Synopsis: Young Phiona lives in the African country of Uganda, and sells corn her mother grows only because it's the only source of income her family has. When Phiona is introduced to the ancient game of chess, she finds she has an affinity for it; she learns to predict her opponents moves so far in advance, they think she is reading their minds. Phiona has what it takes to become an international chess champion...but, between the funds required for entering and traveling to the tournaments, her family losing their home, and Phiona not believing 100% in herself, the odds to reaching that dream seem insurmountable. Can she overcome them?
Based on a true story.

The Good: What an amazing film! It took me to a faraway yet real land, and illustrated its people's struggles quite vividly. It also features a main character who overcomes seemingly insurmountable odds, and challenged me to refrain from chickening out when faced with problems, whether small or big. Better yet, it portrays the Christian faith in a positive light. Though there are references to sex, they're handled with very old-school decorum. The performances, sets, and production values in general were all fabulous.

The Bad: Other than one misuse of God's name, I can't come up with any complaints. I will say one thing: Largely accented dialogue may make you want to turn on the closed captions or English subtitles in order to understand what they're saying. Also, some Lugandan dialogue, which is subtitled in English, may present a problem for those with reading issues.

Conclusion: While I've adored many of Disney's live-action productions, this is in a class all its own. Inspiring and affirming, this is the kind of cinema we need more of. If you haven't seen this, you definitely should.

Score: 5/5

This was a truly superior film b/c of the story, the struggle, and the achievement. The acting was also exceptional. I really enjoy films based on true stories, and this film was no exception. The obstacles that Ms. Mutesi and her family had to overcome in her efforts to become a master chess champion were notably difficult. For as much as those of us in third-world countries take for granted, there are so many families in other parts of the world that struggle mightily on a daily basis w/out even the basics to survive. To be able to manage that, while overcoming a clear lack of educational and financial resources, is remarkable, and it makes Ms. Mutesi's achievement all that much more impressive.

I was also incredibly impressed by the paths of all the children in the film. Due to the influence of Mr. and Mrs. Katende, as well as the game of chess, they learned that they could have more than what they were born into. They are now in the midst of achieving dreams heretofore unimaginable to them or their families. It really speaks to the power of education, mentorships, and community involvement in a child's life, b/c these same individuals will then be able to provide for their communities the same way their communities once provided for them.

From a technical point of view, _Queen of Katwe_ is not a resounding success. There is bad audio, continuity errors, hammy dialogue, some very bizarre choices in cinematography and the occasional scene of poor acting.

The story however (while following a fairly predictable family-friendly line) is totally engrossing. Chess may not be the most engaging spectator sport, but the journey of lead-character Phiona is a thorough one, and an intriguing side-step away from the usual Disney setting.

David Oyelowo is particularly worth looking out for. He (unsurprisingly) gives a fantastic performance.

_Final rating:★★★ - I personally recommend you give it a go._

**A life changing game.**

I am not a big fan of Mira Nair. But I like some of her films, particularly 'Amelia'. Because she usually prefers India and Indian subjects and cast as what she's. Outside that circle, she was not that successful, until now. It was a sport film, that revolved around chess game. Inspired by an incredible true story from the dark continent. It all happened less than ten years ago. Disney and ESPN together produced it. So when these two productions come together, you would know what to expect.

Seeing the opening few minutes, it reminded me the recent New Zealand film 'The Dark Horse'. Kind of a similar film, but I was not that impressed with that. But this one was awesome. Simply a miracle. Like any fairy-tale from the Disney. She was not a princess, but in a way she turns to be one. Years ago when I reviewed 'Searching for Bobby Fischer', I said that was the film should be shown in the schools. Now add this title as well to the list.

The opening was the ending. Then followed the flashback, which went to the 4 years ago. Living in a slum of Katwe, a single mother raising her children, but not without their contribution to the family. Now the focus shifts to one of the family members, Phiona. Curiosity on her brother who disappears every day after sold out his goods leads her to a new path. That's when she discovers a game she had never heard of before. After learning the basics, she quickly picks up the rest of the game on her own and becomes a prodigy.

> ❝Losing teaches me how to play better.❞

This is like most of the true stories you have seen, but that's the truth as well in here. What might come later could impress you. Because it was not like she has a superpower, so she can clear her life path just like that. Honestly, the real test begins now for her, how she uses her gift. But it was her coach who understood the situation, and tried his best to push her further with the big tournaments, in the national and the international level. Not just her, there has been a team behind her. So the remaining is to reveal how far she would go, as well as the story of her struggling family.

They have got the cast perfectly. Everyone was brilliant. David Oyelowo was amazing, surely one of my favourite British actors for now. This is the second consecutive time he's making a such impression. Not long ago with 'A United Kingdom'. Definitely the Oscars is just a corner. And then Lupita Nyong'o, she was not the centre of the story, but had enough part and she excelled every bit of it. The rest of the actors, including the one who played Phiona was amazing. At the end credit, both the cinematic and the real life characters appeared. I felt that was a result of excitement, but liked it.

The sad part was why such films were ignored at the big stages! This is a must see film, especially if you have a kid(s) in the home, show it to them. Being the parents, uncle and aunt, that's one of the best thing you would do for them. Because no one knows when and where kids gets their confidence boost, inspiration or discovering a new path. You can't compare films with real life, even it was a biopic. But still the true story always remains a true story, even after they're compressed to 120 minutes. Particularly the Disney film gets rid of harsh parts, making a family friendly film. So watch it for a change, you have no other reasons, you could be impressed!

_8/10_

Excellent.

'Queen of Katwe' is another Disney sports biopic, but one made with a difference - it doesn't hit the exact same notes as the studio usually does in this genre, which is a positive. The film is shot lovely, with a terrific main cast.

Lupita Nyong'o is top notch in the role of Nakku, while Madina Nalwanga impresses in the lead as Phiona. David Oyelowo would be my personal standout, he's terrific as Robert, but all three add a great deal to the film to be fair. A few of the child actors give good support performances, also.

It does slightly suffer with the fact its story revolves around chess, which isn't the most exciting or massively interesting game/sport to watch across 124 minutes. However, it's about much more than just chess - it features a big life story too. It does a grand job at making you care for the individuals onscreen.

Highly recommend.