A teacher in a Mexican border town full of neglect, corruption, and violence, tries a radical new method to unlock their students' curiosity, potential - and maybe even their genius.A teacher in a Mexican border town full of neglect, corruption, and violence, tries a radical new method to unlock their students' curiosity, potential - and maybe even their genius.A teacher in a Mexican border town full of neglect, corruption, and violence, tries a radical new method to unlock their students' curiosity, potential - and maybe even their genius.
- Director
- Writers
- Stars
- Awards
- 18 wins & 23 nominations total
Danilo Guardiola
- Nico
- (as Danilo Guardiola Escobar)
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Featured reviews
"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.
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.
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!
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!
At first I had no intention of seeing this movie, first of all because Derbez was coming out and I had honestly seen a trailer where he showed that he was still making bad movies. But when I started watching the movie as such, I fell in love completely and especially with the role of Derbez, who personally is brilliant and once again shows that he is made for great things.
As many of us know, the country is in bad times and being politically correct, I think that this is being seen everywhere, but it is these stories that give hope back to the country and make us see that everything can improve if we motivate that change and that This is the case of Radical, a film that is out of the ordinary and promises a lot for national cinema.
It is a film that from the beginning draws your attention, for some reason you watch the film and understand the objective of the director and the actors, which is to teach you to see life from different perspectives and, as many times, we can do with little. Much more than we expect. The ending is too good and I think you should see it in person and frankly the only bad or criticizable thing is that some scenes go on for too long, apart from that I highly recommend this film project.
As many of us know, the country is in bad times and being politically correct, I think that this is being seen everywhere, but it is these stories that give hope back to the country and make us see that everything can improve if we motivate that change and that This is the case of Radical, a film that is out of the ordinary and promises a lot for national cinema.
It is a film that from the beginning draws your attention, for some reason you watch the film and understand the objective of the director and the actors, which is to teach you to see life from different perspectives and, as many times, we can do with little. Much more than we expect. The ending is too good and I think you should see it in person and frankly the only bad or criticizable thing is that some scenes go on for too long, apart from that I highly recommend this film project.
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.
RADICAL is one of the best movies of the year. It's incredibly touching and inspiring, with moments of comedy throughout. Eugenio Derbez is at his very best in this dramatic role. The cast is absolutely delightful and refreshing to watch, and it really makes you think about your own experience in the education system. It makes you reflect, it makes you grateful, and it really makes you want to make a bigger change in the world. This movie is incredibly Oscar-worthy, I can't stress that enough. It's so brilliant and well done. It's heart-wrenching and moving. This movie really sticks with you in the long run.
Did you know
- TriviaThe actress that plays Marlene the librarian is the real life Paloma Noyola on which the character is based off.
- How long is Radical?Powered by Alexa
Details
Box office
- Gross US & Canada
- $8,702,731
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $2,658,047
- Nov 5, 2023
- Gross worldwide
- $21,797,284
- Runtime2 hours 5 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 2.39 : 1
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