LEAN ON ME (1989)

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 LEAN ON ME (1989)


Director : John G. Avildsen

Writer: Michael Schiffer 

Cast: Morgan Freeman, Beverly Todd, Robert  Guillaume 

Music : Bill Conti

Produced By: Norman Twain


One line:

"In a battle against bureaucracy and urban decay, Joe Clark, takes on a failing school with an iron fist, determined to instill discipline and hope against all odds."


REVIEW:


     Inspired by true events, 'LEAN ON ME' portrays the relentless efforts of Principal Joe Clark (Morgan Freeman) as he confronts the challenges of reviving a crumbling inner-city school plagued by crime and academic struggles. Employing controversial methods and facing opposition from all sides, Clark's unyielding determination is put to the test in a race against time to transform Eastside High before state intervention becomes inevitable.


In this movie, Morgan Freeman plays a character who behaves really poorly. He's not very nice to people, especially the kids he's supposed to be helping. What's strange is that despite his behavior, the kids start to like him pretty quickly in the movie. This is surprising because, in real life, it usually takes time to build trust and friendship, especially with someone who acts like he does.As the movie progresses, you expect his character to learn from his mistakes and become a better person. However, by the end, it doesn't seem like he's learned much at all. He doesn't really make up for the way he treated others, which is disappointing because you hope for some sort of redemption arc in stories like this.


Great argument scene between Morgan Freeman and Robert Guillaume going back and forth in mostly one long take. That argument scene between Morgan Freeman and Robert Guillaume is undeniably powerful, especially with the intensity and emotion they bring to their performances. The fact that it's mostly one long take adds to the tension and immediacy of the moment, drawing you into their conflict.And let's not forget about the Eastside High song—it's iconic and uplifting, serving as a rallying cry for the students and a symbol of hope and resilience.Hits every formulaic note and weird Cosby conservative messaging underneath, but I choose to remember those good thing.From its energetic "Welcome to the Jungle" montages to the poignant narrative arc of a girl finding herself pregnant just as her grades begin to soar, the movie doesn't shy away from tackling the complexities of American life. While some may find its corniness overwhelming, others will appreciate its unabashed embrace of hope and love amidst adversity.


MY OPINION ABOUT THE MOVIE:


Although the movie is based on a true story, I doubt that the real person it's based on was as mean as the character portrayed by Morgan Freeman. This makes me wonder how much of the story is accurate and how much is exaggerated for dramatic effect.Despite having high hopes for the movie—especially since we enjoy stories about teachers and admire Morgan Freeman as an actor—it falls short of our expectations. One of the reasons for this is the way the characters talk in the movie. The dialogue feels forced and unnatural, which takes away from the authenticity of the story.Overall, while you don't hate the movie, you can't help but feel disappointed by it. You were looking forward to a meaningful and engaging story, but instead, you're left feeling unsatisfied by the lack of character development and the artificial dialogue.Even though his character can be tough, Freeman makes you like him because he gets results. The movie has a good mix of funny and serious moments, and the music adds to the story's mood. If you like these kinds of movies, and especially if you're a fan of Morgan Freeman, you should check this one out.


I'd give this movie a 5.5 out of 10. Given its age of 35 years, there are occasional inconsistencies in scene continuity. While it remains faithful to the real-life events it's based on, the cinematic dramatization occasionally veers toward exaggeration, a style that was perhaps more fitting when the film was released than it is by today's standards.Despite these factors, the standout performance by Morgan Freeman and the inspirational narrative make it a worthwhile watch. The movie delves into significant social and educational themes, offering viewers valuable insights. While it may not be entirely accurate in its portrayal, it provides a compelling depiction of its subject matter.Considering its merits, I recommend allocating a few hours of your time to watch it. For students, particularly those who are still learning, I suggest watching it alongside a parent or guardian to facilitate discussion and reflection on its themes and messages.


Submitted by:

C.Arthi 

Reg no: 2021504505

Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering

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