Release calendarTop 250 moviesMost popular moviesBrowse movies by genreTop box officeShowtimes & ticketsMovie newsIndia movie spotlight
    What's on TV & streamingTop 250 TV showsMost popular TV showsBrowse TV shows by genreTV news
    What to watchLatest trailersIMDb OriginalsIMDb PicksIMDb SpotlightFamily entertainment guideIMDb Podcasts
    EmmysSuperheroes GuideSan Diego Comic-ConSummer Watch GuideBest Of 2025 So FarDisability Pride MonthSTARmeter AwardsAwards CentralFestival CentralAll events
    Born todayMost popular celebsCelebrity news
    Help centerContributor zonePolls
For industry professionals
  • Language
  • Fully supported
  • English (United States)
    Partially supported
  • Français (Canada)
  • Français (France)
  • Deutsch (Deutschland)
  • हिंदी (भारत)
  • Italiano (Italia)
  • Português (Brasil)
  • Español (España)
  • Español (México)
Watchlist
Sign in
  • Fully supported
  • English (United States)
    Partially supported
  • Français (Canada)
  • Français (France)
  • Deutsch (Deutschland)
  • हिंदी (भारत)
  • Italiano (Italia)
  • Português (Brasil)
  • Español (España)
  • Español (México)
Use app
  • Cast & crew
  • User reviews
  • Trivia
  • FAQ
IMDbPro

Radical

  • 2023
  • PG-13
  • 2h 5m
IMDb RATING
7.8/10
7K
YOUR RATING
Eugenio Derbez in Radical (2023)
In a Mexican border town plagued by neglect, corruption, and violence, a frustrated teacher (Eugenio Derbez) tries a radical new method to unleash the curiosity and potential of his students ... and maybe even their genius.
Play trailer2:38
3 Videos
12 Photos
Coming-of-AgeDocudramaDrama

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
    • Christopher Zalla
  • Writers
    • Christopher Zalla
    • Joshua Davis
  • Stars
    • Eugenio Derbez
    • Daniel Haddad
    • Jennifer Trejo
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    7.8/10
    7K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Christopher Zalla
    • Writers
      • Christopher Zalla
      • Joshua Davis
    • Stars
      • Eugenio Derbez
      • Daniel Haddad
      • Jennifer Trejo
    • 38User reviews
    • 73Critic reviews
    • 70Metascore
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 18 wins & 23 nominations total

    Videos3

    Official Trailer
    Trailer 2:38
    Official Trailer
    Teaser Trailer
    Trailer 2:08
    Teaser Trailer
    Teaser Trailer
    Trailer 2:08
    Teaser Trailer
    Why Eugenio Derbez Followed in His Mother's Footsteps
    Clip 3:27
    Why Eugenio Derbez Followed in His Mother's Footsteps

    Photos11

    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    + 5
    View Poster

    Top cast53

    Edit
    Eugenio Derbez
    Eugenio Derbez
    • Sergio
    Daniel Haddad
    Daniel Haddad
    • Chucho
    Jennifer Trejo
    • Paloma
    Mia Fernanda Solis
    • Lupe
    Danilo Guardiola
    • Nico
    • (as Danilo Guardiola Escobar)
    Gilberto Barraza
    Gilberto Barraza
    • Papa Paloma
    Victor Estrada
    • Chepe
    Manuel Márquez
    • Enrique
    Christian González
    • Jaime
    Xochiquetzal Martínez
    • Maria
    Edmundo Moñoz
    • Beto
    Enoc Leaño
    Enoc Leaño
    • Administrador
    Manuel Cruz Vivas
    • Nacho
    Erwin Veytia
    Erwin Veytia
    • Sr. Garcia
    Allison Pérez Bernal
    • Amiga Maria 1
    Andrea Nicole
    • Amiga Maria 2
    Kaarlo Isaac
    • Niño Playera México
    Franco Ortega
    • Hermano de Lupe
    • Director
      • Christopher Zalla
    • Writers
      • Christopher Zalla
      • Joshua Davis
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews38

    7.87K
    1
    2
    3
    4
    5
    6
    7
    8
    9
    10

    Featured reviews

    9ramfitme

    Top notch acting

    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!
    10nickpopovsky-54440

    If I could give an Oscar, this movie would receive one for sure.

