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
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
- Release date
- Countries of origin
- Language
- Also known as
- Radykalna metoda
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Gross US & Canada
- $8,702,731
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $2,658,047
- Nov 5, 2023
- Gross worldwide
- $21,797,284
- Runtime
- 2h 5m(125 min)
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 2.39 : 1
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