Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on July 2011

84-year-old Kimani Ng’ang’a Maruge never got an education, having spent his youth as a Mau Mau fighting for Kenyan independence (for which he was awarded ten years in the camps). So when in 2002 Kenya declared free education for all, he shows up for school. On his side is a young schoolteacher (an excellent Naomie Harris). Against him is everyone else. True, beautifully photographed and suitably inspiring. But it’s also a bit manipulative, and the artsy delayed-reveal technique used for Maruge’s back story creates little tension and adds nothing to the narrative. For once I’d like to see a prequel.