The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

2019Movie113 minEnglish

Against all the odds, a thirteen year old boy in Malawi invents an unconventional way to save his family and village from famine.

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Insights

IMDb7.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes96%
Metacritic73/100
Google Users95%
Director: Chiwetel EjioforGenres: Biography, Drama, History

Plot Summary

Based on the true story, a young boy in Malawi, William Kamkwamba, fights against famine and despair when his village faces an agricultural crisis. Despite lacking formal education, he stumbles upon a science textbook and uses discarded materials to build a windmill, saving his community. The film chronicles his journey of innovation, resilience, and hope against overwhelming odds.

Critical Reception

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind received widespread critical acclaim for its powerful storytelling, Ejiofor's directorial debut, and the performances of its cast, particularly Maxwell Simba. Critics lauded its inspirational true story, its authentic portrayal of Malawian life, and its uplifting message of perseverance.

What Reviewers Say

  • A deeply moving and inspiring true story of human ingenuity.
  • Praised for its authentic performances and direction.
  • An uplifting tale of hope against adversity.

Google audience: Google users overwhelmingly loved the film, highlighting its emotional impact, the inspiring true story, and the strong performances. Many found it a powerful and hopeful narrative that resonated deeply.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay at the BAFTA Awards, Outstanding Directorial Achievement in a First-Time Feature Film at the Directors Guild of America Awards, and numerous other festival awards.

Fun Fact

Chiwetel Ejiofor, who also stars in the film, made his directorial debut with "The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind" and also wrote the screenplay.

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TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

This is a great looking film depicting the abject poverty, despite their best efforts, of a subsistence farming community in Malawi. The cinematography is glorious as we follow the Kamkwamba family's struggles to educate their children and ...