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The First Grader

Naomie Harris (Actor), Tony Kgoroge (Actor), Justin Chadwick (Director) Rated:
PG-13
Format: DVD
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 331 ratings
IMDb7.4/10.0
$12.00
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December 27, 2011 		—
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The First Grader — $2.89
Format Multiple Formats, AC-3, Color, Dolby, NTSC, Widescreen
Contributor Richard Harding, Vusi Kunene, Israel Makoe, Sam Feuer, Oliver Litondo, David M. Thompson, John Sibi-Okumu, Naomie Harris, Justin Chadwick, Dan 'Churchill' Ndambuki, Kamau Mbaya, Nick Reding, Shoki Mokgapa, Tony Kgoroge, Emily Njoki, Ann Peacock See more
Language English
Runtime 1 hour and 43 minutes
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Product Description

In a small; remote mountain top primary school in the Kenyan bush; hundreds of children are jostling for a chance for the free education newly promised by the Kenyan government. One new applicant causes astonishment when he knocks on the door of the school. He is Maruge (Litondo); an old Mau Mau veteran in his eighties; who is desperate to learn to read at this late stage of his life. He fought for the liberation of his country and now feels he must have the chance of an education so long deniedaeven if it means sitting in a classroom alongside six-year-olds. Moved by his passionate plea; head teacher Jane Obinchu (Harris) 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 such an old man. The First Grader is a heart-warming and inspiring true story of one man's fight for what he believes is his right in order to overcome the burdens of his past. It is a triumphant testimony to the transforming force of education.

Product details

  • Is Discontinued By Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ No
  • MPAA rating ‏ : ‎ PG-13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned)
  • Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 0.6 x 5.4 x 7.6 inches; 2.4 ounces
  • Item model number ‏ : ‎ 24098557
  • Director ‏ : ‎ Justin Chadwick
  • Media Format ‏ : ‎ Multiple Formats, AC-3, Color, Dolby, NTSC, Widescreen
  • Run time ‏ : ‎ 1 hour and 43 minutes
  • Release date ‏ : ‎ December 27, 2011
  • Actors ‏ : ‎ Naomie Harris, Tony Kgoroge, Oliver Litondo, Nick Reding, Vusi Kunene
  • Producers ‏ : ‎ Sam Feuer, David M. Thompson, Richard Harding
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English (Dolby Surround)
  • Studio ‏ : ‎ 20th Century Fox
  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B005M9VSNC
  • Writers ‏ : ‎ Ann Peacock
  • Number of discs ‏ : ‎ 1
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 331 ratings

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
331 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

JEK teacher
5.0 out of 5 stars a movie worth watching
Reviewed in the United States on April 23, 2019
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The two main characters, the teacher and the 84 year-old student are both admirable for their determination to stand up for their beliefs in the face of criticism, unfairness, and even violence. Because there are some scenes that depict atrocities committed during the war for independence in Kenya, I'd suggest you not show this to children until you have previewed it and determined how they will handle it. The few scenes are not overdone but they are stark reality. In the early part of the movie some scenes move between present and past which is sometimes confusing. The strong value placed on education, and the message to put aside past wrongs and cultural and tribal differences to work together for the common good is commendable
2 people found this helpful
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Colby K
5.0 out of 5 stars How to become familiar with Kenya in less than 2 hours
Reviewed in the United States on January 21, 2012
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I cannot review this movie in a normal fashion. I have been to Kenya 4 times to work with orphans in a day orphanage, so the topic is too personal for a subjective review.

