The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

Name: The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
Genre: Drama
Released: March 1, 2019
Duration: 113 min
Rating: 68
Cast: Aïssa Maïga, Beatus Ble Msamange, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Felix Lemburo, Fiskan Makawa

2019

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 20 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 35 Ratings

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7.5

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7.5	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 35 Ratings

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The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind

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Movie Details & Credits

Netflix | Release Date: March 1, 2019 | TV-PG

Starring: Aïssa Maïga, Beatus Ble Msamange, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Felix Lemburo, Fiskan Makawa, Fredrick Lukhere, Hestingzi Phiri, Joseph Marcell, Kelvin Maxwell Ngoma, Lemogang Tsipa, Lily Banda, Maxwell Simba, Noma Dumezweni, Robert Agengo, Rophium Banda

Summary: Against all the odds, a thirteen year old boy in Malawi invents an unconventional way to save his family and village from famine. Based on the best selling book and true story of William Kamkwamba.

Director: Chiwetel Ejiofor

Genre(s): Drama

Rating: TV-PG

Runtime: 113 min

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Awards & Rankings

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Critic Reviews

Michael Phillips

Feb 28, 2019

For all these self-effacing but highly valuable reasons, when the triumphs of the human, agricultural and engineering spirits arrive, they work. It’s moving, and it’s earned. Ejiofor is off and running as a director. Read full review

The Guardian Benjamin Lee

Jan 30, 2019

It’s a conventional film in many ways but one that slowly and effectively builds to a remarkably rousing climax, displaying an act of overwhelming ingenuity that’s hard to deny. Read full review

Elizabeth Weitzman

Feb 27, 2019

Exhibiting a dexterity that suggests far more extensive directorial experience, Ejiofor proves himself a master of impact. His visual approach is expansive and evocative, thanks also to the fine work of cinematographer Dick Pope. Read full review

Tim Grierson

Jan 30, 2019

This earnest tale succeeds thanks to its potent themes — including the tension between old traditions and new ways of thinking — and Ejiofor locates the story’s emotional underpinnings without succumbing to cheap manipulation or mawkishness. Read full review

David Ehrlich

Jan 30, 2019

Ejiofor’s compassionate script, adapted from William’s 2009 memoir, is finely attuned to the cold realities that confront its warm characters. It only struggles to chart a clear arc for its protagonist, who remains a bright and quietly determined kid from start to finish, while his (often sidelined) father is the one who best embodies the film’s conflict. Read full review

Emily Yoshida

Feb 28, 2019

The film remains too mannered for its own good; it’s unquestionably nice and well-intentioned, but lacking momentum. Read full review

Blake Goble

Mar 5, 2019

To commend The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind is reasonably easy. Here’s a film that’s pro-science, and sheds new light on a world that Western audiences don’t normally see. But it’s all so dramatically meager and obvious as well. Read full review

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User Reviews

Captain33

Apr 26, 2019

This was a very good and interesting film. It mainly showed about a boy who used wind to make water which in my opinion is very cool and interesting, therefore makes a very compelling film.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

Star20

Apr 26, 2019

This was a really good movie. It showed a really great view point of the African American culture.