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
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.
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.
I could not remember when was the last time I saw a film, where it made me laugh, made me cry, made me angry, and made me gasp. "Radical" is a must-see. Without any spoilers, a lot of heart went into this masterpiece, ranging from the talent, to the cinematography, to the direction, the casting, the production design of the environment... it was glorious to experience. There is a reason why this was a winner at Sundance. It deserved it. It's based on a true story. And you follow each individual's journey, how they are affected in their own lives, and how they affect others with their existence. It also reveals the constant problems we have with the education system, or lack of, or limitations of, or what is allowed, and what is not allowed in order to progress. The writing of the screenplay is just brilliant. I don't wish to spoil anything, just watch it. Experience it.
"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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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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