Common Sense Media Review
Inspirational drama has language, violence, drug references.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
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Lean on Me
What's the Story?
In LEAN ON ME, principal Joe Clark (Morgan Freeman) is called in to reform a decaying inner-city school, buckling under the weight of crime and failing test scores. Adopting a take-no-prisoners approach to clean things up, Clark runs afoul of community members, authorities, teachers, and students, using boorish, humiliating tactics to get results. But can his radical methods turn Eastside High around before the state steps in?
Is It Any Good?
This high-energy portrayal of a true story will hold viewers' attention with its terrific performances -- particularly from Freeman, who is dazzling as the temperamental Clark. It certainly makes Lean on Me a compelling watch, but inspiration turns to discomfort at points when Clark appears as out of control as the school he's trying to reform -- which sets the film apart from more polished, cookie-cutter examples that can lose complexity in their attempt to portray heroism.
Some subplots are left a little unexplored, but serve more as a means of showing a much-needed softer side to Clark, such as the troubles of his student Kaneesha (an empathetic and very watchable Karen Malina White). Overall, the movie balances its inspiring message with enough gray areas to raise important questions about whether the ends always justify the means.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the advantages and limitations of using films like Lean on Me to dramatize real stories. Can movies tell a true story in ways that other media, such as books or podcasts, can't? Do you always know what's taken directly from life and what's been added for dramatic effect?
Discuss the character of Joe Clark. What do you think about his intentions versus his methods of reaching his goal? How does the ambiguity and complexity of his character affect the film and its messages?
Often in films, a character goes on a journey of change. Did you see a change in Clark during the movie? Do any characters around him experience their own changes?
Movie Details
- In theaters : March 3, 1989
- On DVD or streaming : September 20, 1993
- Cast : Beverly Todd , Morgan Freeman , Robert Guillaume
- Director : John G. Avildsen
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Warner Bros.
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Activism , School ( High School )
- Character Strengths : Perseverance
- Run time : 109 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Award : NAACP Image Award - NAACP Image Award Winner
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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