Review of The First Grader (2010) by Simon S — 13 Aug 2012
Wow... that's what I said after watching this movie! Outstanding biographical drama directed by Justin Chadwick, starring Naomie Harris, Oliver Litondo, and Tony Kgoroge, and based on the true story of Kimani Maruge, a Kenyan man - Mau Mau freedom fighter - who enrolled in elementary education at the age of 84 after the Kenyan government announced universal and free elementary education in 2003.
The British-produced film was shot in Kenya, despite earlier reports that it would be filmed in South Africa. Director Justin Chadwick explained the reasons saying: "We could have shot it in South Africa, but Kenya has this unbelievable, inexplicable energy - inherent in the children, and the people we were making the film about". And he was right - the energy of this film is something to be remembered!
Inspirational and educational - but I have to say that I was upset that none of the crimes against humanity committed by the British portrayed in this movie, like the ones committed by the other mighty armies trying to "make it right"(for themselves) will ever be answered in the courts... it's just not right!
Tough watching and very emotional - highly recommended!
This review of The First Grader (2010) was written by Simon S on 13 Aug 2012.
The First Grader has generally received positive reviews.
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