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The First Grader

2010·Movie
1h 43min·PG-13

Where to watch

No stream option in US yet.

Links go to licensed services. Data from JustWatch and TMDB.

What's your score?

Your score

The First Grader fingerprint

Big heart, strong craft, no humor.

Energy

Calm and low-key

Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.

  • Tension5
  • Fast Pace4
  • Spectacle4

Heart

Deeply moving and hopeful

  • Pathos9
  • Hopefulness8
  • Catharsis8

Humor

Serious throughout

  • Wit & Wordplay2
  • Dark Humor2
  • Situational Comedy1

World

A real life story, history, and society

  • World Immersion7
  • Dialogue Centrality7
  • Rewatchability7

Craft

Standout performances and characters

  • Acting8
  • Character Depth8
  • Direction7

Style

Functional look and sound

  • Cinematography7
  • Music Composition7
  • Editing6

Who it's for

AdultsFamily Movie NightFriends NightIntergenerationalPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensThought-Provoking

Skip it if

You want something to laugh at

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Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.

About

It's never too late to dream.

The true story of an 84 year-old Kenyan villager and ex Mau Mau freedom fighter who fights for his right to go to school for the first time to get the education he could never afford.
Inspirational True StoryKenyan HistoryStruggle for EducationAge and DeterminationMau Mau UprisingSocial JusticePolitical ConflictPoignant Drama

Sequels and Prequels

No sequels or prequels available

Media

Questions about The First Grader

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream The First Grader legally?

You can rent or buy it from Apple TV, JustWatch TV, Amazon Video, and Apple TV Store. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.

Is The First Grader worth watching?

66
GoodGoodWatch score

Mostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 66/100 (IMDb 7.4, Rotten Tomatoes 62%, and Metacritic 56). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

What is The First Grader rated?

PG-13Violence

It's rated PG-13 in the United States. Content advisories: violence.

How long is The First Grader?

1 h 43 min

The First Grader runs 1 h 43 min.

Is The First Grader based on a true story?

Yes. It's based on real events or a real person's life.

Do critics and audiences agree on The First Grader?

Critics59
Audiences74

Not quite. Audiences rate The First Grader higher (74) than critics (59). It's more of a crowd-pleaser than a critics' pick.

What language is The First Grader in?

EnglishSwahili

It was made in English, with some Swahili. Produced in United Kingdom, United States, Kenya.

In how many countries can I watch The First Grader?

33AOATCACHCICMCVDEDZGBGGGHGQJP+19

GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The First Grader in 33 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.