‘Radical’ Movie Review 2023
Radical: The Inspirational Journey of Education and Empowerment
“Radical,” a Mexican film in Spanish, draws its inspiration from a true story that revolves around an exceptional and motivating teacher within an underprivileged community. In this heartwarming tale, Chucho (played by Daniel Haddad) presides over an elementary school in a destitute neighborhood plagued by corrupt authorities and relentless violence stemming from drug gangs. Enter Sergio (portrayed by Eugenio Derbez), the last-minute addition to the teaching staff after a colleague unexpectedly resigns just one day before the school year commences. Amidst this challenging environment, one of the existing teachers sarcastically quips that the sole prerequisite for joining the faculty is merely having a heartbeat.
Chucho has reached a point of near resignation in his quest to provide the children with a substantial education. The grim reality is that the students must navigate their way past yellow crime scene tape and the haunting presence of lifeless bodies on their route to school. Within the school’s walls, the library’s encyclopedia collection is frozen in time, dating back 30 years, and the computer lab has been inoperative for a staggering four years. As a result, a majority of the students opt to drop out after completing the sixth grade, either to support their struggling families or to succumb to the allure of joining local gangs. In this dreary atmosphere, the dispirited students endure a monotonous routine of lectures, mindless memorization, and tedious busywork.
The school is often cynically labeled as “a place of retribution.” On the first day of classes, as the students assemble in their uniforms, Chucho sternly instructs them, “Silence serves as the bedrock of obedience; obedience, in turn, forms the basis of discipline, and discipline paves the way for learning.” He exhibits no inclination to challenge the entrenched procedures or authorities in place. In the face of situations like the unexpected disappearance of funding for the computer lab or teachers gaining early access to standardized test answers to secure bonuses through student memorization, all Chucho can offer Sergio is, “No one cares about what transpires here… don’t provoke unnecessary trouble.”
Sergio Juárez Correa’s impactful work at the José Urbina López Primary School in Matamoros, Mexico, garnered significant attention and was featured in a 2013 Wired Magazine article titled “A Radical Way of Cultivating a Generation of Visionaries.” The magazine cover even showcased one of the students with the captivating headline, “The Next Steve Jobs?” Correa drew inspiration from the visionary ideas of Sugata Mitra, a British professor specializing in educational technology. Mitra’s concept of student-driven learning, which essentially represents a modern, technology-enhanced interpretation of the ideals introduced by A.S. Neill, the founder of Summerhill in the 1960s, profoundly influenced Correa.
In the classroom, Sergio (as he firmly requests his students to address him) poses a compelling question: “What do you aspire to learn?” He liberates them from the shackles of grades and encourages them to embrace their mistakes without fear. With an encouraging spirit, he asks, “Who’s willing to take the first step into the realm of uncertainty?”
As the students step into his classroom for the first time, they are momentarily taken aback by the sight of the desks turned upside down and clustered in groups. Sergio calls out to them, painting a vivid scenario in which they find themselves submerged underwater, with the desks serving as their lifeboats. He emphasizes the importance of ensuring that the boats don’t become overcrowded, as this would lead to sinking. The intriguing question then arises: how can they determine the optimal number of occupants in each boat to maximize the chances of saving lives? This thought-provoking scenario piques their curiosity, steering their interest toward the principles of flotation, which in turn involves delving into the realms of math and physics.
This captivating lesson even sparks philosophical contemplation in one student, as she wonders aloud about the ethical dilemma of choosing who to save when there aren’t enough seats in the lifeboats. Sergio, recognizing her intellectual curiosity, likens her to a philosopher, drawing a parallel to the likes of John Stuart Mill. Another student, Paloma (played by Jennifer Trejo), finds herself captivated by the world of mathematics and astronomy. In response to her burgeoning passion, Sergio encourages her, suggesting that she could one day become an aerospace engineer.
Before long, Sergio has his students out on the playground, each of them embodying a celestial body in a cosmic dance, simulating the orbits and rotations of planets in a captivating and hands-on exploration of the universe.
Derbez, consistently a captivating presence on screen, truly shines when engaging with the younger generation, as he demonstrated in his roles as the music teacher in “Coda” and the quirky doctor in “Miracles from Heaven.” The young actors in this film, however, deliver exceptionally expressive performances, leaving a lasting impact. Jennifer Trejo, who portrays Paloma, the remarkable young mathematician featured on the cover of WIRED, stands out with her exceptional talent. She brings depth to her character, who, along with her father, scours the garbage dump for their livelihood. Mia Fernanda Solis, as Lupe, exudes resilience as she aspires to explore philosophy through college library books but is forced to step out of school to care for her infant brother. Danilo Guardiola, in the role of Nico, showcases a compelling transformation as a young man ensnared in his brother’s drug smuggling activities but yearning for a life filled with knowledge and a deeper connection with Paloma.
Sergio is determined to not only confront the school’s entrenched systems but, above all, to push the boundaries for his sixth-grade students. He comprehends that the true essence of education transcends mere memorization of facts; it hinges on igniting their innate desire to learn, imparting the skill of how to learn, and unveiling their immense potential and inquisitiveness. In his pursuit of this mission, he extends this transformative approach to benefit Chucho as well.
A particularly poignant moment in the film unfolds when the two men come together for a tranquil conversation. In this heartfelt exchange, Sergio and Chucho exchange the names of the teachers who once kindled their own sparks of inspiration, rekindling a sense of purpose within Chucho. We are fortunate if, at some point in our lives, we’ve had the privilege of encountering a teacher who revealed our true capabilities. Yet, for those who may not have been as fortunate, Sergio’s example stands as a reminder that it is never too late to rekindle that sense of potential and purpose.
Currently screening at your local cinemas.
Film Credits
Cast
Eugenio Derbez as Sergio
Daniel Haddad as Chucho
Jennifer Trejo as Paloma
Mia Fernanda Solis as Lupe
Danilo Guardiola Escobar as Nico
Gilberto Barraza as Papa Paloma
Víctor Estrada as Chepe
Manuel Márquez as Enrique
Christian Gonzalez as Jaime
Xochiquetzal Martínez as Maria
Director
Christopher Zalla
Writer (based on article by)
Joshua Davis
Writer
Christopher Zalla
Cinematographer
Mateo Londono
Editor
Eugenio Richer
Composer
Pascual Reyes
Juan Pablo Villa
By: M Z Hossain, Editor Sky Buzz Feed
