The Fisherman's Diary

Inspired by Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai, a young woman defies her father's and village's expectations and dedicates herself to her education. Ekah is determined to attend school in a fishing village where a girl's education is considered taboo. Her willingness to break this old adage involves her with her father, Solomon's past.

This film is so problematic and emblematic that it took me a long time to comment on it, the film that hurts in the depths of my soul mainly because it is a great reality in overdeveloped countries and mainly in the interior, even here in Brazil... Sale of girls into sexual slavery, total lack of appreciation for women, almost a by-product, banning children's parents from going to school, everything is so wrong... And Malala's incredible participation, even if only a poster, more than that, she represents the hope, courage and pain of many women...

I have to admit, when one particular scene happened I just thought "no, this cannot happen, this is not good". And while that is true and in a perfect world would be something that I wouldn't even have to say ... the sad reality (as depicted in this movie without going into cliches much) is different.

This does not hold back punches ... literally. The girl (main character) is the one we are rooting for throughout. But the circumstances are stacked up against her. It is not just what people believe, which to a degree you may accept ... it is what they do to her ... which for most would be breaking any inkling of a will/drive to follow her "dream" (which is something most of us take for granted of course - going to school).

This is anything but an easy watch ... and you may not forgive the movie for going places ... I totally understand ... that does not make it less powerful and less truthful ... no matter how much it hurts (watching)

It deserves the Oscar and your time. A young girl who only wants to be educated where girls are not survives with the support of a teacher.

This situation occurs more often then we want to believe and is truly realistic.

It is the first film completely made in Africa that I see and I really liked it; the plot is very good and the acting is excellent. TOTALLY RECOMMENDED!

Boy, I hope this imdb reviewer has a day job. "Great filmaking" is much more than slick Hollywood effects or great use of light and shadow blah blah. In many cases, a film's innocent and unsophisticated presentation can be the very thing that makes it good, though this film has alot more going for it than just that. Maybe the reviewer would have preferred Denzel as the father, but thought it was quite good as is.