    This movie does a great job in showing the differences between the method of being schooled and the negative consequences it causes when you are compelled to learn what somebody else thinks you should learn, know, study, etc.

    On the other hand, there is the opposite method, which is, of course, not perfect and has its flaws in its own regard, along with many unforeseeable problems it could cause.

    It's 2024, and this old method seems to prevail in most parts of the world and in most schools, unfortunately. This results in feeling dead inside in the end and not caring about anything because it sucks out the joy of learning with a constant bombardment of information and what the school program thinks you should know.

    Regardless of how I look at it, there needs to be serious reforms on a global scale, with minds far smarter than mine; we already have new scientific discoveries that can help us with this process.

    As I said, it's a major problem and it's a worldwide one. I believe education is one of the most important tenets of a healthy world, up there with mental and physical health.

    Inquiring into matters that we are interested in, asking and seeking answers to questions that come to us, sometimes with the aid of a teacher, charts an individual spin on education, makes it more interesting, and honors the mystery of this life in which we live.
    9fanboycantina

    Heartwarming and hopeful

    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.
    10halilmejia

    I DID NOT EXPECT FOR THIS TO BE A TEARJERKER

    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!
    7MoalefSajad

    Teacher, The Most Difficult Job In The World

    "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.

    More like this

    Instructions Not Included
    7.5
    Instructions Not Included
    The Seed of the Sacred Fig
    7.6
    The Seed of the Sacred Fig
    Shayda
    6.7
    Shayda
    The Valet
    6.7
    The Valet
    The Monk and the Gun
    7.1
    The Monk and the Gun
    Touch
    7.4
    Touch
    Radical
    The Quiet Girl
    7.7
    The Quiet Girl
    Y llegaron de noche
    7.4
    Y llegaron de noche
    The Broken Candle
    4.6
    The Broken Candle
    There's Still Tomorrow
    7.7
    There's Still Tomorrow
    The Three Tenors

    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      The actress that plays Marlene the librarian is the real life Paloma Noyola on which the character is based off.
    • Connections
      Referenced in Amanda the Jedi Show: I Watched 45 Movies in 1 Week | 'Talk to Me' and the Best Movies of Sundance 2023 Explained (2023)

    Top picks

    Sign in to rate and Watchlist for personalized recommendations
    Sign in

    FAQ

    • How long is Radical?
      Powered by Alexa

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • November 3, 2023 (United States)
    • Countries of origin
      • United States
      • Mexico
    • Language
      • Spanish
    • Also known as
      • Radykalna metoda
    • Production companies
      • 3Pas Studios
      • EPIC Magazine
      • Pantelion Films
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $8,702,731
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $2,658,047
      • Nov 5, 2023
    • Gross worldwide
      • $21,797,284
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      2 hours 5 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Aspect ratio
      • 2.39 : 1

    Contribute to this page

    Suggest an edit or add missing content
    Eugenio Derbez in Radical (2023)
    Top Gap
    What is the Canadian French language plot outline for Radical (2023)?
    Answer
    • See more gaps
    • Learn more about contributing
    Edit page

    More to explore

    Recently viewed

    Please enable browser cookies to use this feature. Learn more.
    Get the IMDb App
    Sign in for more accessSign in for more access
    Follow IMDb on social
    Get the IMDb App
    For Android and iOS
    Get the IMDb App
    • Help
    • Site Index
    • IMDbPro
    • Box Office Mojo
    • License IMDb Data
    • Press Room
    • Advertising
    • Jobs
    • Conditions of Use
    • Privacy Policy
    • Your Ads Privacy Choices
    IMDb, an Amazon company

    © 1990-2025 by IMDb.com, Inc.