The First Grader
The true story of an 84 year-old Kenyan villager and ex Mau Mau freedom fighter who fights for his right to go to school for the first time to get the education he could never afford.
Director:
Justin Chadwick
Cast:
Oliver Litondo, Emily Njoki, Hannah Wacera
Screenplay:
Ann Peacock
Screening Date:
May 07, 2011
| Excellent | Very Good | Good | Fair | Poor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 66.7% | 21.6% | 9.8% | 0.0% | 2.0% |
“One of the best this year.”
“A wonderful film.”
“What a wonderful film! Inspiring, moving, gorgeous.”
“When are governments going to realize that education is our salvation – not guns, not soldiers, but classrooms and teachers.”
“Such a wonderful film. Thank you for bringing it to us.”
“Very touching…although the story is somewhat predictable; the film was moving, instructive and beautifully acted.”
“The waste that goes on in education in this country is a disgrace. Kenyan Children are taught with a piece of chalk, a blackboard and a good teacher. Perhaps we should copy some of these techniques of basic education. A wonderful story and a wonderful film.”
"A beautiful story. Education not only is power, but having convictions and keeping to them.”
“First rate!”
“A wonderful lesson to all.”
“Beautiful and painful. The most important education is that the past is always present. And the future requires the past in their consciousness. It was most symbolic and literally beneficial to have the past - an 84 year old - as part of primary education.”
“This was a very moving film, especially the flashbacks and the reactions and conditions of the children. However, the device of him having wasted all those years to learn the contents of the letter was too contrived and unbelievable, strictly from a dramatic movie moment point of view that helped to lessen the impact. The main actor was quite affecting; he should make more films before it’s too late.”
“Inspirational and heart warming with a wonderful story. The acting in this film was extraordinary, including the children. The flashbacks established his character so well. Great screenplay.”
“Powerful! Needs to be shown to Bloomberg.”
“A little too Hallmark Movie of the week” for me but very moving nonetheless. Great acting by all concerned. Loved the photos of the real Marunge at the end – especially napping with the other first-graders! Looking forward to a DVD with more about him.”
“Made its point without leading us to feel all is well at the end. History as it was decades ago and is in the making today.”
“Keeping pencils sharpened as a metaphor for the power of the written word…powerful and more so because fortunately and unfortunately it was all true.”
“Wonderful story with great casting. Should be shown to all students so they appreciate the education they have.”
“Wow! I’m impressed. Inspiring film with a great story. First time I’ve seen a realistic portrayal of what the British did in Kenya from an African perspective.”
“An excellent story that was very well told. The actors were very good. Should get a an Academy Award nomination.”
“What a superb and beautiful movie! Even though some scenes maybe hard to watch, it was really an eye opener for everyone.”
“Very real and enjoyable.”
“What a beautiful, moving film about the power of the pen and never giving up, even in the face of death. I often wonder if I would have the courage and fortitude as Murange. Thank you, John, for helping us put our own lives and priorities in order. It will help me appreciate what we have.”
“I found this film so heavy handed it was at times painful to watch. The story is compelling and the cause is important, but could it have been told to us without hammering every plot point home. Thanks for a great year of films and guests and discussions!” Jeanne K.
“The scene with the pencil sharpener in the camps was unforgettable. Shouldn’t there be education for the illiterate and elderly?”
“How quickly we forget the courage of those whose bravery is our legacy. And how quickly we forget the reason they fought. And how quickly we repeat the injustices of the past.”
