The First Grader

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The First Grader

PG-13

Released May 13, 2011

1h 39m

Drama

Biography

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62%

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76 Reviews

76%

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1,000+ Ratings

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.

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Anna Smith

metro.co.uk

The First Grader is a quietly educational experience.

Rated: 3/5

Aug 24, 2018

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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adam b

A touching fact-based story that truly is inspirational and well acted

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

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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

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Audience Member

interesting but I was kind of hoping this was a documentary.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

01/20/23

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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

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Justin Chadwick

Director

Naomie Harris

Jane Obinchu

Oliver Litondo

Kimani N'gan'ga Maruge

Tony Kgoroge

Charles Obinchu

Sam Feuer

American Journalist

Nick Reding

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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
Producer: Richard Harding, Sam Feuer, David M. Thompson
Screenwriter: Ann Peacock
Distributor: National Geographic
Production Co: BBC Films, Arte France Cinema, UK Film Council, Videovision Entertainment
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
Runtime: 1h 39m

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