Movie of The Week: “The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind” Review

Date of Release: 25 January 2019

“The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind” is an inspiring and heartfelt film based on the true story of William Kamkwamba, a Malawian boy who builds a wind turbine to save his village from famine. Below is a comprehensive review focusing on its release details, cast, general reception, lessons for parents and communities, notable reviews, and available streaming platforms. 

Release Year and Production Details

“The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind” was released in 2019. The film marks the directorial debut of Chiwetel Ejiofor, who also adapted the screenplay from the memoir of the same name by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer.

Lead Actors

1. Chiwetel Ejiofor as Trywell Kamkwamba (William’s father)
2. Maxwell Simba as William Kamkwamba
3. Aïssa Maïga as Agnes Kamkwamba (William’s mother)
4. Lily Banda as Annie Kamkwamba (William’s sister)

General Acceptance and Lessons for Parents and Communities

The film was generally well-received by both audiences and critics. It is praised for its uplifting narrative and compelling performances, particularly by Maxwell Simba and Chiwetel Ejiofor.

Lessons for Parents and Communities:

1. Value of Education: The film underscores the importance of education and the need for parents and communities to support children’s learning, even in challenging circumstances.
2. Innovation and Resilience: William’s story is a testament to the power of innovation and resilience. Parents and communities are reminded of the potential within every child to bring about change when given the right support.
3. Community Support: The movie highlights how communal effort and support can drive significant change, reinforcing the idea that collective action is crucial for overcoming adversities.
4. Encouragement and Empowerment: The narrative encourages parents to foster an environment where children feel empowered to pursue their interests and ideas.

Notable Reviews

1. Rotten Tomatoes: The film holds an approval rating of 86% based on 79 reviews, with an average rating of 7.2/10. The critical consensus reads, “Against the odds, The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind delivers an uplifting tale of perseverance and innovation that’s grounded in real-life events.”
2. Metacritic: It has a score of 68 out of 100, indicating generally favorable reviews.
3. The Guardian: Awarded the film four out of five stars, praising it as “a gentle, likable, inspiring film.”
4. The New York Times**: Highlighted the film’s emotional depth and effective storytelling, noting Ejiofor’s impressive directorial debut.

Available Streaming Platform

Netflix: The film is available for streaming on Netflix, making it accessible to a global audience.

Conclusion

“The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind” is not just a film but a powerful narrative that offers numerous lessons for parents, communities, and policymakers. It emphasizes the importance of education, innovation, resilience, and community support. For those involved in Family Strengthening, Securing A Friendly and Protective Environment for Children®, and Rights-Based Approach Parenting, this film serves as an excellent resource and motivational tool. It reminds us of the immense potential within every child and the crucial role of supportive environments in unlocking that potential.

By watching and discussing this film, parents and policymakers can gain valuable insights into how to better support and empower children, ensuring they have the tools and opportunities needed to succeed and make meaningful contributions to their communities.