High School

High School

Year: 2012

Runtime: 99 min

Language: English

Director: John Stalberg

Comedy

With graduation approaching, strict Principal Gordon institutes a harsh policy to combat drug use, mandating a test that could lead to expulsion. Valedictorian Henry Burke finds himself in a precarious situation after accidentally trying marijuana for the first time. To avoid failing the test and jeopardizing his future, he unexpectedly teams up with the outgoing Travis Breaux. Their risky plan involves getting the entire student body to partake, effectively making the drug test invalid and protecting their classmates.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – High School (2012)

Explore the full timeline and setting of High School (2012). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The film is set in contemporary times, focusing on current educational challenges and social dynamics within a high school. It reflects issues faced in modern urban education, such as crime influence, mentorship, and community engagement.

Location

Marion Barry High School

Marion Barry High School is an inner-city educational institution known for its challenging environment and the diverse backgrounds of its students. The school contrasts starkly with the more prestigious Wellington Academy, emphasizing the chaotic yet vibrant atmosphere Richard must navigate. It becomes a central hub for transformation as Richard's innovative methods inspire both students and faculty.

🏫 School 🌆 Urban 🎓 Education

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:05

Main Characters – High School (2012)

Meet the key characters of High School (2012), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Richard Clark (Adrien Brody)

Richard Clark is a passionate and innovative teacher determined to make a difference in an underperforming school. He transitions from a prestigious background to confronting the realities of inner-city education, struggling against student apathy and external challenges. His dedication to mentoring his students transforms both their lives and his own.

👨‍🏫 Teacher 🌟 Inspirational 💪 Resilient

Evelyn Doyle (Matt Bush)

Evelyn Doyle is a somewhat lackluster faculty member who initially represents the challenges within the school. However, she plays a crucial role in supporting Richard's vision, gradually evolving alongside the school's transformation. Her character embodies the complexities of teaching in a difficult environment.

👩‍🏫 Teacher 🤷‍♀️ Apathetic 🌈 Supportive

Griff McReynolds

Griff McReynolds is a student who looks up to Richard as a mentor, representing the impact of positive guidance in a young person's life. His journey reflects the theme of growth, as he struggles with dilemmas and rises to become valedictorian under Richard's influence. His character highlights the potential of youth when supported correctly.

🎓 Student 🌟 Aspirational 💔 Disillusioned

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:05

Major Themes – High School (2012)

Explore the central themes of High School (2012), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🌱 Growth

The theme of growth is central to the film, depicting Richard's evolution as an educator and the transformation of his students. From initial skepticism to a supportive community, the narrative illustrates how dedication and passion can foster personal development. Ultimately, the journey leads to academic success and emotional fulfillment.

🤝 Mentorship

Mentorship plays a crucial role in the story, as Richard becomes a guiding figure for his students. His relationship with Griff exemplifies the impact of a positive mentor, encouraging students to overcome obstacles and achieve their potential. This theme highlights the profound influence teachers can have in shaping futures.

🛑 Conflict

The film also explores conflict, primarily through the challenges posed by Paco and the systemic corruption within the school. Richard's struggle against both external adversaries and internal doubts demonstrates the complexities of addressing wrongdoing in educational settings. This theme serves to underscore the importance of resilience in the face of adversity.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:05

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Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Movies about student rebellion like High School

Students band together to challenge an unfair system for the greater good.If you liked the students fighting back in High School, you'll enjoy these movies about teens uniting against an unfair system. This thread features similar stories of righteous rebellion, tense standoffs, and uplifting victories in an educational setting.

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Narrative Summary

These narratives typically begin with the imposition of an unfair rule or a corrupt authority figure. The protagonists, often high-achieving or unexpected leaders, recognize the injustice and devise a risky plan that requires uniting their peers. The story builds tension as the rebellion unfolds, culminating in a climax where the students' collective action forces a change, leading to a happy and validating resolution.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here because they share the specific narrative pattern of a student-led revolt driven by a clear moral imperative. They balance the tension of defying authority with the hopeful, inspiring feeling of youth solidarity and triumph.

Movies with unlikely friendships like High School

Opposites are forced to team up, discovering unexpected friendship and support.Fans of the unexpected team-up in High School will love these movies about odd couples and unlikely alliances. This collection features comedies and dramas where opposites connect, forming strong bonds and a found family dynamic to overcome challenges.

hopefulheartwarmingdramaticinspiringunexpectedbondingcooperativefriendship

Narrative Summary

The narrative centers on a high-stakes problem that forces two mismatched characters to collaborate. They begin with distrust or even animosity, but through shared risk and a common goal, they learn to rely on each other's unique strengths. The journey transforms their relationship into a deep, trusting partnership, often becoming the emotional core of the story.

Why These Movies?

These films are connected by the central theme of an improbable partnership that blossoms into a meaningful connection. They share a hopeful tone, focusing on personal growth and the power of collaboration, even when it starts with friction.

Unlock the Full Story of High School

Don't stop at just watching — explore High School in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what High School is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

High School Summary

Read a complete plot summary of High School, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

High School Summary

High School Timeline

Track the full timeline of High School with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

High School Timeline

High School Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of High School that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

High School Spoiler-Free Summary

More About High School

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about High School: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About High School