The First Grader2011
The First Grader (2011)
The First Grader Photos
Movie Info
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Cast
as Jane Obinchu
as Kimani Ng'ang'a Maruge
as Young Maruge's Wife
as Maruge's Daughter
as Charles Obinchu
as Maruge's Baby Son
as Young Maruge
as DJ Masha
as DJ's PA
as Boie
as Old Codger
as Old Codger
as Old Codger
as Old Codger
as Agnes
as Teacher Alfred
as Teacher Elizabeth
as Teacher Katherine
as David Chege
as Kamau Chege
as Mother Wanjiku
as Mother Benta
as Jonas
as Joel
as Peter
as Village Woman
as Village Girl
as Young Mother
as Maasai Store Owner
as Officer Johnson
as Mau Mau Oath Giver
as Mau Mau Leader
as Plantation Owner's Wife
as John Gambe
as Mr. Kipruto
as Stall Owner
as Stall Owner
as Education Secretary
as Adult School Teacher
as BBC Journalist
as CNN Journalist
as American Journalist
as Mr. Mutahi/Politician
as Mr. Mutahi's Aide
as Mrs. Muthumba
as Jacquie (P.A. to the Chairman)
as Education Official
as Newsreader
News & Interviews for The First Grader
Critic Reviews for The First Grader
All Critics (78) | Top Critics (30) | Fresh (48) | Rotten (30)
The First Grader is a quietly educational experience.
This appealing mixture of contention and inspiration becomes a feel-good story that will make you shed a tear, then grin ear to ear.
Director Justin Chadwick's admirable effort manages to do more than inspire, educating auds with an important chapter in African history.
Seems to go on for ever and manipulates its audience in the most naïve of ways.
A predictable but inspiring story of an 84-year-old, one-time Mau Mau warrior, who insists on an education at a Kenyan primary school.
It's a complex scenario, but this movie winds up telling a straightforward, and slightly sucrose, heartwarming tale.
Audience Reviews for The First Grader
Wonderful movie!! Inspiring. Heartfelt. Moving....and so continues my theory that some of the best movies are the ones that I have never heard of.... I found this a heart warming story, and much to be learned from. The main character's determination to realize his dream against all odds is truly inspiring. Makes me count my American blessings.
Super Reviewer
This true story of an 84 year old Kenyan man who, against all opposition, wants to make use of the new law of free education for first graders, is a perfect feel good movie. While the flashbacks into his past that by and by reveal his eventful back story and explain the motivation for his wish to learn reading also give a glimpse into the violent history of the country, this is not a political film. It is a story about the importance of education, dealing with your past and standing up for yourself. The performances are top notch and heart warming, especially the leading man Oliver Litondo and Naomie Harris as teacher are adorable. While the film does not avoid all stereotypes that come with such stories it is still enthralling, touching, beautifully filmed and very entertaining. The best stories are still those where bad things happen to good people but in the end everyone gets what they deserve.
Super Reviewer
The main (true) story here is not that a Kenyan octogenarian goes back to first grade, but the horrible hell he and his countrymen went through fighting off the British colonialist in the 1950s. This should be rated R because that hell is presented in a horrifying way. To those that say violence in movies make you numb: I love Kill Bill, I've seen it probably 7 times, and this movie disturbed me to a point where I wanted to walk out. But I'm glad I didn't.
Super Reviewer
The First Grader Quotes
| Kimani N'gan'ga Maruge: | Learn till the soils get in your ears |
| Kimani N'gan'ga Maruge: | Learn till the soil get in your ears. |
| Kimani N'gan'ga Maruge: | Learn till the soil gets in your ears. |
| Kimani N'gan'ga Maruge: | We have to learn from our past, and we must not forget, we must be better |
| Kimani N'gan'ga Maruge: | We have to learn from our past because we must not forget, and because we must be better. |
| Jane Obinchu: | Class we have a new student today! |
| Jane Obinchu: | Why does someone as old as you want to go to school? |