Cinema Society

Season Finale / THE FIRST GRADER

Average
Rating

4.3

Tuesday, May 03, 2011, Landmark La Jolla Village Cinemas

SEASON FINALE

TUESDAY, MAY 3

4:30pm or 7:30pm (You Pick!)

THE FIRST GRADER

Landmark La Jolla Village Cinemas

Our Season Finale

THE FIRST GRADER

Set in a mountain village in Kenya the film tells the remarkable true and uplifting story of a proud old Mau Mau veteran who is determined to seize his last chance to learn to read and write - and so ends up joining a class alongside six year-olds. Together he and his young teacher face fierce resistance, but ultimately they win through - and also find a new way of overcoming the burdens of the colonial past.

Directed by Justin Chadwick (THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL / BLEAK HOUSE) from a script by Emmy-winner Ann Peacock (THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA, NIGHTS IN RODANTHE, KIT KITTRIDGE), THE FIRST GRADER is a heart warming and inspiring true story of one man’s fight for what he believes is his right in order to overcome the burdens of his past. It is a triumphant testimony to the transforming force of education.

A National Geographic Entertainment Release.

Running Time: 120 Minutes / Rated: PG-13 for some disturbing violent content and brief nudity.

PLEASE NOTE: “Society’s Finest Award” ballots will be handed out this evening!

Send a Comment

4-May-11: Mickey Kopol - Rating: 4

This was a very good film...however,not the best of the season. It so happens, I remember vividly the time of the Mau Mau uprising and read the books of Robert Ruark "Something of Value" and "Uhuru." In spite of the international euphoria over "The Royal Wedding," I am remembering the British cruelty not just in Kenya, but also in India, Israel and wherever else the British Monarchy decided to invade. This film depicts this cruelty on a personal level that is gut-wrenching.

4-May-11: RichG - Rating: 4

What a lovely way to end the season. Inspiring story filmed quite beautifully. The REAL student must have been one heck of a guy. The two producers were delightful. Their comittment to tell difficult stories tells a lot about them. Thanks for a wonderful season.

3-May-11: jh - Rating: 5

The King's speech was terrific; Maruge's speech was even better.