Queen of Katwe

This is very unique for a Disney film and that is intentional. Underdog stories have been a staple of the Disney studio starting with "Dumbo" and in order to create yet another such movie, obvious steps were taken to find the originality required to entertain all audience members. I will admit that the subject matter of chess creates less excitement than say football, hockey or even cross-country running but the setting and characters of "Queen of Katwe" make up for it somewhat. It feels like a combination between "Pawn Sacrifice" and "Million Dollar Arm".

To tell the true story of a Ugandan chess player is something Western audiences are new to. The cliché scenario of a mother who doesn't want her child to "waste" her time on a dream but work instead is made fresh in this case thanks to its setting. In the slums, whether you work is the difference between life and death. You really see this when the family is evicted. Despite Phiona's success, the only effect it has on the life of her family for the majority of the movie is the number of trophies and medals in the house they rent. It is not until the very end of the movie that Phiona's talent and triumphs pay off. This is original because in most underdog movies, the family of the protagonist is able to reap at least some benefit by the middle of the story. My favorite sequence in the movie is when the Pioneers go to their first tournament. There are some very memorable scenes such as the children sleeping on the floor, the "Cat and Dog" story and when some of the children win their matches. Phiona encounters many trials in this movie such as pride in herself once she experiences the outside world. After her time in Sudan, she begins to see the extreme contrast of a rich lifestyle with her slum origins. We see the effect this has on her relationship with her mother and I was therefore grateful with the reunion scene in the market. Russia is where Phiona experiences her biggest setback emotionally and this sets up a somewhat satisfying climax. I was impressed by the closing shots where we see the actors standing next to their real-life counterparts.

"Queen of Katwe" has a Ugandan director and Madina Nalwanga, who plays Phiona, is also from Uganda. She was discovered at a community dance class. Some big names in the cast were necessary for publicity sake and therefore we have David Oyelowo and Oscar-winner Lupita Nyong'o. Ever since her breakout role when she won the Academy Award, the Disney studio has worked the most with Nyong'o by the way. I very much enjoyed watching both of these actors in this film as well as the children actors. "Queen of Katwe" was shot on location in Katwe and the background actors were actually locals, many of whom had no experience appearing on camera. Some of the children in the movie went to an acting camp set up specifically for this movie. The real life Coach Robert created the game moves that we see in the film.

This movie was better than "Pawn Sacrifice" and I was quite thankful for that. "Queen of Katwe" may be cliché with its story but thanks to the setting, characters and subject matter, the audience is inspired and touched by the experience.

3.5 Stars