Radical

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2:30

Radical

PG-13

Released Nov 3, 2023

2h 7m

Drama

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Popcornmeter

96%

Tomatometer

74 Reviews

99%

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250+ Verified Ratings

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. Based on a true story.

Critics Consensus

Offering few surprises but plenty of uplift, Radical tells a stirring fact-based story brought to life by some top-flight work from Eugenio Derbez.

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Audience Says

A powerful, heartwarming drama, Radical does a terrific job of highlighting the importance of dedicated teachers.

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Wendy Ide

Guardian

Somehow, it works. In large part this is thanks to the performances. Derbez is very likable, if a little too prone to moments of moist-eyed pathos, but the young actors are phenomenal.

Rated: 4/5

Aug 12, 2024

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Danny Leigh

Financial Times

Christopher Zalla is never other than smart and sensitive, while drawing fine performances from his young cast — a sweet echo of this model relationship between teacher and student.

Rated: 3/5

Aug 12, 2024

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Leslie Felperin

Guardian

Woe betide any who might suggest that it is profoundly manipulative and unabashedly sentimental. That said, there’s no gainsaying the skills of director Christopher Zalla and the cast.

Rated: 3/5

Aug 6, 2024

Full Review

Graeme Tuckett

Stuff.co.nz

Radical stands out for the grit and honesty of its storytelling and setting, and for the unfakeable authenticity and commitment of the mostly young cast.

Rated: 4/5

Oct 9, 2024

Full Review

Steve Morrissey

Radio Times

There are fabulous performances by the young actors, many of them first-timers, and by Daniel Haddad as the sceptical principal. But most of all by Eugenio Derbez as the dog-eared Sergio.

Rated: 3/5

Aug 17, 2024

Full Review

Rich Cline

Shadows on the Wall

It's an engaging story, packed with empowering moments and played beautifully by Eugenio Derbez and a superb young cast. And while much of the film has a comical, uplifting tone, it also remembers the darker realities.

Rated: 4/5

Aug 13, 2024

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karen u

This movie was phenomenal! Loved every minute of it, must watch!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/20/23

Full Review

Lalo

This is a must watch movie! The movie shows the struggle that some kids go through to attend school. Different lifestyles. Different mindsets. Powerful messages. I wish more theaters played this movie in the weekends for more to see.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/18/23

Full Review

Samia S

Inspiring and real - every educator need a to see this movie

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/07/23

Full Review

VS

It was an inspirational story that makes you reflect in the opportunities we already have.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

12/04/23

Full Review

Juan Carlos Campos

muy interesante con la realidad en México con la enseñanza educacional y la pobreza y pocos maestros que les importen los alumnos y que aprendan

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/04/23

Full Review

karen w

Terrific! Such an inspirational movie with great performances, especially all the kids!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/03/23

Full Review

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Christopher Zalla

Director

Eugenio Derbez

Sergio

Daniel Haddad

Chucho

Jennifer Trejo

Paloma

Gilberto Barraza

Papa Pamplona

Mía Fernanda Solís

Lupe

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Radical: Trailer 1

2:30

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Synopsis

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. Based on a true story.

Director: Christopher Zalla
Producer: Eugenio Derbez, Ben Odell, Joshua Davis
Screenwriter: Christopher Zalla
Distributor: Miercoles Entertainment
Production Co: 3Pas Studios
Rating: PG-13 (Thematic Material|Strong Language|Some Strong Violent Content)
Genre: Drama
Original Language: Spanish
Release Date (Theaters): Nov 3, 2023, Wide
Box Office (Gross USA): $8.7M
Runtime: 2h 7m