The First Grader (2011)
Mature themes, violence and brief nudity
| Director: | Justin Chadwick |
| Actors: | Naomie Harris, Sam Feuer, Tony Kgoroge, Nick Reding, Oliver Litondo |
Set in a mountain village in Kenya, the film tells the remarkable true and uplifting story of a proud old Mau Mau veteran who is determined to seize his last chance to learn to read and write - and so ends up joining a class alongside six year-olds. Together, he and his young teacher face fierce resistance, but ultimately they win through - and also find a new way of overcoming the burdens of the colonial past.
| Status: | QuickPick |
|---|---|
| Run time: | 103mins |
| Origin: | UNITED STATES |
| Aspect Ratio: | 16:9 |
by Simon Miraudo, 26/12/2011 9:23:00 AM
The First Grader stars Oliver Litondo as late Kenyan Kimani Maruge, the Guinness World Record holder for being the oldest person to start primary school. The 84-year-old signed up in 2004, taking advantage of the government's then-new initiative to provide free education for the nation's children. Maruge was no kid, but the illiterate former rebel felt he'd more than earned his place in class, and was willing to fight bigotry and discrimination for it. It's an inspirational tale, no question, but it's worth noting Adam Sandler has already made a movie about an older gentleman going back to school. Now, I'm not sure Billy Madison received a theatrical release in Kenya, but the events of that 1995 film precede Maruge's life by at least nine years, so it's not out of the realm of possibil...
The First Grader stars Oliver Litondo as late Kenyan Kimani Maruge, the Guinness World Record holder for being the oldest person to start primary school. The 84-year-old signed up in 2004, taking advantage of the government's then-new initiative to provide free education for the nation's children. Maruge was no kid, but the illiterate former rebel felt he'd more than earned his place in class, and was willing to fight bigotry and discrimination for it.
It's an inspirational tale, no question, but it's worth noting Adam Sandler has already made a movie about an older gentleman going back to school. Now, I'm not sure Billy Madison received a theatrical release in Kenya, but the events of that 1995 film precede Maruge's life by at least nine years, so it's not out of the realm of possibility to imagine he was inspired by the flick. I wonder if his exploits as a wedding singer will also be revealed soon?
OK, the Kimani Maruge/Billy Madison connection is a facetious one. However, you shouldn't naturally presume that the "worthy" drama is immediately better than the silly comedy. The First Grader is a self-congratulatory and subtlety-free slog that makes saints of its protagonists, devils out of its antagonists and narcoleptics out of its audience.
Though Naomie Harris is charming as Maruge's patient, peaceful teacher, Justin Chadwick's direction is limp, and Ann Peacock's screenplay seeks to moralise and patronise without first constructing an interesting story. A man like Maruge deserves better.
2/5
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Member Reviews (44)
44 Member
Reviews
says
The history told about the way the British treated people in their own country torture and taking the family from them. The Old man was very brave and keen to learn to read for the one official letter. he had more to offer the children.
Sandra
says
Great story about Kenya's past and how they suffered under the British. But heartwarming in the end about this man's struggle to be able to read.
Recommended
Trish
says
was a good movie very graffic in parts though however you had to continue to watch to see how the movie concludes.
Craig
says
Powerful, tragic but inspiring. A warning the "shooting scene" is a real heart wrencher, my wife couldn't look and just balled and I just shook my head in appalled wonder at how people can do such terrible things. But still, a great movie.
says
Excellent production. Great acting and a compelling story. Such an insight into the hardships experienced and the power of individual perseverance. Well recommended for any audience.
Mick Flet
says
A truly inspirational movie about overcoming adversity. While a bit of an emotional roller coaster this amazing true story is capably told courtesy of great actors. Highly recommended!
robyn
says
just wish this film was part of western society curriculum, disturbing but uplifting
Jenny
says
Both my husband and I really loved this movie which gave an insight into Kenyas' transition from rule by the English to independence - great story
Cairo49
says
A great little movie - a pity they don't make more movies like this.
says
If I'd known this was a true story it would be been even more enjoyable - true stories don't have the same pace as fiction. However it was just lovely, very natural, extremely interesting, explained some historical events that I was ignorant of and it held my attention from beginning to end and through the second viewing. Certainly there was violence and some horror but that is life.
Jen
says
A little slow in parts but the main actors carried their roles very well, even some of the young children who had featured roles. Those little ones - too cute. Very moving and enjoyable film.
says
Totally delightful!! Beautifully acted - I love the actress who played the teacher - making very believable characters. And based on a true story! Definitely recommend this movie.
Susan
says
This was an excellant movie, we watched it twice. Very well acted and an inspiring story.
Lee
says
We love films based on true stories. This one was no exception. Amazing to see the courage exhibited by this man, reenacted by the lead character.
