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      The First Grader

      PG-13 Released May 13, 2011 1 hr. 39 min. Drama Biography List
      62% 78 Reviews Tomatometer 76% 1,000+ Ratings Audience Score An 84-year-old Kenyan (Oliver Litondo) fights for his right to attend school for the first time and receive the education he previously could not afford. Read More Read Less Watch on Fandango at Home Premiered Mar 01 Buy Now

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      Audience Reviews

      View All (127) audience reviews
      Ann M A powerful story, clearly told with excellent acting. Made me see things I thought I knew about the Mau Mau uprising in a totally different light and with a sense of shame for my heritage. Highly recommended watching. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 04/10/24 Full Review james b This was a pretty good movie. Kind of seemed like the ending was maybe not as solid as the beginning of the movie. Seemed kind of rushed to me. It was a good movie though, and was a good watch. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review adam b A touching fact-based story that truly is inspirational and well acted Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member Kinda Surprising, It Was Mostly Predictable But An Effective Bit Of Melodrama. The Violent Flashbacks Were A Bit Hard To Take At Times... I Think It Just Lacked A Good Soundtrack That Coulda Had A Few Good Mood-Pieces Worked Into Some Key Scenes. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/21/23 Full Review Audience Member interesting but I was kind of hoping this was a documentary. Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 01/20/23 Full Review Audience Member Uneven and confusing - The First Grader doesn't quite get the right mix between telling Marube's struggle to get a primary education and highlighting the horrors faced by the Mau Mau fighters against the British. There is an uplifting and inspiring story that the film fails to extract. Rated 2 out of 5 stars 02/06/23 Full Review Read all reviews Post a rating

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      The First Grader

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      Critics Reviews

      View All (78) Critics Reviews
      Anna Smith metro.co.uk The First Grader is a quietly educational experience. Rated: 3/5 Aug 24, 2018 Full Review Dwight Brown National Newspaper Publishers Association This appealing mixture of contention and inspiration becomes a feel-good story that will make you shed a tear, then grin ear to ear. Rated: 3.5/4 Mar 21, 2017 Full Review Peter Debruge Variety Director Justin Chadwick's admirable effort manages to do more than inspire, educating auds with an important chapter in African history. Feb 23, 2012 Full Review Richard Propes TheIndependentCritic.com Those who have experienced Kenya or, for that matter, the African continent, will likely consider this a 'must see' cinematic experience. Rated: 2.5/4.0 Sep 7, 2020 Full Review Matthew Groizard CineVue The crucial authenticity that Chadwick so painstakingly wrought in his locations and filmmaking approach is completely undermined in the overly-sentimental -- frankly dishonest -- characterization of his protagonist. Rated: 2/5 Nov 6, 2018 Full Review Brandy McDonnell The Oklahoman With stellar performances, gorgeously authentic cinematography and a winning story, the fact-based feature "The First Grader" moves to the head of the class despite poor marks in some fundamental filmmaking areas. Rated: 3/4 Aug 15, 2018 Full Review Read all reviews

      Movie Info

      Synopsis An 84-year-old Kenyan (Oliver Litondo) fights for his right to attend school for the first time and receive the education he previously could not afford.
      Director
      Justin Chadwick
      Executive Producer
      Norman Merry, Joe Oppenheimer, Anant Singh, Helena Spring
      Screenwriter
      Ann Peacock
      Distributor
      National Geographic
      Production Co
      BBC Films, Arte France Cinema
      Rating
      PG-13 (Some Disturbing Violent Cont.|Brief Nudity)
      Genre
      Drama, Biography
      Original Language
      English
      Release Date (Theaters)
      May 13, 2011, Limited
      Release Date (Streaming)
      Dec 28, 2011
      Box Office (Gross USA)
      $330.5K
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