The First Grader

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The First Grader

PG-13,

2011,

1h 39m,

Drama/

Biography

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62%

76 Reviews

Tomatometer

76%

1,000+ Ratings

Popcornmeter

62%

Tomatometer

76 Reviews

76%

Popcornmeter

1,000+ Ratings

An 84-year-old Kenyan (Oliver Litondo) fights for his right to attend school for the first time and receive the education he previously could not afford.

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Anna Smith

metro.co.uk

Aug 24, 2018

3/5

The First Grader is a quietly educational experience.

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Dwight Brown

National Newspaper Publishers Association

Mar 21, 2017

3.5/4

This appealing mixture of contention and inspiration becomes a feel-good story that will make you shed a tear, then grin ear to ear.

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Peter Debruge

Variety

Feb 23, 2012

Director Justin Chadwick's admirable effort manages to do more than inspire, educating auds with an important chapter in African history.

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Richard Propes

TheIndependentCritic.com

Sep 7, 2020

2.5/4.0

Those who have experienced Kenya or, for that matter, the African continent, will likely consider this a 'must see' cinematic experience.

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Matthew Groizard

CineVue

Nov 6, 2018

2/5

The crucial authenticity that Chadwick so painstakingly wrought in his locations and filmmaking approach is completely undermined in the overly-sentimental -- frankly dishonest -- characterization of his protagonist.

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Brandy McDonnell

The Oklahoman

Aug 15, 2018

3/4

With stellar performances, gorgeously authentic cinematography and a winning story, the fact-based feature "The First Grader" moves to the head of the class despite poor marks in some fundamental filmmaking areas.

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Ron P

May 28, 2011

Excellent movie about education and children. It is also about a very determined elderly man who wants to get an education and has a dark past.

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Justin Chadwick

Director

Naomie Harris

Jane Obinchu

Oliver Litondo

Kimani N'gan'ga Maruge

Tony Kgoroge

Charles Obinchu

Sam Feuer

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Nick Reding

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Synopsis

An 84-year-old Kenyan (Oliver Litondo) fights for his right to attend school for the first time and receive the education he previously could not afford.

Director: Justin Chadwick
Producer: Richard Harding, Sam Feuer, David M. Thompson
Screenwriter: Ann Peacock
Distributor: National Geographic
Production Co: BBC Films, Arte France Cinema, UK Film Council, Videovision Entertainment
Rating: PG-13 (Some Disturbing Violent Cont.|Brief Nudity)
Genre: Drama, Biography
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): May 13, 2011, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 28, 2011
Box Office (Gross USA): $330.5K
Runtime: 1h 39m

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