User 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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

Historical context is needed. This class of film started with HERE COMES MR CHIPS 1939, followed by The Blackboard Jungle 1955 followed by To Sir With Love 1967. Is Radical worthy of joining this revered group? Almost. The first half of the movie makes promises that the second half cannot deliver. There are gaps in the story, and gaps in the emotional arc. It is basically a rare feel-good film in an era where there is very little to feel good about. Like the characters in the film, we too learn to take what we can get. ((Designated "IMDb Top Reviewer." Please check out my list "167+ Nearly-Perfect Movies (with the occasional Anime or TV miniseries) you can/should see again and again (1932 to the present))

"Radical" is an endearing and excellently directed film, managing to tell a true story that happened in the 2011-2012 school year in Tamaulipas, Mexico. The script emphasizes the story of a very peculiar teacher and his students, all of whom manage to captivate with how excellently written they are. The story also touches on themes of children dropping out of school due to irresponsible parents or even crime. The cast gives dedicated performances that increase the dramatic factor. The cinematography is good and highlights aspirations, decadence and hope. An incredible film that qualifies as a masterpiece.

This would be OK if it wasn't so obviously written for American film festival audiences as the story of a teacher trying to inspire his pupils never gets old. "The Class" (2008) or "Monsieur Lazhar" are good examples of the genre. What is totally missing here is conflict, an effort to win the kids over, which is crucial for the relevance of films of this kind. "The Teacher's Lounge", which is nominated for best foreign film this year, is an example how badly communication between teacher and students can go wrong.

In "Radical", things just magically work themselves out, the low class children have no problem whatsoever to accept the authority of a weirdo. The two stand-outs are defined in crystal contrast, a highly intelligent girl whose father is a garbage collector and dreams of becoming an astronaut, and a pretty boy mixed up with a narco gang. Of course these two have to become involved and of course there is a very predictable tragedy.

This comes out of a country which has given us some of the most hard-hitting dramas of recent years, like "Prayers for the Stolen", "Identifying Features" or "A Cop Movie". It's OK not to constantly show gritty brutality and go for a more uplifting approach, but I fail to see a local style in this yankee pleaser, like Cuarón's in "Roma" or Iñárritu's in "Bardo" which could only be Mexican films. This is American through and through, it has no life of its own, and I find that rather insulting to the real-life people the story is based on.

"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.

Full of clichés. With a Eugenio Derbez whose character it is impossible to believe since he always plays himself.

A film that aims to be emotional and powerful in its message ends up being a manual on how to make a predictable melodrama film with a happy ending.

It uses elements to move the viewer that have already been seen in any number of films. Despite being a story based on real events, it is clearly designed for the main character to shine, which makes it a manipulative film that does not feel or perceive fresh in its proposal.

I like stories that talk about teachers who inspire their students. After watching this film, it is clear to me that it will not be remembered as one of the best of its kind.

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!

Whilst this is a feel good film because the good guy helps under privileged and poor slum dwellers make the most of their skills and intelligence - it is more than that as the challenges or corruption and self interest are daunting. The real person child actors demonstrate so much of the struggles, emotions and pithiness of their environment, the cruelty as well as the love. Each character is grittily blended, warts and all into their unfortunate backgrounds with some sad as well as uplifting results. It demonstrates the difficulties of the bureaucracy of child assessment and reflects the struggles we encounter with our own education system. We are brought to empathise with the frustration of teachers, including the ones who have given up the fight against the ideals which teachers no doubt commence their teaching profession. An all round riveting true story with wonderful and gripping performances at all levels. A must watch movie.

This film had us all on the edge of our seat. It made us all laugh, sob and even learn things that we never have thought of.

Giving this movie an opportunity will change your perspective on Mexico and the learning of children who can't afford what normal people are able to afford. This was an important element in the making of the film, and it was done impressively well.

I hav to admit it had some major plot twists. Sometimes I was even caught off guard on what happened next. Remember, having the chance to learn a true story always shows you unexpected things like the fights for money by drug dealing, shootings to have power, and most importantly what the children had to go through. Give this film a shot and you'll see by what I mean.

The photography was quite impressive, I don't understand why others complained about it. It was very clean, sometimes unnoticeable to see something out of the sort. Acting as well was well done and proven to be a great movie.

Give this film a chance. It will change your point of view of school in many ways.

If you are looking for a common story of a teacher who breaks the norms to fish out unique talents from his students, this is the right movie for you. It is an amazing story but since I watched many similar ones before, it became boring for me at one point. It is emotional, heart warming and right from inside the real life.

It is very sad but there are many many brilliant kids out there in the globe, especially in middle east, Mexico, and Africa that are lost at the hands of bad teachers. I hope the number of teachers like the one in the movie is a lot higher than I would expect. All teachers should watch.

Once again we are exposed to the world of teaching. A teacher decided to teach a group of kids and inspire them to learn how to think and dream. He will reach inside their souls and awaken that which drives humans to dream and find a way to believe their dreams can come true.

What I liked about the film is how well I portrays the sad conditions of this school, reflecting the state of education and all the blocks that are put in the office wy or students success. Mr. Juarez is an idealist and a dreamer,.a good man who might make a.difference in people's lives.

