The amazing true story of how one girl stood up for something that she believes is right
There is something in America that most people take for granted and this includes people like me. That is access to a good education. For people like me growing up there was no question I was going to graduate high school and go off to college. I knew if I tried my best I could obtain a degree. But this is not true in a lot of parts of the world, especially for woman. He Named Me Malala brings this issues to light and shows why it is important to stand up for what you believe to be right.
Malala was a simple girl who lived in Pakistan in a small village. She was very smart and loved learning from a young age. When she was a teenager a group came to power known as the Taliban. Their views over the years became outrageous to her, especially when they tried to stop girls from going to school. She knew speaking out against them would be dangerous, but she did not care. Sadly she was shot in the face and for a while it looked like she would recover but may not be the same ever again. In a positive way this became true because she found her purpose in life. This film tells her story in a way that is sometimes sad but most of the time quite uplifting. It has a very good ending and let’s just say you will not see it coming.
This is a really powerful movie. The style it is shot in makes sure to never have Malala appear above anyone else and for a girl of 17 she is surprisingly humble and wise. She doesn’t go around trying to get rights that she believes all girls should have out of praise or respect but only because she knows they deserve an education. Her family are very supportive of her and will always be there to make sure she is alright. The film jumps back and forth sometimes from the present and the past but this always fits into the larger narrative. There is also a really cool effect used for the moments in the past that is a type of simple animation style but it comes off as powerful and always gets the message across better than anyone else ever could.
The best thing about this movie though is the message it wants to get across. There are actually a few strong ones here. One is that never let fear stop you from doing what is right. Malala is a great example of the danger this can bring upon you but also on the other side of the coin shows what can happen if you stay strong and never give up. The film also wants to portray that girls have a right to better themselves and be more than just a bearer of children and a wife to some other family. With something as simple as knowledge there is no telling how far a girl can go in life. But my favorite message is as long as you are humble and push on you can move mountains and change peoples lives in astounding ways.
This movie has earned 8.5/10. It is a powerful and a very well made documentary. But it will not be for everyone. Young kids should not see it for some violent images and some harsh language. Those who are not a fan of documentaries will not have much fun watching this movie. But other than that it is a rare type of movie that everyone can learn some great things from.
If you want to see a powerful, uplifting movie this is the one to pick. If you are eager to see a film that will teach you some good things you will want to see this movie. Malala is truly a great person and there is no telling how far her journey will go or where it will take her next. He Named Me Malala comes out this Friday.
Watch the inspiring trailer here:
