The First Grader reviews (2010)

The First Grader

2010

Overall rating: 3.5 out of 5

from 1749 members

When the Kenyan government promises free education for all, 84 year-old Maruge (Oliver Litondo in his debut role) makes his way to a remote primary school in the Kenyan bush to get himself the education he has always been denied. A former Mau Mau warrior, fifty years earlier he fought for the liberation of his country and now he must fight for his right to learn to read and write in a class of six-year-olds. Moved by his passionate plea, head teacher Jane (Naomie Harris, PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN) supports his struggle to gain admission and together they face fierce opposition from parents and officials who don’t want to waste a precious school place on an old man.

The First Grader details

Format:	12 DVD
Starring:	Naomie Harris, Tony Kgoroge, Sam Feuer, Nick Reding, Oliver Litondo
Director:	Justin Chadwick
Genre:	Drama - General
Studio:	ELEVATION SALES

DVD 1 disc

Name	Discs
The First Grader	12 Feature

DVD Information

Run time:	1 hour 38 minutes
Rental release:	17 Oct 2011
Main languages:	English

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LOVEFiLM Review The First Grader

By Tom Charity from LOVEFiLM

Based on a true story and set in Kenya, an 84-year-old man is determined to get an education. Co-stars Naomi Harris.
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Most helpful review The First Grader

Smiles and tears

By a customer , 23 Jun 2011

[Highly rated reviewer]

Don't expect a zany Billy Madison type comedy about an adult returning to school this is uplifting, joyful, but at times a tough watch.

I left the cinema with a lump in my throat and a smile on my face.

Similarly to something like Slumdog Millionaire, but not as good, it's power is in celebrating the human spirit, and it doesn't shy away from the darker side of humanity.

Well worth a watch.
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All reviews

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Brilliant film

By a customer , 21 Apr 2013

This film was simply wonderful - uplifting true story about the unfairness of life, and brought tears to my eyes. Brilliant acting.
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Simply Sensational... A Must Watch

By a customer , 23 Sep 2012

Masterfully directed and simply inspiring...Parents with children wanting to give them a push to study should definately rent this film.
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AMAZING STORY

By AnnieRobertson (19 reviews) , 29 Aug 2012

What a surprise. A great story and based on a true one!

Very different and although a bit upsetting and harsh at times, thoroughly watchable and would recommend to anyone who likes a good story/drama.

A bit of history which we were a bit ignorant of but ultimately inspiring and thought provoking.
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Uplifting and harrowing and wonderful!

By Tehanu (13 reviews) from Earthsea , 10 May 2012

A moving and at times heart-rending film. the school children were fantastic as were the main actors. Flashbacks were disturbing and often harrowing but the spirit of the film is uplifting and full of hope. a must see!
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Tough viewing at times

By Mira1 (8 reviews) , 14 Apr 2012

Well worth watching. The children in the school were wonderful. Some scenes from the past were disturbing and my 13 year old didn't stay to watch after a few ominous hints at what was going to happen. My older children found it very shocking. It wasn't quite the feelgood film I expected but it's right to be reminded of the realities of what happened in Kenya within living memory.
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