In a gritty and intense drama, Rick Latimer (James Belushi), a troubled high school teacher with a penchant for violence, is appointed as the principal of Brandel High School, a crime-ridden and gang-dominated institution. Determined to clean up the school and restore order, Rick takes on the ruthless gang leader Victor Duncan (Michael Wright) and his loyal followers, who terrorize the school and its teachers. As tensions escalate, Rick finds himself in a desperate battle to protect his students and staff, and to save his own career and life. With the help of Jake Phillips (Louis Gossett Jr.), the school's head of security, Rick must confront the dark realities of inner-city education and confront his own demons in order to make a difference. Will he be able to save Brandel High and its students, or will he become the next victim of its violent atmosphere?

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Some movies that have similar genres and were produced around the same time as The Principal include The Public Eye, Colors, Scarface, Lionheart, Backdraft, Class of 1984.

The Principal was released in theaters on September 18, 1987.