Radical (12A)

The true story of a teacher who set out to make a difference in a border Mexican town, rife with corruption, violence and poverty. Sergio is a new teacher at an elementary school in Matamoros that churns out the worst grades in Mexico. For the kids, it’s a dead end. Sergio decides to turn the tables (literally) and set his pupils problem-solving challenges that stimulate and engage them. His new approach to learning doesn’t find favour with the authorities and there are setbacks as well as gratifying progress. With a script (based on a 2013 Wired article) that straddles comedy and drama, this is an inspiring watch.

“a heart-tugger in the mold of such old-school “inspiring teacher changes everything” tales as “To Sir With Love,” “Dead Poets Society” and even recent Oscar winner “CODA,” with which it shares star Eugenio Derbez.” Tomris Laffly, Variety