It’s improbable enough that the headline for a story about the film at, filed from the Toronto International Film Festival by Kenneth R.
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(The book, by Tim Crothers, is also called The Queen of Katwe, but according to Nair the movie isn’t adapted from the book.) Third, Christian faith is a notable part of Phiona’s story, which first circulated in a church magazine and went on to appear in ESPN magazine before becoming an acclaimed book. Second, it’s set in Africa, and there are no white characters (and also, Nair has quipped, no animals). Phiona’s story certainly deserves to be told, but it’s not necessarily the sort of story you expect from Disney, for at least three reasons.įirst, chess doesn’t lend itself to popular moviemaking. I have to think Queen of Katwe will delight practically everyone who sees it.Īctually, the reasons the film shouldn’t exist start with the improbability of an illiterate girl from the Katwe slum being exposed to chess in the first place, let alone beginning to find her way to prestigious tournaments and winning games against privileged students from elite schools. Few people really liked Independence Day: Resurgence, but they watched it anyway. Lupita Nyong'o's talent is no secret, and it is a treat to watch her flourish in this multifaceted and complicated leading role her portrayal of a mother who wants to nourish her children's dreams while remaining aware of the harsh reality they live in - and the fears that come with it - is undoubtedly worthy of the highest praise.Those who do see Queen of Katwe, though, will experience something moving and enriching in a way that has become rare in Hollywood studio fare. The script occasionally loses its subtlety as it delivers this moral, but it is important to remember that this PG-rated film is aimed at a younger audience.įamilial bonds, particularly the mother-daughter relationship between Phiona and Nakku, are emphasized throughout the film as Phiona tries to balance her life in the slums with her goal of becoming a chess champion. Although she eventually learns to read, her lack of formal education is integral to the message that everyone, no matter what their initial lot in life, can excel when given the right opportunities and support.
For example, Phiona is illiterate because her mother cannot afford to send her or her siblings to school. Many of the problems facing Phiona and her family are unfamiliar to Western viewers, and the film touches on some heavy, yet deeply important and relevant topics that are rarely, if ever, explored in wide-release pictures. Queen of Katwe's story arc relies on many of the tropes typical of underdog sports movies, but it handles them in nontraditional ways.
David Oyelowo's performance is earnest and heartfelt, and it is refreshing to see Katende serving less as Phiona's savoir and more as her mentor and pillar of support. Throughout the film, Katende navigates obstacles such as a lack of funding and prejudice in order to provide his charges with the opportunity to participate in increasingly high-level chess competitions - all while trying to make the best decisions for himself and his own family. Katende, lovingly dubbed "Coach" by the children, recognizes and takes a special interest in Phiona's talent. Although she is initially hesitant (especially when she is bullied by a few kids), Phiona is intrigued enough to return the next day, and quickly realizes her aptitude for chess.
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One day, Phiona discovers a gathering of local children who are learning how to play chess from Robert Katende ( David Oyelowo).
The film begins in 2007: Phiona (the wonderful Madina Nalwanga) lives with her mother Nakku Harriet ( Lupita Nyong'o), brothers Mugabi Brian ( Martin Kabanza) and Richard ( Ivan Jacobo), and sister Night ( Taryn "Kay" Kyaze) in the slums of Katwe, where the family sells corn on the street to make ends meet. Disney's latest sports drama, Queen of Katwe, follows the real-life story of Phiona Mutesi, a young Ugandan girl born into poverty who becomes a chess champion.
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