Radical

Top notch acting by pretty much everyone, from the main character (the radical teacher) to the trash picker to the small child who takes care of her sisters/brothers.

Though such inspiring and motivating characters and stories are in many other parts of the world, the story capture and acting make it poignant. Tears kept coming down uncontrollably as I watched the movie.

The director must have shot the movie at a real garbage dump. It was needed to convey the impact.

One important message for many families -- don't beget many children if you cannot afford to raise them. It is totally unfair on the older children like that little girl.

Wonder how that smart girl became so knowledgeable? Pure self-study? Seems handed down from earlier birth!

Premiered at Sundance, Radical is based on the true story of a inspirational middle school teacher in an impoverished town in Mexico. Comparisons to Stand & Deliver, Dead Poet's Society, and other films based on inspirational teachers are inevitable, and perhaps you can anticipate beats in a film like this. Eugenio Derbez (who played the music teacher in CODA) is wonderful as the teacher Sergio Juarez, using unconventional means to teach about sixth grade and life. The child actors across this movie are astounding, as the director lets us see this world from both the teacher and the students. This film will undoubtedly open the floodgates about teachers and people who took the time to believe and inspire you.

"Eugenio Derbez" is really spectacular in the role of the teacher. In my opinion, he is one of the best Mexican actors.

This movie tries not to talk too much about the bad atmosphere prevailing in the city and most of the story follows the events inside the school. You will see beautifully how dynamically and intelligently children can think and give deep opinions.

The acting of that girl when she quotes Stuart Mill and where she talks about selling boat tickets is highly commendable.

Xvarez is a teacher who is always caring and persistent in studying and understanding the subjects of the students, and this is amazing; Because he is trying to establish order in the chaotic world around him.

If you are interested in sweet Mexican language, I recommend this movie. Long live teachers and education.

I just saw this Film at AMC palm 24 Early Access here in the USA, and it was Funny, Interesting, Intelligent and Heartbreaking. This film is based on a the true story in Mexico. This film almost reminds me of Freedom Writers directed by Richard LaGravenese, released in 2007.

Ever since the Sundance Film Festival acknowledged this film I was very interested knowing Eugenio Dernez was in it. I saw his film "Instructions not Included" 2013, and also "La Familia Peluche" which was a Sitcom in Mexico which had a 10 year run time and he made me feel so Nostalgic to see him again in the Big Screen.

To the OSCARS, Consider this a Candidate for Best Foreign Language Film and a Candidate for Eugenio Dernez as Best Actor!

Such a great film. One of my top 10 films of 2023!

This is a film that reminds us how much useless and inefficient our educational system is, especially in undeveloped countries like Mexico.

But it's not the whole picture that this film is trying to paint. It's about kids' future, progress, human conditions, poverty, neglect, corruption, different approaches to modern education, and many more very important issues that every one of us must try not to overlook.

Christopher Zalla did a very good job on this film.

Christopher Zalla wrote this screenplay based on the 2013 Wired article, "A Radical Way of Unleashing a Generation of Geniuses" by Joshua Davis. And this story is based on a real story.

To me the real weak point of this film was its cinematography, additional to that, there were some scenes and plot points that weren't excellently well done and cooked.

Our rusty educational system needs a sheer update that it may can be seen as "Radical" to some reactionary and traditional people. And it's the reason that they named the film as such.

Such films can help building a better future, a robust, sustainable and progressive future.

Eugenio Derbez put a lot of himself on this film, I suppose he had a firm belief in the film's message.

It also ends with a powerful quote from Albert Einstein which sums the whole story up, stunningly.

7.7/10.