One Eight Seven

Watch One Eight Seven

"When schools become war zones and both sides start taking casualties, what then?"
  • R
  • 1997
  • 1 hr 59 min
  • 6.6  (24,832)
  • 41

One Eight Seven is a gripping and intense drama-thriller from 1997 that stars Samuel L. Jackson as Trevor Garfield, a high school teacher who is transferred to a rough and gang-ridden school in East Los Angeles after being stabbed in his previous school. The title of the movie refers to the police code for homicide, which sets the tone for the movie in which violence and death are never far from the surface.

As soon as Garfield starts teaching at his new school, he realizes that the students are not like any he has ever encountered before. They are violent, nihilistic, and completely disinterested in learning. Garfield quickly realizes that his presence in the school is just a band-aid on a bullet wound and that the root of the problem is the poverty, the lack of opportunities, and the gang culture that pervades the community.

Despite his best efforts to engage the students, Garfield soon becomes the target of a group of gang members who are determined to make his life a living hell. Led by the charismatic and ruthless Cesar (Clifton Collins Jr.), the gang torments Garfield both inside and outside of the school, using violence and intimidation to keep him in line.

As the violence escalates and the threats become more serious, Garfield becomes increasingly isolated and desperate. He turns to alcohol to cope with the stress and begins to feel like a failure both as a teacher and as a human being. However, he is determined to make a difference in the lives of his students, even if it means putting his own life on the line.

Meanwhile, Detective Garfield (John Heard) is investigating a series of murders in the community that bear a striking resemblance to one of Garfield's class assignments. The tension between the two men is palpable, as Garfield feels like he is being blamed for the crimes and Detective Garfield sees him as a suspect.

As the plot unfolds, Garfield's past is revealed in a series of flashbacks that shed light on his motivations and his capacity for violence. We see him as a young man who is full of promise but who is also struggling to stay on the right side of the law. We also see him as a loving husband and father who is torn apart by a tragedy that shakes him to the core.

The movie is not just a tale of redemption and self-discovery, however. It is also a commentary on the state of public education in America and the social issues that contribute to the cycle of poverty and crime in many urban communities. The movie explores themes of loyalty, respect, and the search for identity in a world that is often harsh and unforgiving.

Samuel L. Jackson delivers a powerful and nuanced performance as Trevor Garfield, a man who is both flawed and heroic. His portrayal of a man who is struggling with both his own demons and the demons of his surroundings is both heartbreaking and inspiring. The supporting cast, including John Heard, Kelly Rowan, and Clifton Collins Jr., are equally impressive, bringing depth and complexity to their roles.

The movie is directed by Kevin Reynolds, who brings a gritty and realistic style to the film. The use of hand-held cameras and naturalistic lighting gives the movie an almost documentary-like feel, adding to the visceral and intense quality of the movie.

Overall, One Eight Seven is a tense and thought-provoking movie that explores some of the most pressing issues facing America today. It is a movie that is both powerful and important, and its message is one that is sure to resonate with audiences long after the credits have rolled.

One Eight Seven
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Description
  • Release Date
    1997
  • MPAA Rating
    R
  • Runtime
    1 hr 59 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    6.6  (24,832)
  • Metascore
    41
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