the student body's state exam scores, he has to somehow rid the school of its gang and narcotics problems.
  • Rating:
    PG-13
  • Genre:
    Biography, Drama
  • Original Language:
    English
  • Director:
    John G. Avildsen
  • Producer:
    Norman Twain
  • Writer:
    Michael Schiffer
  • Release Date (Theaters):
     limited
  • Release Date (Streaming):
  • Box Office (Gross USA):
    $28.9M
  • Runtime:
  • Sound Mix:
    Dolby, Surround
  • Aspect Ratio:
    Flat (1.85:1)

Cast & Crew

Morgan Freeman
Morgan Freeman
Joe Clark
Robert Guillaume
Robert Guillaume
Dr. Frank Napier
Beverly Todd
Beverly Todd
Ms. Levias
Lynne Thigpen
Lynne Thigpen
Leonna Barrett
Jermaine "Huggy" Hopkins
Jermaine "Huggy" Hopkins
Thomas Sams
Karen Malina White
Karen Malina White
Kaneesha Carter
Michael Beach
Michael Beach
Mr. Darnell
Ethan Phillips
Ethan Phillips
Mr. Rosenberg
Karina Arroyave
Karina Arroyave
Maria
Ivonne Coll
Ivonne Coll
Mrs. Santos
Regina Taylor
Regina Taylor
Mrs. Carter
Michael Imperioli
Michael Imperioli
George
Tony Todd
Tony Todd
Mr. William Wright
Mike Starr
Mike Starr
Mr. Zirella
John G. Avildsen
John G. Avildsen
Director
Michael Schiffer
Michael Schiffer
Screenwriter
Norman Twain
Norman Twain
Producer
John G. Avildsen
John G. Avildsen
Executive Producer
Victor Hammer
Victor Hammer
Cinematographer
John G. Avildsen
John G. Avildsen
Film Editing
John Carter
John Carter
Film Editing
Bill Conti
Bill Conti
Original Music
Doug Kraner
Doug Kraner
Production Design
Tim Galvin
Tim Galvin
Art Director
Caryl Heller
Caryl Heller
Set Decoration
Jennifer von Mayrhauser
Jennifer von Mayrhauser
Costume Design
Mary Colquhoun
Mary Colquhoun
Casting
Stanley Soble
Stanley Soble
Casting
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News & Interviews for Lean on Me

New on Netflix in July 2022
New on Netflix in July 2022
Trailer Bulletin: Keeping Up With the Steins
Trailer Bulletin: Keeping Up With the Steins
Trailer Bulletin: Take the Lead
Trailer Bulletin: Take the Lead
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Critic Reviews for Lean on Me

All Critics (19) | Top Critics (2) | Fresh (13) | Rotten (6)
Full Review… Jane Galbraith Variety Full Review… Roger Ebert Chicago Sun-Times Full Review… Rene Jordan El Nuevo Herald (Miami) Full Review… Mable Haddock Call and Post (Cleveland) Full Review… Cate Young Thirty, Flirty + Film Full Review… Polly M. Robertus Common Sense Media Full Review… Emanuel Levy EmanuelLevy.Com Full Review… Kevin Carr Film Threat Full Review… Angela Baldassarre Sympatico.ca Full Review… Luke Y. Thompson New Times Full Review… Nick Davis Nick's Flick Picks Full Review… John Esther Pasadena Weekly
View All Critic Reviews (19)

Audience Reviews for Lean on Me

  • Jan 26, 2012
    Morgan Freeman is great in this role, but Lean on Me is a bit cheesy and predictable.
    Raymond W Super Reviewer
  • Dec 02, 2011
    A good movie. A bit dated but Freeman was great none the less.
    Super Reviewer
  • Apr 03, 2011
    A good movie. A bit dated but Freeman was great none the less.
    Super Reviewer
  • Nov 27, 2008
    This film is like all true stories in which they are inspired by fact. "Lean on Me", However is different because it is inspired by fact and a great story of a man who cherished his community and for those who wanted tto become someone good.
    Joseph E Super Reviewer
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