To focus on just one of the many great aspects of this movie, the greatest value of this movie is how it familiarizes us with rural Kenya - not only how school life is for children away from the city and the effects of tribalism, but the positive and negative results of gaining independence. The tribalism was understandably muted in the movie, but evident enough. I brought my most recent team of first-timers to see the movie before we left, and it served to prepare them for the world they were stepping into. The value of this movie is more than being interesting, moving, and entertaining. It helps especially Westerners taste the reality of life in Kenya - and perhaps to be moved to help them succeed in their efforts to develop their own nation.
3 people found this helpful
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accordionjim
5.0 out of 5 stars The First Grader. . .the education of an elderly man in Kenya
Reviewed in the United States on August 12, 2012
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This video is of a movie entirely filmed in Kenya. The theme is that when Kenya became independent, education was provided free for all Kenyans. The protaganist is an elderly, former Mau Mau warrior of the Kikuyu tribe, who never learned to read. He receives a letter from the Kenyan Government, but does not know what is contained in the letter. He makes several attempts to enroll in an elementary school, but faces rejection. He faced torture at the hands of the British during the rebellion, and lost all his family. It is the story of a real person, dramatically portrayed by local actors and village children. It is a heartwarming movie that leaves the viewer with a reminder that one should never take education for granted. It may be the best film I've seen in years. I bought two copies and gave one to my teacher-daughter!
This review does not contain a "spoiler." The ending and reading of the letter is not revealed herein.
One person found this helpful
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William C. Goold
5.0 out of 5 stars Watch this Movie!
Reviewed in the United States on January 4, 2021
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Excellent movie! The characters were well defined and played with integrity. The context was quite authentic. The periodic flashbacks to Mau-Mau struggles could be initially confusing to viewers unfamiliar with the historical background. All in all, it is a fine, well done movie. For sure, the title does not betray the content. I liked it so much I immediately ordered a DVD copy and have shared it with friends and family. Recommendation: Watch it!
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Maritza
4.0 out of 5 stars Adorable
Reviewed in the United States on May 18, 2023
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Absolutely love this film
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RARA AVIS
5.0 out of 5 stars Powerful Must See
Reviewed in the United States on November 8, 2020
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At first I was unsure to continue watching as the pain was so great. I continued and tears poured down my face due to the determination of an old man and the kind heart of a school teacher. Forgive me for simplifying. The acting superb from the adult to the children, The shots perfect. The only down side was the ending - the letter - its power wasn't present but instead stunted. A moment missed the beat abandoned too soon.
One person found this helpful
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A Snider
5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring and revealing
Reviewed in the United States on October 18, 2017
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This movie is a critical and dramatic documentary of racist injustice and the persistence of one man who would not succumb to the past or to present criticisms that would prevent him from seeking a justice for himself that would have far-reaching effects. This is an inspiring movie that tells the story of another country in a way that enlightens our own sense of racist injustice. As I watched, I realized I had to yet confess my own past of racial injustice and the ingrained feelings that permitted it.
2 people found this helpful
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Val - Mass
5.0 out of 5 stars Totally Amazing film
Reviewed in the United States on October 14, 2020
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Some viewers make long descriptions, based on how they feel and like/or not this movie. I will not make comments because I truly believe this is a movie to watch. Not a "family" movie as I would suggest to watch it alone to deeply enjoy every moment.
One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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Diane H
5.0 out of 5 stars The First Grader.
Reviewed in Canada on July 22, 2020
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This film should be seen by every man, woman and child. It is a terrific movie and shows that a dream to get an education can and should never be extinguished, no matter the circumstances. The first Grader is the story of an 84 year of Kenyan Farmer who decided he wanted to go to school and get himself an education for the first time, as he could now afford to do so. So he did, becoming the world’s oldest First Grader. It is a great, heartwarming story, proving that if you have a dream, nothing can stop you. Highly recommended. Enjoy.
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yotohindi
5.0 out of 5 stars the first grader
Reviewed in Germany on June 18, 2012
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ein sehr emotionaler film, sehr einfühlsam und gut gemacht.
hat mir sehr gut gefallen. man kann ihn immer wieder ansehen.
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DETROIS-LUTON Alice 230
5.0 out of 5 stars le plus viel écolier du monde
Reviewed in France on April 16, 2012
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J'ai vu ce filme en version française sur Arte, j'avais promis un un vieux Monsieur Kényan de le lui envoyer grâce à vous c'est chose faite merci Je reste frustrée car il est uniquement en version originale (anglais) ma question : existe t'il en version parlé française si oui ou puis je me le procurer ? comment faire merci salutations Alice Detrois
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Hildy
5.0 out of 5 stars Great discussion starter
Reviewed in Canada on July 17, 2013
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Viewed this video with a Grade 7 class (I offered parents a preview night due to 3 rather graphic scenes). Incredible discussion about what makes a good teacher and the power of education. Stimulated several thought-provoking research projects - great film!
One person found this helpful
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Ingrid
5.0 out of 5 stars An extraordinary man
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 13, 2013
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I just love films about extraordinary people - it is so inspiring to watch what some people can achieve. And this is such a film to love.
This 84 year old man decides to learn to read and write and is so determined to do so that he can endure almost anything and in the end he even ends up in the UN in New York to tell about the power of reading.
He has endured lots of horror in his life, so him being this strong, wise, gentle old man is amazing and inspiring.
Highly recommended.
One person found this helpful
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