|
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
(2019),
Director: Chiwetel Ejiofor, rated TV-13
Based on the Incredible True Story.
  Starring:
Maxwell Simba, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Felix Lemburo, Aïssa Maïga, Lily Banda, Robert
Agengo, Joseph Marcell, Noma Dumezweni, Lemogang Tsipa
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★☆
- near perfect
"Democracy. Democracy
is just like imported cassava. It rots quickly." -
Trywell Kamkwamba
Why watch this?
This splendid African story will move you to tears.
Plot Summary: Based
on a true story, this film follows a resourceful teenage boy in
Malawi who is forced to drop out of school when a devastating
drought and famine strike his village. Refusing to let his
community suffer, he teaches himself science and physics using
books from a local library. Through incredible perseverance, he
builds an innovative wind turbine from scrap materials to pump
water.
| |
Dad's Preview:
Most Americans live in their little bubbles of comfort, without
casting a thought to just how lucky their souls are to inhabit
privileged, well-fed bodies. That's right-most of us hit the
global lottery. Thanks to incredible films like this, we are
able (and should be required) to see how others fare. In parts
of Africa, the poor are one severe drought away from losing
their village or their lives. Ignore all the geo-political crap
- this story is about real people trying to survive in almost
impossible surroundings. A young teenager has a novel idea, but
his own father just can't believe in him. This journey is
heart-breaking, then inspiring. Most of the film, I was thinking
how much we could help these drought-stricken farmers with all
our knowledge of windmills and water pumps. We should do
whatever we can to help. |
|
BBC Films,
Participant Media, British Film Institute,
Potboiler Prod.; Netflix |
