One Eight Seven
When a Brooklyn high school student writes the police code for homicide, 187, inside a textbook owned by teacher Trevor Garfield, Garfield feels threatened. The principal dismisses the incident, but the same student stabs Trevor soon after. Fifteen months later, a physically and emotionally scarred Trevor relocates to California and takes up substitute teaching. To his dismay, his new school is as full of dangerously undisciplined students as his old one—including four Latin Americans and a European American claiming membership in tagging gang K.O.S. (Kappin' Off Suckers)—driving him over the edge.
Review Sentiment
Trevor and César play Russian roulette inspired by Deer Hunter
Dennis stabs Trevor multiple times in school hallway
The film jumps from its lowest point during the brutal opening stabbing to building authentic classroom tensions, then peaks dramatically at the Russian roulette climax.
One Eight Seven follows a volatile sentiment arc that begins with a shocking and disturbing stabbing sequence before building through increasingly tense teacher-student conflicts. The film reaches its emotional and critical peak with the powerful Russian roulette climax, which reviewers consistently praised as shocking and masterfully executed. While critics appreciated Jackson's performance and the authentic portrayal of urban school violence, many found the overall execution uneven despite moments of genuine power.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 29
Samuel L. Jackson
Trevor Garfield
John Heard
Dave Childress
Kelly Rowan
Ellen Henry
Clifton Collins Jr.
Cesar Sanchez
Tony Plana
Principal Garcia
Karina Arroyave
Rita Martinez
Lobo Sebastian
Benny Chacon
Jack Kehler
Larry Hyland
Jonah Rooney
Stevie Littleton
Demetrius Navarro
Paco
Ebony Monique Solomon
Lakesia
Jonny Bogris
Barsek
Dominic Hoffman
Victor
Martha Velez
Mrs. Chacon
Method Man
Dennis Broadway
Kathryn Leigh Scott
Anglo Woman
Sage Allen
Teacher
Donal Gibson
Animal Regulation Officer
Liza del Mundo
Asian Girl
Vic Polizos
Assistant Coroner
Crew
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