Unfortu lolnately, there are those who because of society's ills will not achieve thei dreams and.the picture doesn't hide thei situations. Their dreams end tragically. In the end it will be hard not to cry while watching the final act of the film. Enjoy, learn and believe.

I saw this film at the premiere at Sundance in 2023. This film and the Michael J Fox biography were my two favorite films at the festival. Eugenio Derbez always does seem to do great work in each film - and even in dramas he brings humor. Definitely in my opinion this is a film to seek out.

Based on a true story of a "radical" teacher that has come to a very poor school in Mexico on the border with Texas. The school was so poor that when they were told they would get a computer the computer rep comes and just shows a photo of a computer. The radical teacher's approach inspired the students. I am looking forward to watching it again in warm climates rather than Park City, Utah.

Normally when i see a number of 10/10 reviews on such a poor quality film, i think they are "sponsored" reviews (e.g. Paid or otherwise people who have an interest in the film having a higher score, idk maybe the film's own crew), but in this case i think it's genuinely people who have watched this film, and somehow thought it was some kind of a masterpiece.

Radical is the story of a teacher who teaches young kids in a poor city in Mexico.

Than in of itself is fine, there's nothing wrong with this, but the plot isn't really anything more than just this line, "a teacher teaches kids".

The problem is that film is absolutely horrid from a filmmaking point of view. The camera wobbles, and pans incessantly over stand-ins, does not highlight protagonists, even cuts midway the face of a character mid-dialogue.

The photography is absolutely horrid, everything is washed out, no colours, i'm talking gray-white over pale azure over mauve over light brown, the palette is absolutely ghastly.

The dialogue is .. i'm sorry but this is just not film dialogue.

Do you remember "OH CAPTAIN MY CAPTAIN" ?

I just can't wrap my head around the fact that *i* get how films are made, but someone who is paid to make a film doesn't. You can't just have mundane character delivering mundane dialogue in mundane settings because that does not make for a captivating film.

There is barely any acting worth mentioning. The plot is almost nonexistent, and what little "teacher inspires student" we have here has already been done better before - and several times over, while *also* having the issues of poverty and crime.

And if you really, really want to instead watch a film that is about poverty and crime, watch City of God instead.

Sorry but, if you are giving 10/10 to this, you don't know how to review films.

My score: 4.5/10 - a truly mediocre script made even more insufferable by abysmal production qualities.

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.

This really had it all - an incredible story , great cinematography, fantastic writing and first class acting .

The movie carried a very important message and it told it in a way that kept you absolutely riveted . It felt real and authentic , the character development was so good and deep even in characters with very little screen time and very few lines .

The back and forth between inspiration and reality , happiness and fear and a very authentic look at culture , at idealism , at burn out , at corruption and at desperation felt real to you if you let yourself really immerse yourself in the story .

I absolutely loved the contrast at the ending - it was an incredible way to show two very different outcomes and how sometimes circumstances do dictate our reality and crush potential - but sometimes we can get out , and maybe more important for the potential viewers of this film , you can help someone get out .

This was absolutely worth every single min - kudos to the writers , editors , actors ( especially the young part of the cast ) and directors and the story that inspired this .

There were several very touching scenes but the one that resonated with me was when Sergio monologues about the education system and how life has changed , kids have changed - but teachers and the system have not . I am a teacher and I absolutely cling to those obsolete ideals that can no longer exist in a world where everything is different . The circumstances I teach in are vastly different than those in the movie - but this is a good reminder for teachers anywhere - you teach students not subjects !

As I delve into my critique of the film, my disappointment with its reliance on clichés becomes increasingly apparent. From the visual storytelling to the performances, every aspect of the production seems to be mired in recycled tropes, leaving me feeling disheartened and frustrated.

Beginning with the cinematography, I can't help but be underwhelmed by its lackluster quality. The imagery lacks depth and originality, failing to captivate or inspire. Instead of immersing me in the story, it leaves me feeling disconnected and unengaged.

Moving on to the acting, I find myself unable to overlook the abundance of false notes present in each performance. The characters feel contrived and unconvincing, lacking the authenticity and nuance necessary to truly resonate with the audience. It's a missed opportunity to breathe life into the narrative and elevate the film beyond its clichéd trappings.

Furthermore, the artificiality that permeates the film is impossible to ignore. From the soundscape to the overall atmosphere, everything feels manufactured and insincere. This lack of authenticity makes it difficult for me to invest emotionally in the story or connect with the characters on any meaningful level.

Describing the film as "excruciating" to watch would be an understatement. Its failure to rise above clichés leaves me feeling disillusioned and unsatisfied. I can't help but think that the director would have benefited from studying films like "Entre les murs" for inspiration, as a comparison only serves to highlight the stark disparity in quality between the two works.

Turning my attention to the mise en scène, I find little to admire in its execution. Instead, I'm struck by its reliance on tired clichés, particularly in its portrayal of Mexican life. Rather than offering a nuanced exploration of the culture and society it seeks to depict, the film resorts to lazy stereotypes and superficial representations, further undermining its credibility and impact.

In conclusion, my critique of the film serves as a reflection of my disappointment with its failure to transcend the clichés that hinder its potential. From cinematography to acting to mise en scène, every aspect of the production falls short of delivering anything of substance or originality. It's a reminder of the importance of authenticity and innovation in storytelling, and a testament to the power of breaking free from the constraints of cliché to create truly memorable and impactful works of art.