Radical Afternoon Tea at Luna Leederville

Eugenio Derbez (as Sergio), Radical
Photo Credit: Mateo Londono

In a world where many movies set in impoverished circumstances dial up the violence, crime and brutality to 11, Radical is a welcome change of scene, faithfully following the standard trope of well-meaning middle-class teacher with new ideas coming to work with disadvantaged schoolchildren, but telling the familiar story with warmth and wit.

Set in Mexico in 2011, Sergio Correa, a teacher who had a breakdown at his previous school, arrives at the Jose Urbina Lopez elementary school to teach sixth grade. In a town where poverty, crime and violence are everywhere, and gunshots can be heard from the classroom, Sergio has the radical idea of teaching his students to think creatively for themselves, instead of just trying to prepare them for the standardised tests that the government makes all children take. Baffling his principal, antagonising his fellow staff members, and initially bewildering his students, Sergio has to learn and improve on the fly as he attempts to fight apathy, lack of resources and corruption in order to help his students reach their potential.

Given the setting and the type of movie that it is, there are naturally a few obstacles and problems along the way, but Radical manages to clearly portray the struggles of Sergio and his class without making it a totally depressing experience, but also not drowning us in sentimentality. Being based on a true story, it is not surprising that along with the expected triumphs, there are tragedies and disappointments too. Plus there is a bit of a buddy element to the movie which really was endearing to watch.

All in all, Radical is an entertaining and well-meaning take on the old teacher as saviour theme, but with the twist of having a teacher who is passionate but inexperienced in his methods, making mistakes along the way but always learning. Clocking in at just over two hours, it was a thoroughly enjoyable and uplifting experience.

Based on a true story, Radical by Director Christopher Zalla is currently showing at Luna Leederville.

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