Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

This is one of those rare films that's genuinely educational, deeply moving, and actually worth your time. It's not flashy or fast-paced—it's a serious, beautifully-told true story about a kid who refused to give up when his village was starving.

The STEM angle is real and inspiring without being cheesy. Your kid will learn about windmills, renewable energy, and physics while watching a gripping story about survival and innovation. The cultural perspective is invaluable, offering a window into rural Malawi and the realities of climate change and poverty that many kids never see.

That said, this isn't a breezy family movie night pick. It's emotionally heavy—famine is the backdrop, and you'll see real desperation and hardship. Younger or sensitive kids might struggle with the weight of it. But for tweens and teens ready for something substantive, this is gold. It's the kind of film that sparks conversations, builds empathy, and might just inspire a future engineer or activist.

Available on Netflix, solid ratings across the board, and directed by Chiwetel Ejiofor (who also stars). If you're looking for something meaningful that treats kids like they can handle real-world issues, this is it.

Age Fit

Best for ages 10-11+ who can handle serious themes like poverty and hunger. Younger kids might find it too heavy or slow; teens will appreciate the real-world relevance and STEM inspiration.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

88

Based on a true story, this film models perseverance, family bonds, and community cooperation in the face of adversity. The protagonist demonstrates kindness, determination, and resourcefulness. The emotional tone is mature but healthy, showing real hardship (famine, poverty) without exploitation. Strong positive role models throughout, with themes of education, innovation, and helping others.

Imaginative

92

The core premise—a 13-year-old building a windmill from scrap to save his village—is inherently about creative problem-solving and innovation. The film celebrates curiosity, self-directed learning, and thinking outside the box. It shows the protagonist sneaking into a library, studying physics, and literally inventing a solution when adults have given up. Inspires viewers to see how knowledge and ingenuity can transform circumstances.

Safe

72

Common Sense Media rates it 12+, which aligns with the mature themes present. The film depicts famine, poverty, hunger, and family stress—emotionally heavy content that younger kids might find distressing. There's conflict and tension (villagers angry about survival, a dog being killed for food off-screen, government corruption) but no graphic violence, gore, or inappropriate content. The difficult subject matter is handled with dignity and realism rather than exploitation, but it's not light viewing.

Enriching

94

Exceptionally enriching. Based on William Kamkwamba's true story, it teaches about renewable energy, physics, perseverance, the value of education, and global inequality. Strong 86% critic/88% audience scores on Rotten Tomatoes and 7.6 IMDb rating indicate meaningful impact. Offers cultural perspective on rural Malawi, climate challenges, and how innovation can emerge from necessity. Builds empathy and understanding while entertaining. Real-world STEM inspiration.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Based on William Kamkwamba's incredible true story—this actually happened, which makes it even more inspiring
Shows real-world problem-solving and innovation: kid literally builds a windmill from library books and junkyard parts
Offers perspective on global issues (climate, poverty, education access) without being preachy or depressing
Strong family dynamics and community themes—not just about one hero, but about what people can do together
Genuinely educational about renewable energy, physics, and perseverance without feeling like a lesson

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What to Watch For

This is emotionally heavy—famine means people are starving, families are stressed, and there's real desperation (a dog is killed for food, though off-screen)
Pacing is deliberate and serious; this isn't a fast-paced adventure film, so younger or action-oriented kids might get restless
Some kids might need context about Malawi, drought, and why the villagers face these challenges—good opportunity for discussion but not light viewing

Conversation Starters

"What would you do if you had an idea that could help people but no one believed you?"
"How did William use what he learned from books to solve a real problem? What's something you've learned that you could use to help someone?"
"Why do you think access to school and libraries mattered so much in this story?"
"What does it mean that some kids around the world face challenges like famine while others don't? How does that make you feel?"

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