The First Grader- The simplicity of Freedom

So I seem to be making a habit of going to see movies at the Labia.... or at least I’m trying.

Last night we went to see The First grader, a movie I’ve been dying to see and for the most part it lived up to some of my expectations. The film is based on a true story of an ex Mau Mau fighter from a remote village in Kenya, who at the age of 84 decides that he too wants to take the government up on their offer for free education for all, an education he could not afford to get before.

Moments of sadness and anger are balanced by some humour, from a chorus of local men and taxi drivers who constantly have their two cents to add, and warmth that keeps it from being completely consumed by the painful political milieu on which the story is based, giving you the chance to be inspired by the hope and humanity of Maruge (Oliver Litondo) instead. The children in film have the most beautiful souls that you can see through their wide eye’s and they demonstrate, as only children can, the meaning of acceptance as the take Maruge into their classroom and lives. Most of Maruge’s life is a sketch of his fight for freedom, which although Kenya eventually succeeded in getting, the film depicts him as still fighting for, even after the British are gone, in his desire to be literate and to be at peace.

With believable and inspirational performances all round Kimani Ng'ange'a Maruge’s story is given much justice in the way it has been told. Although, in as much as the story is an inspirational one, the line of the tale told is lacking in some aspects, it doesn’t quite manage to invoke the emotion you would expect from a story like this one. Characters such as Charles Obinchu played by Tony Kgoroge and his relationship with his wife Jane (Naomie Hrris), could have been more thoroughly explored. Quite frankly there are just moments that could be small climaxes in the film that are simply not fulfilled and leave your tears backed up in their ducts.

Overall the story is an awesome one, wholesome... the screenplay, not exactly award winning but one I would say you should at least watch for some insight into a history that may not be your own but the story of an individual that could teach for generations to come.