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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
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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

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    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
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    Featured reviews

    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!
    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.
    8MehdiTaba

    One of my top 10 films of 2023!

    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.
    9babyjaguar

    Radical: A True Portraiture of Borderland Youth and Education

    Zalla's beautiful-photographed film, of borderlands looking at improverised youth and their education. Eugenio Derbez helms the role as a possible mentor and educator, Sergio Juarez Correa. He's a role model to students struggling economically and dealing with criminality, based on true events.

    It's a slow narrative, but developing much of its characterizations within the on-screen relationship between educator (Derbez) and youth. Derbez shines within this film without any comedic antics, showing the struggle of education.

    Particular Mexican young actors shine alongside his acting, playing the students overcoming adversary. One student, Paloma helemd by Jennifer Trejo shows much passion toward math and science.

    All these events are based on a true event for youth achieving the highest national testing, Paloma was celebrated as the Mexican student to has the highest score in the country back in 2011-12!
    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.

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    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)

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    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

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