Stand and Deliver
A determined mathematics teacher turns a doubted Los Angeles classroom into a proving ground for ambitious students and radical academic possibility.
Overview
A dedicated teacher transforms the lives of his students through unconventional methods and unwavering belief in their potential.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Mild
- sincere
- inspirational
- hopeful
- inspirational movie night
- classroom discussion
What critics said
Critics broadly praised the rousing true-story underdog narrative and Edward James Olmos's performance, while some found the screenplay and dramatic structure artificial.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Jaime Escalante trains students who are dismissed as gang members and academic failures to attempt advanced calculus.
The students attend a predominantly Hispanic school, while Jaime and his family navigate Mexican American cultural context.
Passing the Advanced Placement calculus exam becomes a concrete challenge to low expectations and restricted futures.
Jaime combines rigorous instruction, unconventional teaching, and persistent belief in students others have written off.
Films like Stand and Deliver, and why
The Great Debaters
inspirational teacher drama centered on disadvantaged students, determined mentorship, and academic achievement
Freedom Writers
uplifting true-story school drama about an unconventional educator motivating marginalized teenagers
Akeelah and the Bee
coming-of-age underdog drama where education, discipline, and collective effort overcome institutional skepticism
McFarland, USA
biographical sports-style underdog drama emphasizing mentorship, perseverance, and community transformation
Movie Details
- Director
- Ramón Menéndez
- Release Date
- 1988-03-11
- Runtime
- 103 min
- Rating
- 7.8 / 10 (489)
Cast
- Edward James Olmos
- Lou Diamond Phillips
- Rosanna DeSoto
- Andy Garcia
- Estelle Harris
- Mark Phelan
- Virginia Paris
- Eliot
- Adelaida Alvarez
- Carmen Argenziano
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Stand and Deliver about?
- A determined mathematics teacher turns a doubted Los Angeles classroom into a proving ground for ambitious students and radical academic possibility.
- What is Stand and Deliver like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Stand and Deliver as brisk, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Stand and Deliver violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Stand and Deliver as mild.
- What did critics think of Stand and Deliver?
- Critics broadly praised the rousing true-story underdog narrative and Edward James Olmos's performance, while some found the screenplay and dramatic structure artificial.
- Which films are like Stand and Deliver?
- Films with a similar feel include The Great Debaters, Freedom Writers, Akeelah and the Bee, and McFarland, USA.
- How long is Stand and Deliver?
- Stand and Deliver runs 103 minutes.
- Where can I watch Stand and Deliver?
- In United States, Stand and Deliver is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
