The First Grader

Based on a true story, “The First Grader” is set in Kenya in thepresent. It tells the story of a determined old man who once endured torture under British rule. Though he’s eighty-three years old, he wants to learn toread. So he takes the government up on their promise that everyone can get aneducation. And it turns out they didn’t mean everyone, actually. But it’s too late—theold man has already made up his mind and saved up to buy a uniform. He finds an advocate in the primary school teacher, who teaches him despite great social pressure that even leads to danger for herself.

National Geographic and the BBC have partnered to help produce this well-crafted film. It  communicates a lot about thepower of education, of overcoming the past, and of persevering. Just know that the dreamlikeflashbacks are not for the squeamish. We see the torture this man endured, including the killing of his family. Overall, the movie inspires and moves. We give it two thumb's up.