Review of Lean On Me (1989) by Andy P — 29 Jan 2010

Many films attempt what this film succeeds at in spades: to be a dramatic, inspiring, heartwarming real-life drama. To call Joe Clark "tyrannical" is to confuse the man's methods with his intentions.

A school he once taught at and loved is in the most dire of straits, and noone can do anything to reverse it's problems. Noone, except Mr. Clark himself. And he is going to do just that. He is authoritarian in his ways, and overbearing at times, but succeeds in not only transforming the school and it's student body, but in winning the hearts of the previously hopeless students themselves.

He is a principal, but also a mentor, a welfare worker, a friend, and to some, even a father. This story is more than a story...it's an event that will stay with you long after the credits roll.