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Poster for Stand and Deliver

Stand and Deliver

Seen it?

1988 | 103 min | Drama

Saturday Special

Why it’s a Saturday Special

Critics loved it (90% on Rotten Tomatoes), it made about 9 times its budget and it's still drawing plenty of interest. A strong pick for the weekend.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for anyone who loves a strong drama. If you loved To Sir, with Love or Friday Night Lights, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Thoughtful and character-driven.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 43 min.
What might put you off
Rated PG. Worth a look first if you have very young kids.

Jaime Escalante is a mathematics teacher in a school in a hispanic neighbourhood. Convinced that his students have potential, he adopts unconventional teaching methods to try and turn gang members and no-hopers into some of the country's top algebra and calculus students.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    90% on Rotten Tomatoes, 77 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesSolid

    7.8 out of 10

  • AwardsSolid

    Won 1 Independent Spirit Award: Independent Spirit Awards: Best Feature. Also nominated for 1 Oscar and 1 more Independent Spirit Award. Plus 1 other award.

  • Box office & staying powerStrong

    $14 million worldwide on a $2 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactStrong

    About 273K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Ramón Menéndez

  • Edward James OlmosJaime A. Escalante
  • Lou Diamond PhillipsAngel Guzman
  • Rosanna DeSotoFabiola Escalante
  • Andy GarciaDr. Ramirez
  • Estelle HarrisSecretary
  • Mark PhelanCop
  • Virginia ParisRaquel Ortega
  • EliotTito (as Mark Eliot)
  • Adelaida AlvarezSexy Girl
  • Carmen ArgenzianoMolina