X
  • 2011
  • PG-13
  • National Geographic Entertainment
  • 1 h 43 m
  • 2011
  • PG-13
  • National Geographic Entertainment
  • 1 h 43 m

Summary In a small, remote, mountaintop 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 applicant causes astonishment when he knocks on the door of the school. He is Maruge, an old Mau Mau veteran in his 80s, who is desperate to learn to read at...

Directed By: Justin Chadwick

Written By: Ann Peacock

  • 2011
  • PG-13
  • National Geographic Entertainment
  • 1 h 43 m
  • 2011
  • PG-13
  • National Geographic Entertainment
  • 1 h 43 m

The First Grader

Metascore Mixed or Average Based on 21 Critic Reviews
56
User Score Generally Favorable Based on 9 User Ratings
7.2
My Score
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Where to Watch

Summary In a small, remote, mountaintop 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 applicant causes astonishment when he knocks on the door of the school. He is Maruge, an old Mau Mau veteran in his 80s, who is desperate to learn to read at...

Directed By: Justin Chadwick

Written By: Ann Peacock

Where to Watch

Top Cast

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View All Cast & Crew

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
Mixed or Average Based on 21 Critic Reviews
56
43% Positive
9 Reviews
52% Mixed
11 Reviews
5% Negative
1 Review

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews

Critic Reviews

 View All
Metascore
Mixed or Average Based on 21 Critic Reviews
56
43% Positive
9 Reviews
52% Mixed
11 Reviews
5% Negative
1 Review

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
88
May 26, 2011
I have never seen elementary schoolers more passionate about education than the ones I met at a school in rural Kenya, not far from the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro.
By Lawrence Toppman FULL REVIEW
80
May 9, 2011
Chadwick strikes a perfect balance between humor and tragic gravity, and the result is that an unknown story seems certain to stir the hearts of audiences worldwide.
FULL REVIEW
67
May 12, 2011
The First Grader offers a tumultuous but uplifting journey.
FULL REVIEW
60
May 13, 2011
Director Justin Chadwick ("The Other Boleyn Girl") shows admirable restraint bringing this true story to the screen, and Litando does much with glimmers of emotion and wells of dignity.
By Joe Neumaier FULL REVIEW
50
May 19, 2011
You marvel all the more at Litondo's and Harris's performances, considering how much claptrap Ann Peacock's script requires them to put up with.
By Mark Feeney FULL REVIEW
50
May 12, 2011
This ambition - to provoke thought while tugging at heartstrings - makes The First Grader fascinating and frustrating in almost equal measure.
By A.O. Scott FULL REVIEW
38
May 19, 2011
It's heartwarming. But the film never really takes fire.
By Michael O'Sullivan FULL REVIEW

User Reviews

 View All
User Score
Generally Favorable Based on 9 User Ratings
7.2
78% Positive
7 Ratings
11% Mixed
1 Rating
11% Negative
1 Rating

User Reviews

 View All
User Score
Generally Favorable Based on 9 User Ratings
7.2
78% Positive
7 Ratings
11% Mixed
1 Rating
11% Negative
1 Rating

There are no user reviews yet. Be the first to add a review.

Details

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Production Company BBC Film, UK Film Council, Videovision Entertainment, Lipsync Productions, ARTE, Sixth Sense Productions, Origin Pictures, Big Boy Films
Release Date May 13, 2011
Duration 1 h 43 m
Rating PG-13
Genres
Tagline It's never too late to dream.
Website http://www.thefirstgrader-themovie.com/
View All Details

Awards

Image Awards (NAACP)
• 1 Win & 7 Nominations
Sedona International Film Festival
• 4 Wins & 4 Nominations
Black Reel Awards
• 4 Nominations

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