The movie opens with a scene of “Zinyau” dancing around in a farm; and I was already sold into the concept within the first minute of the movie.
I really really like details, and this movie does not fail to deliver on that end. From the funeral scene, to the houses, and William taking a bucket bath in an outdoor grass-fenced bathroom – the dirty mirror and the stone he used to scrub his heels – I can truly say this is Malawi.
The movie “The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind”, is a movie adapted from the Autobiography New York Times bestseller. The story is about a 14-year-old William Kamkwamba, who sets about building a wind turbine in his Malawian village, with only a library book as his guide.
My biggest concern before watching this movie, and after seeing the trailer, was the Chichewa used in the movie.
I admit I was a lot more unforgiving of the Chichewa in the trailer before I watched the movie – not because the Chichewa got any better in the movie, but perhaps I extended some empathy, that I had failed to before.
Learning a new language is hard, tough really. I’d know. I’m still trying to master my Tumbuka and Yao. Don’t even get me started about Sena.
So I give credit to Chiwetel Ejiofor and his team for putting in the effort to learn Chichewa, for the sake of telling the Malawian story. This was a huge risk taken, having non-Malawians acting in Chichewa. They made a marvellous effort – and it breaks my heart to say that this was a very big miss for me. It took away from, more than it gave to the movie. I however understand that this only matters to Malawians that understand Chichewa.
I am irresolute – as I also really enjoyed hearing the Chewa words (especially the ones that were pronounced right) in the movie – and perhaps that is all that they should have used, some words.
In a perfect setting, the movie would have been produced and acted out by an entirely Malawian cast and production team. However, our movie industry is not there yet. Not even close. So I commend Chiwetel for taking such a chance on Malawi, and telling such a beautiful story.
Besides the language issue, I have no qualms with the movie. It’s a brilliant effort. I have personally opted to just read the subtitles and enjoy the movie.
The actors are equally amazing. I can’t even imagine the amount of work it takes to learn a new language, and then use it for acting. One of those two facets is hard enough.
If you love Chiwetel Ejiofor, then you will enjoy his directorial debut. The production team on the movie genuinely did a good job. The angles, the angles!
Lilly Banda was also in the movie, and she did a great job. Her Chichewa made up for a lot, and I am really excited for the doors that are about to open for her. That’s one Malawian actress I can say is destined to, and I deeply pray that she, go(es) far.
Maxwell Simba from Kenya in my opinion did so well portraying William, and I am equally excited for his acting career going forward.
The movie introduces us to actress Aïssa Maïga – Senegalese French-born actress, who did a great job as the mother/wife of Chiwetel in the movie. And well, she is quite gorgeous in real life too!
Now the movie is being screened worldwide, and Angellina Jolie treated all her 6 kids to the screening of the movie in NYC. She’s like the gift that keeps on giving!
There will come a time when we will tell our own stories, and tell them perfectly well; but we must start somewhere. We must also be sure to criticize what is not right, so we can get better, and iron out the kinks.
As Malawians, we have a tendency of not supporting our own. I put out a tweet earlier, asking people why they are not watching the movie and I got all manner of response from people – ranging from lack of access to Netflix – to simply being disinterested in movies adapted from true stories and books.
I subscribed for Netflix today using my Standard Bank Card today. I found out this morning that I could do that, and I was ready for them to take my money, for the sake of this movie. And guess what? I was pleasantly surprised with the one-month free trial. Yas!
This movie is a major stride for the Malawian movie industry. As a writer, I am excited for this breakthrough! We made it to Hollywood! Maybe not how we would have preferred, but we made it still! I say that calls for a celebration. I’d ask you to go and watch the movie. It’s a very relatable and inspirational Malawian story, and I insist that you should see it.
Are you going to see the movie, or have you already seen it? What are your views of the movie – before or/and after watching it?
All my love,
Ntha x
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