The First Grader

Kenya, United Kingdom

2010

98 Min

Color

English

Currently 3.2/5 Stars.
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EXEC Norman Merry, Joe Oppenheimer, Anant Singh, Helena Spring

PROD Sam Feuer, Richard Harding, David M. Thompson

CAST Naomie Harris, Oliver Litondo, Tony Kgoroge, Nick Reding, Vusi Kunene, Sam Feuer, John Sibi Okumu, Shoki Mokgapa, Mumbi Kaigwa

SOUND Nico Louw

London (Galas & Special Screenings), Telluride, Toronto (Contemporary World Cinema)

Synopsis

The premise is irresistible. When the government of Kenya announces it will offer free primary education for the first time, an 84-year-old man shows up on the doorstep of a rural school, ready for class. Having never had the benefit of an education, Kimani N’gan’ga Maruge figures it’s never too late to start. Towering over the little children at their desks, he is just as eager to learn. —indieWIRE

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Michael Harbour

16Jan12

Very good but not great by-the-numbers uplifting story about kids and old people and education being a good thing and how you gotta show some resolve and determination develops a dark undercurrent and unexpected depth as background and history are revealed to the audience.

msmichel

29May11

A formulaic crowd pleaser with a heart of gold. For some thats a recomendation for others a complete turn off. A story so outrageous it could only be true. Pedestrian direction from Chadwick that squanders bigger opportunities saved by performances by Litondo and Naomie Harris. Not a total bust by any stretch but one becomes conscience of being manipulated.