Stand and Deliver

A dedicated teacher transforms the lives of his students through unconventional methods and unwavering belief in their potential.

Critics broadly praised the rousing true-story underdog narrative and Edward James Olmos's performance, while some found the screenplay and dramatic structure artificial.

• 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.

• The Great Debatersinspirational teacher drama centered on disadvantaged students, determined mentorship, and academic achievement
• Freedom Writersuplifting true-story school drama about an unconventional educator motivating marginalized teenagers
• Akeelah and the Beecoming-of-age underdog drama where education, discipline, and collective effort overcome institutional skepticism
• McFarland, USAbiographical sports-style underdog drama emphasizing mentorship, perseverance, and community transformation

Director

Ramón Menéndez

Release Date

1988-03-11

Runtime

103 min

Rating

7.8 / 10 (499)

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 streams on Amazon Prime Video, YouTube Free, Amazon Prime Video with Ads.