Radical

Radical

In a Mexican border town plagued by neglect, corruption, and violence, a frustrated teacher tries a radical new method to break through his students’ apathy and unlock their curiosity, their potential… and maybe even their genius.

  • Released: 2023-01-19
  • Runtime: 127 minutes
  • Genre: Drama
  • Stars: Eugenio Derbez, Daniel Haddad, Gilberto Barraza, Enoc Leaño, Kaarlo Isaacs Barria, Margarita Chavarría, Claudia Fuentes Medina, Libia Regalado, Rocío Canseco, Librada Elois, Sergio Iván Juárez Correa
  • Director: Christopher Zalla
 Comments
  • steveinadelaide - 1 June 2024
    Heartwarming and thought-provoking
    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.
  • Radu_A - 2 February 2024
    overrated sentimal kitsch
    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.
  • jp_91 - 26 October 2023
    An incredible film that qualifies as a masterpiece.
    "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.