Against all the odds, a thirteen-year-old boy in Malawi invents an unconventional way to save his family and village from famine.Against all the odds, a thirteen-year-old boy in Malawi invents an unconventional way to save his family and village from famine.Against all the odds, a thirteen-year-old boy in Malawi invents an unconventional way to save his family and village from famine.
- Director
- Writers
- Stars
- Awards
- 5 wins & 6 nominations total
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Featured reviews
This film tells the story of a young boy who saves his village from starvation.
The film is well made. The story is gripping and heartbreaking. The scene where people chase a food truck reminds me how incredibly fortunate I am. Acting is very strong, and the production is very good too. I enjoyed watching this, though the story is hard to watch.
The film is well made. The story is gripping and heartbreaking. The scene where people chase a food truck reminds me how incredibly fortunate I am. Acting is very strong, and the production is very good too. I enjoyed watching this, though the story is hard to watch.
This is a true story about a boy named William Kamkwamba - an ingenious boy who harnessed wind energy by building a turbine to salvage his village from extinction, a village affected by floods, famine and hunger, a village with no electricity or running water supply.
This is truly a heartbreaking story about the inordinate sufferings faced by an African country- Malawi, but the relevance is found in many such countries affected by global climate change, yet it's a story of inspiration and courage- courage to break the shackles that bind you to extreme grief and poverty against all odds.
Many a times we take our privileges for granted without even taking into consideration that there are families who are unable to meet even basic needs.
With only 1 meal/day, William's family was on the verge of death by starvation. His strong determination regenerates hopes not only for his family, but also for his village.
Ignore the review that says the story is not true. The book is an autobiography and the movie has Michael speaking at the end. There is pretty much massive amounts of documentation verifying his education. He went to school, several in fact, including Dartmouth and worked for varied non profits.
I am sure the movie might be a tad Hollywoodized as the "based on" ones all usually are but does not detract from this great Netflix film or facts.
I am sure the movie might be a tad Hollywoodized as the "based on" ones all usually are but does not detract from this great Netflix film or facts.
Wow, what a refreshing change from all the Hollywood blockbusters! A true-story about the real-life William Kamkwamba's determination to save his village from starvation.
This film was perfect in every aspect. Chiwetel Ejiofor hit this one out of the ball-park with his directing (debut), writing (debut), and acting.
The entire setting/visuals were incredible and the cinematography could not have been any better. The sound/score perfect. The young Maxwell Simba as William was stellar in his first ever acting role. The entire cast was excellent.
I'm not a fan of slow paced or long movies, by the 113 mins just flew by as I was in such awe with the story, visuals and acting.
I sure hope this film is nominated for the 2020 Oscars in many categories. This is one of those must-see rare gems that will open people eyes on how great we all have it in the modern world - unable to decide which iPhone to buy, while others are struggling to eat.
See this film, it will move you... it's outstanding! A perfect well deserved 10/10 from me.
Again, WOW.
This film was perfect in every aspect. Chiwetel Ejiofor hit this one out of the ball-park with his directing (debut), writing (debut), and acting.
The entire setting/visuals were incredible and the cinematography could not have been any better. The sound/score perfect. The young Maxwell Simba as William was stellar in his first ever acting role. The entire cast was excellent.
I'm not a fan of slow paced or long movies, by the 113 mins just flew by as I was in such awe with the story, visuals and acting.
I sure hope this film is nominated for the 2020 Oscars in many categories. This is one of those must-see rare gems that will open people eyes on how great we all have it in the modern world - unable to decide which iPhone to buy, while others are struggling to eat.
See this film, it will move you... it's outstanding! A perfect well deserved 10/10 from me.
Again, WOW.
As someone who was born in Zambia, grew up in Zimbabwe and lived in the short-lived Central African Federation of those 2 countries plus Malawi, this film meant a great deal. It felt and sounded very authentic, the characters spoke and behaved like real people facing problems that make many of ours (speaking as an Australian) seem minor in comparison. Like how to get a decent if elementary education and avoiding the lure of ready cash at the expense of the environment and future agricultural productivity. When you have to sell the tin roofing of your house and replace it with thatch. Beautifully filmed, acted and directed.
Did you know
- TriviaChiwetel Ejiofor had to learn the Malawi language spoken in the film, Chichewa.
- GoofsTimes passes but the baby of the family does not grow up.
- Quotes
Trywell Kamkwamba: Democracy. Democracy is just like imported cassava. It rots quickly.
- SoundtracksBilo
Written by Justin Vali
Performed by The Justin Vali Quartett
Produced by Paddy Bush
- How long is The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind?Powered by Alexa
- Is this movie rated?
Details
- Release date
- Countries of origin
- Official sites
- Languages
- Also known as
- The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
- Filming locations
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
- Runtime1 hour 53 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 2.35 : 1
Contribute to this page
Suggest an edit or add missing content
Top Gap
What was the official certification given to Le garçon qui dompta le vent (2019) in Canada?
Answer