The Substitute (1996) is an action-thriller film directed by Robert Mandel, starring Tom Berenger as Jonathan Shale, a highly skilled mercenary who takes on a dangerous mission in an unexpected setting: a high school.
After Shale and his team return from a failed mission, he reunites with his girlfriend, Jane Hetzko (Diane Venora), a teacher at an inner-city Miami high school. Jane is brutally attacked by gang members connected to the school, leaving her hospitalized. Seeking revenge and justice, Shale decides to go undercover as a substitute teacher to investigate the gang and protect the students.
Inside the school, Shale discovers a world of violence, corruption, and fear, controlled by the gang led by the ruthless student Juan Lacas (Marc Anthony). Using his military skills, Shale begins to dismantle the gang’s influence while also inspiring the students to stand up for themselves. However, his actions draw the attention of the gang and their criminal allies, escalating the danger.
The film builds to a tense and action-packed climax as Shale confronts the gang and their criminal operation in a violent showdown. The Substitute combines intense action sequences with a gritty exploration of social issues, such as education, crime, and community struggles. It is both a tale of revenge and a story of one man’s determination to make a difference in a hostile environment.