Radio

In the racially divided town of Anderson, South Carolina in 1976, football coach Harold Jones spots a mentally disabled African-American young man nicknamed Radio near his practice field and is inspired to befriend him. Soon, Radio is Jones' loyal assistant, and he becomes a student at T.L. Hanna High School. But things start to sour when Coach Jones begins taking guff from parents and fans who feel that his devotion to Radio is getting in the way of the team's quest for a championship.

Critics found the true-story sports drama emotionally earnest but overly sentimental, with Radio portrayed too simplistically as a saintly figure.

• The football season provides the setting through which Radio gains acceptance and Coach Jones deepens his connection with him.
• The film presents Radio as an inspirational presence and builds its emotional effect around sentimental community transformation.
• Radio's friendship with Coach Jones is challenged by parents and fans who see his presence as a distraction from team success.
• Practices, games, coaches, parents, and team priorities structure the central conflict in the 1976 setting.

• The Blind SideShared inspirational sports drama, coach mentor relationship, and community acceptance themes.
• The Peanut Butter FalconShared uplifting true-story drama centered on disability, empathy, and an unlikely friendship.
• McFarland, USAShared high school sports setting, mentor figure, and emotionally direct feel-good storytelling.

Director

Michael Tollin

Release Date

2003-10-24

Runtime

109 min

Rating

7.4 / 10 (953)

What is Radio about?

A compassionate football coach defends his friendship with a marginalized student when a skeptical community treats inclusion as a threat to winning.

What is Radio like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Radio as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.

Is Radio violent?

No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Radio.

What did critics think of Radio?

Critics found the true-story sports drama emotionally earnest but overly sentimental, with Radio portrayed too simplistically as a saintly figure.

Which films are like Radio?

Films with a similar feel include The Blind Side, The Peanut Butter Falcon, and McFarland, USA.

How long is Radio?

Radio runs 109 minutes.

Where can I watch Radio?

In United States, Radio streams on Kanopy, Hoopla, YouTube Free.