According to the United Nations, life expectancy in the East African nation of Kenya is roughly 54 years. That is far below the world average of about 67.
So, for a Kenyan, living into his 80s is a cause for celebration. Enter Kimani Maruge. At the age of 84, he has an entry in the Guinness World Records as the oldest person to attend primary school. He's also the subject of Justin Chadwick's uplifting tale of a journey to literacy, The First Grader.
Maruge (Oliver Litondo) hears that the government is implementing a new policy of education for all. For Maruge, 'all' includes him, as he was denied an education while he fought for the liberation of his country from the British.
At first, he's not allowed in, but with the help of schoolteacher Jane (Naomie Harris), he's eventually accepted into the school.
Although it's clumsy in the way it portrays Maruge as a freedom fighter, The First Grader tugs at your heartstrings from all directions. Seeing the old man sitting in a classroom with four-year-olds is both amusing and inspirational. He's unfazed by it, though; he cares only about learning.
The First Grader is one of the rare feel-good films you'll see this year.