[Melis]

Lean on Me Thread



Lean on Me is a 1989 biographical-drama film written by Michael Schiffer, directed by John G. Avildsen and starring Morgan Freeman. Lean on Me is loosely based on the story of Joe Clark, a real life inner city high school principal in Paterson, New Jersey, whose school is at risk of being overtaken by the New Jersey state government unless students improve their test scores. This film's title refers to the 1972 Bill Withers song of the same name.

[Melis]

So is anyone a fan? I loved this one.

[Barrybgb]

I have not seen this one. Always Loved the song though!. Lol.

[Melis]

The song is great. I may have to add this one to my list of movies to own.

[Barrybgb]

I actually liked both versions. There was an 80's remake too that I liked as well, but it was nothing on the original.

[Melis]

I don't think I've heard the remake.

[Ruby_Slippers]

Mr. Clark, Mr. Clark!

[Barrybgb]

Originally Posted by Melis (View Post) I don't think I've heard the remake.

It was made by a group named Club Nouveau. I may of spelled that wrong. Lol.

[Melis]

Hmm. I'll have to look for it.

[*Coconut Custard*]

i like both versions of the song / the fray performed it at one of their concerts

[Melis]

I heard the song on the radio this morning.

[Melis]

I watched this one last night, and boy have times changed! If any principal grabbed students, pulled them, etc, he/she would be fired in an instant. I couldn't believe how much he shoved the kids around. I understand he was trying to be an authority figure, but there are other ways to do it.

It was also hard to believe that Mr. Clark was able to turn the school around. Instead of being inspirational and supportive, he was way too strict and over-the-top. He embarrassed his students and his teachers and had no respect for either. I was glad when he was told off.

I cringed when he embarrassed the boy about his clothing in front of everyone. Nowadays, no principal would get away with that. Some students do not have new clothes, and to ridicule a student for his/her clothing is unacceptable.

I was also annoyed when he interrupted the music teacher during her lesson. Never ever interrupt the learning process. If a principal has a problem with a teacher's instruction, then the principal should talk with the teacher in private and not during class time.

I'm glad that he made the speech in front of the students before the state test. He was much more likable there. I think that is the point where I started to like Mr. Clark.

[BlueEyes0006]

I've loved this movie ever since I was a little kid. My Mum actually remembered how much I liked it when I was young and brought it for my birthday a couple years ago.

Morgan Freeman did a fantastic job as Crazy Joe. I think it's amazing that this is a true story and that apparently the events in the movie were pretty much accurate to what really happened. Teachers and students from the real Eastside High were also extras in the film.

A teacher today definitely could not get a way with the stuff Joe did back then! But I suppose it was for the best and he was exactly what that school needed at the time. I really hated the way he talked to his colleagues though. I was so happy when Ms. Levias called him out on it. I didn't blame Mr. Darnell for freaking out at him either, seriously I can't believe someone didn't punch him out.

I loved his speech before the test, it was perfect.

"We sink, we swim, we rise, we fall, we meet our fate together! Now, it took the help of a good, good friend to make me know and understand that and I do understand that and I'm grateful. I'm eternally grateful. And now, I've got a message for those people out there who've abandoned you and written you off! Can you hear me? Can you hear me? Good! You are NOT inferior! Your grades may be, your school may have been. But you can turn that around and make liars out of those bastards in exactly one hour when you take that test and pass it and win! So here's what I want you to do. When you find your thoughts wandering, I want you to knuckle back down and concentrate. Concentrate! Remember what's at stake and show them what East Side High's all about: a spirit that will not die!"

[Melis]

I think that high school administrators have to be tough, but some things that he did were over the line. You really cannot grab kids or tell them to jump off a roof.

I agree with you about his attitude toward the teachers and faculty. He treated them like dogs, and if I were on the staff, I would have left pretty quickly. If you want respect, you have to give it back.

His speech was great. If it wasn't for his turn-around in the movie, I would not have liked him.

[BlueEyes0006]

Originally Posted by Melis (View Post) I think that high school administrators have to be tough, but some things that he did were over the line. You really cannot grab kids or tell them to jump off a roof.

Yeah that was insane. I understood the point he was trying to make to that boy but seriously, I thought he was going to shove him off the roof. I know he had to be tougher with those kids than what would normally be seen as necessary because of how dangerous the school was in the beginning but he really did go too far with it.

Those teachers were nuts to teach at that school though. That scene with the student bashing that male teachers head repeatedly against the wall in the cafeteria was so disturbing. I wonder if that really happened? They certainly didn't deserve to be treated the way Joe Clark treated them after they risked their personal safety year after year trying to give those kids an education.