Also, being married to a teacher and hearing what he endures from some of the kids he teaches, it's terrific to observe children who crave knowledge and see it as a privilege to be able to go to school and receive an education. I wish more children appreciated this opportunity in Australia. We're very lucky.
HeidiSK
says
An Amazing story and confronting how we humans treat each other. A must see to the whole family and should be discussed over the dinner table. Highly recommend this.
Barbara
says
This was unexpectedly awful. It had rave reviews when it was in Perth at the Film Festival. The film was very good, but the content was horrific, particularly to one who had been raised in a 'colonial country' - not this one, thankfully, and had a very happy childhood. The backstory of the First Grader was set in Mau Mau times, with terrible torture of African people. It left me feeling terrible.
Noel
says
An inspirational story.
Chris and Sam
says
Thoroughly enjoyed this movie - I realised how ignorant I am of what has happened or is happening overseas. A brilliant movie
Mary
says
Another genuine story to come out of Africa. Unfortunately it is a reflection of man's inhumanity to man (from both sides), but on the other hand man's indominatable spirit shines through. Well worth a watch.
Dim
says
Just like the rest of the viewers have said,this movie is fantastic. It would make even the most mean hearted person cry. I think the 'violent' scenes make it what it is as it shows just how determined the old man is, and without it, there would be no emotion. Easily 5 stars.
Toni
says
Thoroughly enjoyed this one. An inspirational man.
Ina
says
Top Movie. Everyone should see this movie. Most enjoyable.
maggie
says
So so beautiful
Anie
says
A wonderful movie but so so gut wrenching and at times very emotional. Inspriational story. Smiles and tears, excellent viewing.
musicmum
says
A great movie,though some scenes could have been left out which made it hard to watch at times,but overall it leaves you with inspiration and admiration for this guy who went through so much but was determined to get an education before you died. Awesome!
Livingwell13
says
Very good movie, but incredibly gut wrenching. I expected a nice light hearted movie, but got totally dragged into his past. Broke my heart. Good on him for pushing so hard to get the education he never could when he was younger. Bring a big box of tissues with you when you watch it.
Sil
says
Good, heartwarming movie.
David Rochow
says
Very good movie. Well worth watching
Maggie
says
I enjoyed this movie, very indicative of the time it was set and the determination of one man.
Jxx
says
absolutely top rate movie.
Amanda
says
This is a beautiful movie, make sure you have a box of tissues handy.
excellent true story, one can't help but feel like their life has been enriched by watching this movie...makes me realise how lucky we are here in this country.
Mel
says
Loved this movie! It made me laugh, it made me cry (although I cry easily) and I thoroughly enjoyed it! I wish the old man was my grandpa.
stanarosa
says
Enjoyed the movie - funny and sad.
Amelia
says
Heart renching but very enjoyable.....tissues essential.
17/5/12
says
What a wonderful story. The scenes of the past showing the cruelty of colonialism will bring tears to your eyes, compared with the triumph of a Principal who simply will not discriminate against an older man who just wants to learn to read. Simple story and just loved it. A definite number 1 on my all time lost of favourites....
Suzie
says
Some scenes hard to watch - but a wonderful film.
J Clough
says
Inspiring story but features a lot of flashbacks to the violence done to his wife and child. Very disturbing viewing.
MLV
says
Until I watched this wonderful movie I had thought that the Mau Mau was a terrible group of people creating and causing bloodshed and terror, just for the sheer thrill of it, the bad guys. After watching the movie I decided to do some research. I am 56 years old and have only just realized at least part of the truth, and once again realized how powerful propaganda is. My brother still believes that the Vietnam war was about keeping communism from Australia! That was the propaganda of the time. I'm thankful to this movie for prompting me to go on a journey of discovery. Once again the British were brutal and bloodthirsty in their quest to conquer.
A truly inspirational story, well acted with simplicity and great dignity.
Baron-Virgo
says
This is a really good movie with an inspiring story. However I agree with another review posted here - there are some scenes showing violence and torture which is a bit confronting, so don't expect this to be an entirely heart-warming viewing experience.
Also it is worth looking up more info on the Mau Mau rebellion on Wikipedia as this film shows only small grabs in a rather superficial way - the history behind it is far more complex and some more background will help make sense of some other aspects of this film.
andrea
says
a beautiful story,shows you can do anything.wonderful
Doris
says
wonderful story worth a watch
michelle
says
GREAT film. It ran the gamult of all emotions - but was a little more violent than I had expected so don't let kids watch it! But it was a great story, I'd definitely recomment to all.
Melzy
says
Beautiful .. heart felt ... up there with "THE HELP" and "THE BLIND SIDE" definitely worth it
KM
says
Loved this movie- well made. There is something everyone can learn from this film- not to take the "basic" things in life for granted.