The First Grader - Parents Movie Review

movie review rating guide for parents and families

MPAA Rating
PG-13

for some disturbing violent content and brief nudity

Genre
Drama

Director
Justin Chadwick

Starring
Naomie Harris, Oliver Litondo

Studio
National Geographic Entertainment

Release Date/In Theaters
5/13/2011

Movie Summary

N'gan'ga Maruge is excited to begin first grade after the Kenyan government announces free education for all children. The challenge for principal Jane Obinchu is that N'gan'ga is eighty-four years old and desperately wants to learn how to read.

Movie Review for Parents

-by Ginger

The story takes place in a small, remote village in Kenya. This heartwarming, historical tale explores the world of remote Africa where school space is a precious commodity. Hundreds of Kenyan children must apply for a very few number of classroom seats. Among those that apply is Maruge, an eighty year old veteran who wants to learn to read, even if it means sitting in a first grade classroom. Protests arise as villagers feel that this is a waste of time, and that the classroom space should be for the young children. However, in the end, Maruge is granted a place among the other students.

This is a wonderful story about bridging the generation gap and about the old passing on their knowledge and experiences to the young. Maruge fought for the freedom of his country and the privileges that his young classmates enjoy. He tells of his experiences under British rule and in the detention camps. It is an inspirational family movie about fighting for what you believe in and never getting the chance to see the fruits of one’s efforts. The children benefit from the sacrifices of Maruge and the other soldiers who fought beside him.

This parental movie review has to disagree with the PG-13 rating on this one. Why is this movie not for tween children? It is an excellent movie that has a very strong message about the value of education. There is violence in the movie, but it is in a historical context. If reading National Geographic is inappropriate for your children, then absolutely do not take them. However, it you want a good conversation starter about the value of education and the sacrifices that it takes, than this family move review has to call this one a “must see”. This is an incredible movie that not only bridges the generations in the movie, it goes a long way in bridging the generations in real life.

This movie is an excellent chance for parents and grandparents to share their lives with the upcoming generations. If these were movie ratings for families, this one would have to get an A+. It not only is a heartwarming story it has excellent educational content and could serve a higher social purpose for the future generations. This movie is well-done and makes the grade in my book. Take the kids, the grandkids, the great grandkids, and all of the rest of the kin in this movie about ties and kinships.

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