Radical Review: Inspiring Mexican Teacher Drama Surpasses Genre Cliches

José Urbina López Elementary, located in the cartel-ravaged border city of Matamoros in northeastern Mexico, is known as a “punishment school.” It ranks among the poorest performing educational establishments in the country. For the battle-weary staff, having more than half of the sixth graders attend class is considered a success.

Enter the new teacher, Mr. Juárez, played by Eugenio Derbez. Unlike his predecessors, he prefers to go by Sergio and upends not just the tables in the classroom but also the rote-learned routine that has stifled the students’ enthusiasm. On their first day with Sergio, the children find their desks turned into lifeboats in shark-infested waters, a metaphor brought to life to spark their imaginations. Initially baffled, the students gradually start to connect with Sergio’s infectious enthusiasm and unorthodox teaching methods, leading them to unlock their hidden potential.

The film “Radical” follows this narrative, which aligns comfortably with many “inspirational teacher” movies like “Freedom Writers” and “To Sir, With Love.” Despite the familiar premise, this Spanish-language film, rooted in a true story, brings a fresh perspective to this well-worn genre. It embraces some of the common clichés—Carl Orff’s “Gassenhauer” plays during transformative moments—but it does so effectively.

Much of the film’s success can be attributed to its strong performances. Derbez is a charming lead, despite being occasionally prone to emotional moments. However, the standout stars are the young actors, particularly Jennifer Trejo as Paloma, a litter-picker with a genius IQ, and Danilo Guardiola as Nico, the class clown grappling with the influences of the cartel.