Parents' Guide to

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

By Renee Longstreet, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 12+

Superb true tale of remarkable teen; some violence.

Movie NR 2019 113 minutes
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

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age 11+

Based on 16 parent reviews

Michael S.
Michael S. Parent of 11-year-old
August 1, 2021
age 10+

educational African cultural ways yet slow for my ADHD kid

It is hard to accept that my son's brain craves high stimulus. This movie portrays cultural simple ways of living that I wish my 11 year old could appreciate to what we have. Yet, we were able to talk a little after the movie to cultural and material differences.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
asriddle
asriddle Adult
April 16, 2021
age 9+

Inspirational

This movie portrays the can-do attitude our world needs more of. I love the focus on problem-solving and a growth mindset.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
See all 16 parent reviews

What's the Story?

A neglectful national government and some villagers' bad decision-making contribute to the widespread starvation descending upon William Kamkwamba's (Maxwell Simba) village after devastating flooding in THE BOY WHO HARNESSED THE WIND. William's parents, Tyrell (Chiwetel Ejiofor) and Agnes (Aissa Maiga), determined to fund their children's education, simply cannot come up with the money for their son's school in this time of hardship. But William is a gifted student, intrigued by electronics and making things work. Of special interest to him are wind turbines, which his inventive mind believes might be able to provide enough electricity to water the now-barren land. As long shots go, a 13-year-old boy with almost no resources defies all odds. But William, with a bit of deception and a little help, gets access to an old American textbook that just may provide the technology he needs. When William asks his dad to make an unusual sacrifice for the project, the boy's relentless prodding strains their usually-solid relationship. The family's foundation is sorely tested, and hope is in short supply.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (16):
Kids say (11):

In addition to William's inspiring story, this film presents an unforgettable portrait of village life in Africa, advancing awareness of the universality of family relationships and human struggles. The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, Chiwetel Ejiofor's first writing-directing effort, could not be more impressive. The entire production -- photography, production design, editing, story structure, music -- is stellar. Each performance he elicits is nuanced and alive with the spirit of the story being told. And, while it's likely that Ejiofor has taken some license with the events, the overall effect is enlightening, relatable, and very gratifying. Highly recommended for families to share.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how movies set in other countries and/or time periods like The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind have special value for young viewers. Were you familiar with Malawi before you saw this film? How did The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind change any earlier attitudes or knowledge you had about the country or the continent of Africa? What surprised you?

  • How did William's story illustrate such character strengths as perseverance, curiosity, integrity, and gratitude?

  • When a movie is "based upon" a book or other source material, how much do you think is authentic? Are you aware that some story elements are altered or added to help provide conflict? Screenwriters also need to create the dialogue, since there's most likely no record (other than in court proceedings) of what was actually said. Did seeing The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind motivate you to read William's book?

  • Find Malawi on a world map. Where would you go to find out how the country has fared since William mounted the turbine? Use your research tools to find out what happened to William Kamkwamba.

Movie Details

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