Radical

I had to go to an Arthouse cinema and pay thrice the ticket price of local commercial big cinemas to see this, because they don't screen much of the good stuff. I'm glad I saw it, heartwarming determination :)

you’ve seen this story told many times before, but the heart within this specific one makes up for any of those comparisons.

Radical is an uplifting and inspirational story about a radical teacher and his aspiring students. Based on a true story, it's set in 2011 in a small Mexican coastal town. The town is blighted by poverty and drug violence. Sergio Juarez is a new teacher at the local elementary school, a school that is run down and lacking facilities. Teachers are more interested in test scores rather than inspiring their students. Juarez wants to shake things up and seeks ways to get his students excited about studying. He uses experiments that enable the students. He promotes independent thought, getting great results, even if his methods upset the faculty. Two students in particular flourish under him. Nico, who has fallen under the influence of local drug gangs, and Paloma a young girl who is interested in astrophysics and has genius level qualities. This is quite an inspiring film that hits hard emotionally. It's a feel good story, but more than that it feels like an important film.

I knew this was a feel good movie when I went to see Radical but it had good ratings so gave it a chance. It was very standard in the storyline, it seemed straight out of a 'feel good movie' manual. They totally overdid it with dramatic music, too many crying people and over the top winks and facial expressions. The 'feel good' part annoyed me so much that it left a bad aftertaste and did not make me 'feel good' at all. It was more a movie for children than for adults. I think the writers only had one goal, win prizes with sentimental claptrap. If they wouldn't have laid it on so thick I would have enjoyed it much more and given it 3 or 3,5 stars.

Radical, a thought-provoking drama based on a true story, tackles the daunting task of education in a Mexican border town beset by poverty, corruption, and gang violence. Eugenio Derbez sheds his usual comedic persona to play Sergio Juarez, a passionate new teacher assigned to a struggling elementary school. The jaded students, used to rote memorisation and a broken system, are a far cry from the enthusiastic learners Sergio dreams of. Determined to make a difference, he throws out the textbook and embarks on a radical experiment, fostering curiosity and critical thinking through unconventional methods—at least for these students. The film shines when it delves into the human stories. We see the spark of potential ignite in the eyes of Sergio's students. The camaraderie between Sergio and the school's disillusioned principal, Chucho (Daniel Haddad), is another highlight. Their shared love for education, despite their contrasting approaches, is beautifully portrayed. However, the film occasionally falls into sentimentality, skirting over the complexities of systemic issues. The corrupt officials and gang violence, while providing context, feel like missed opportunities for deeper exploration. Derbez delivers a heartfelt performance, his charisma captivating the audience as Sergio relentlessly pushes his students. The child actors, all seemingly newcomers, are equally impressive, portraying the vulnerability and resilience of children grappling with a harsh reality. The film's heart lies in these classroom moments, where Sergio's unorthodox methods lead to heartwarming breakthroughs. Director Christopher Zalla crafts a visually realistic portrayal of the impoverished town. The muted colour palette underscores the daily struggles, while bursts of life emerge during Sergio's unconventional lessons. The camerawork is unobtrusive, placing the focus squarely on the characters and their interactions. While the editing is mostly seamless, there are occasional pacing issues, particularly in the first half, where the film establishes the setting and characters. I do not think Radical is perfect. The feel-good moments, while genuine, can feel a tad unearned at times. The film would have benefited from a deeper dive into the challenges Sergio faces from the sceptical community and the education board. However, at its core, Radical is a powerful testament to the transformative power of a dedicated teacher. The film's message that every child, no matter their family's financial situation, has incredible potential will linger with you long after you finish watching it. While it doesn't quite reach the heights of a truly great film, Radical is ultimately a rewarding watch, particularly for those who believe in the power of education to change lives. So, if you're looking for a film that's both heartwarming and thought-provoking, Radical is definitely worth a watch. Just be prepared for a ride that's more inspiring than it is nuanced.

One of the couple movies you see talking about problems people don't see. This was a beautiful movie. Made me cry. Again, Eugenio D. makes a perfect touch to it.

Una hermosa pelicula de niños en la escuela que he visto, mi favorita.

Fascinating story based on real events, within a Latin American reality the size of a cathedral, but which is invisible to a world immersed in staring at its own navel. It is always inspiring and refreshing to remember how a single person, just one, determined to do the right thing and with values, can have an impact and create waves that transcend all barriers.

Pero que gran película mexicana que vi

Radical sin ningún tapujo ni sutileza empieza de una manera enérgica con un Eugenio Derbez interpretando a un maestro que decide impartir clase de una manera poco ortodoxa, en México, en un pequeño pueblo, en donde el Cartel del Golfo desde chavos inducen a su séquito del crimen organizado, pero ese no es el punto… ¿o si? Más o menos; los tres protagonistas infantiles logran inyectar de vitalidad junto a unnserio y contenido Eugenio Derbez que sigue en su lucha por ser tomado en serio y, hay que decirlo, lo está logrando. Definitivamente me hubiera gustado ver una serie de televisión que pudiera desmenuzar a detalle las precariedades de algunos de los personajes junto al optimismo incesante del maestro Juárez (Derbez) ya que la cinta se siente algo apresurada de tal forma que cuando llega el punto en donde quiere sacarnos el "lagrimazo" al puro estilo de No Se Aceptan Devoluciones, no lo logra del todo; aún así, esta cinta logra algo que muchas producciones mexicanas poco a poco están visibilizando y que es super importante: proponer sin importar lo Radical que sea tu idea.