Acclaimed documentary filmmaker Davis Guggenheim provides movie goers with an inside look at the life of Malala Yousafzai. Malala Yousafzai was severely wounded by a gunshot from the Taliban when she was returning home on her school bus in Pakistan’s Swat Valley. She was just 15 years old. Malala and her father have singled out for advocating for girls’ education.
Malala, her father Zia, and the rest of her family are committed to fighting for education for all girls around the world. The film gives us a glimpse of her life from her speech in front of the United Nations, her life before the attack, and to family game night with her family inside their new home in the United Kingdom.
The film also showed Malala’s critics, many of whom believe her actions are simply a publicity stunt, but in my opinion, Malala brought a shining light to the film that made audiences believe in hope. At one point, the filmmaker asked her what her life would be like if she was normal. She replied saying that she is a normal girl, but if her family was still in Pakistan living like every other family, she would be the mother of two children by now.
Malala is attending a private school in the U.K., but she frequently travels throughout the world to talk to and inspire young girls. It is clear that her family misses their life in Pakistan, especially her mother who cannot speak English; however, Malala knows that if she returns home she will be killed.
If you’re looking to be inspired or empowered, this film is a must see. If documentaries aren’t your thing, then you might want to pass. If you don’t go see this film, I still think that we can all learn from Malala’s story and the encouraging words she leaves us with.
“One child, one teacher, one book and one pen can change the world.” – Malala
The Billiken Critics
Written by: Laura Berry
TheBillikenCritics 