When principal Joe Clark takes over decaying Eastside High School, he's faced with students wearing gang colors and graffiti-covered walls. Determined to do anything he must to turn the school around, he expels suspected drug dealers, padlocks doors and demands effort and results from students, staff and parents. Autocratic to a fault, this real-life educator put it all on the line.
Directed by John G. Avildsen
high school
violence in schools
based on true story
gang
drug dealing
school principal
public education
Rank
#50 in 1989·#3727 overall
Trailer
IMDB
N/A
Letterboxd
3.5 / 5
Where to Watch
Cast
Morgan Freeman
Principal Joe Clark
Beverly Todd
Ms. Levias
Robert Guillaume
Dr. Frank Napier
Ethan Phillips
Mr. Rosenberg
Lynne Thigpen
Leonna Barrett
Michael Beach
Mr. Darnell
Tony Todd
Mr. William Wright
Karen Malina White
Kaneesha Carter
Alan North
Mayor Don Bottman
Robin Bartlett
Mrs. Elliott
Sandra Reaves-Phillips
Mrs. Powers
Sloane Shelton
Mrs. Hamilton
Crew
John G. Avildsen
Director
Bill Conti
Original Music Composer
John G. Avildsen
Editor
John Carter
Editor
John G. Avildsen
Executive Producer
Anastas N. Michos
Camera Operator
Popular Reviews
102 reviews
Bailey
6.0★ · 02/19/26
There’s gotta be a better way to handle things… right?😭
There’s gotta be a better way to handle things… right?😭
sissi
8.0★ · 02/09/26
easily my fav morgan freeman role lol
fair eastside is on apple music just to let yall know.
easily my fav morgan freeman role lol
fair eastside is on apple music just to let yall know.
Oscar Thompson
9.0★ · 01/01/26
Definition of “tough love”
Such a great film and one of Morgan Freeman’s hidden greats which he performs really well in.
Definition of “tough love”
Such a great film and one of Morgan Freeman’s hidden greats which he performs really well in.
Miller Rogers
7.0★ · 10/03/25
I don't have to do anything but stay black and die
I don't have to do anything but stay black and die
Alex Nierman
7.0★ · 05/17/25
Pretty basic premise but it wasn’t bad. Morgan Freeman’s in an angrier role this time around, contrary to his calmer demeanor, which was interesting.
Pretty basic premise but it wasn’t bad. Morgan Freeman’s in an angrier role this time around, contrary to his calmer demeanor, which was interesting.