Whenever we see an urban drama about school, it always deals with how the students become victim to the system, and how the system fails them. 187 spins the tale a different way, showing how the students manipulate the system (when not totally ignoring it), and how the teachers are failed by the system. Written by a teacher, 187 shows a truly unique view of inner city life and how the system just doesn't work.
Samuel L. Jackson playes Mr. Garfield, a man confident and strong enough to handle teaching youths who don't want to be taught. But, that all changes when he fails a student and the student takes revenge, stabbing him repeatedly in the back with a nail. Eight months later Garfield is asked to sub at a different school for a teacher who had a nervous breakdown. The adjustment phase, trying to conquer his own nerves and fear is portrayed exceptionally well, Garfield so afraid he can't even see clearly.
Eventually, subbing to fill out the term, Garfield comes to grips with his emotions (seemingly) and manages to interest his class, tutor a promising young girl, and meet a co-worker whom he soon begins a relationship. It quickly falls apart, though, as Garfield tries to match wits versus guns with a young punk gangsta in his class. Tit for tat, Garfield is continuously brutalized and terrorized until he eventually strikes back.
Head to head with the student, Garfield plays a game of russian roulette and, in the shocking climax, finally teaches the kid a lesson.
An excellent film with superb production values and, as always, a fantastic performance from Sam Jackson, 187 is amongst the must sees from 1997.