The First Grader (2010)

Not all sweetness and light, this story of an 84-year-old Kenyan who doggedly pursues his basic education also depicts the torture and more he suffered at the hands of the British 50 years before. The acting, writing, cinematography, and music are excellent -- no wonder it has begun winning awards. Oliver Litondo and Naomie Harris are terrific as the man Maruge (ma-ROO-gay) and the teacher Jane Obinchu, not to mention the adorable rural schoolchildren, none of whom had acted before, much less seen a camera. This is Litondo's first starring role, but Harris is known for playing the witch in two Pirates of the Caribbean movies (2006-7), and I also liked her in the fine British mini-series White Teeth (2002), 28 Days Later... (2002), and Tristam Shandy: A Cock and Bull Story (2005).

Producer Sam Feuer read an article in the Los Angeles Times about the real-life man, Kimani N’gan’ga Maruge, a Kenyan villager who had fought for the Mau Mau rebellion against the British occupation during the 1950s and attended first grade in 2002. Feuer and his producing partner, Richard Harding from Sierra Leone, bought the rights for their brand new company and were tracked down by South African screenwriter Ann Peacock (The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005) adaptation, more), who had been captivated by the same article (for more on the movie's genesis, skip to page 6, About the production, in the production notes). They hired director Justin Chadwick (The Other Boleyn Girl (2008), some TV, some acting), whose work with cinematographer Rob Hardy (Is Anybody There? and more) brings this to life, shot entirely in Kenya, including Nairobi.

Already a fan of composer Alex Heffes (I own his soundtrack to The Last King of Scotland (2006), one of his 39 credits) I bought this soundtrack tonight as well. Preview it here and see if you like it as much. You may have a little trouble understanding the English dialogue, but not enough to prevent you from seeing this on the big screen, where it will, in my town, be playing at least until October 20.