3 stars (out of 5)
Director: Justin Chadwick
Cast: Naomie Harris, Oliver Litondo, Tony Kgoroge, Nick Redding, Vusi Kunene, Dan "Churchill" Ndambuki, Israel Mako, John Sibi-Okumu, Alfred Munyua
Rating: (M)
In the Kenyan rift valley, a remote community hears that the Government is offering free education to anyone who can produce a birth certificate. As hordes of parents descend on the enrolment desk, one applicant doesn't quite fit the mould.
Based on a true story, The First Grader tells the story of Kimani N'gan'ga Maruge (Oliver Litondo), an 84-year-old former freedom fighter with a burning desire to learn to read. Maruge arrives at the schoolhouse to find that the community at large is less than accepting of his goal.
Spliced through the film as abstract flashbacks is Maruge's past, in which he stood up to the British and lost almost everything. Maruge's motivation is key, yet Kenya's troubled past is used sparingly by the film-makers.
Tribal disputes get a mention every now and then, but just so details don't get too heavy, there are charming moments of interaction between the old man and some very photogenic children.
The camera work is spot-on, so even when the film drifts occasionally into overly sentimentalised dross, there are lovely images to get lost in.
Aside from the occasional quirky African humour, The First Grader is projected through a very Euro-centric lens. Stories about courageous teachers and troubled students are a dime a dozen, so The First Grader feels as if it needs more African input than the stellar cast of locals can deliver via the script. That said, it will still charm any audience seeking a none-too-challenging detour off the beaten track.
Best thing: Stunning cinematography.
Worst thing: Overly contrived flashback sequences.
See it with: An elderly family member.
- Mark Orton
