Beautiful Story, Great Performances

Rating: 8/10 (2 May 2006)

In 1976, in Anderson, South Caroline, the football coach Jones (Ed Harris) of the T.L. Hanna High School protects a handicapped young man from the abuse of some of his players. He gives the nickname of Radio to James Robert Kennedy (Cuba Gooding Jr.), who can hardly speak. After some months in the companion of Coach Jones and resistance of part of the locals, Radio becomes popular, beloved and a symbol for most of the population.
"Radio" is really a very beautiful movie. In times of disturbance around the selfish world, this story based on true events is a message of friendship, hope and love for the other. The beautiful human being Coach Jones gives a lesson of sympathy and respect, bringing Radio to a normal life in society. The performances of Cuba Gooding Jr. and Ed Harris are stunning, and I believe Cuba Gooding Jr. should had been nominated to the Oscar. Last but not the least, the footages of Radio and Coach Jones in the very end are touching, and will certainly shake the emotions of the viewer. "Radio" is a movie recommended for the whole family. My vote is eight.
Title (Brazil): "Meu Nome Ã‰ Radio" ("My Name Is Radio")