Queen of Katwe

Queen of Katwe is the colorful true story of a young girl selling corn on the streets of rural Uganda whose world rapidly changes when she is introduced to the game of chess, and, as a result of the support she receives from her family and community, is instilled with the confidence and determination she needs to pursue her dream of becoming an international chess champion. Directed by Mira Nair (Monsoon Wedding) from a screenplay by William Wheeler (The Hoax) based on the book by Tim Crothers, Queen of Katwe is produced by Lydia Dean Pilcher (The Darjeeling Limited) and John Carls (Where the Wild Things Are) with Will Weiske and Troy Buder serving as executive producers. The film stars Golden Globe® nominee David Oyelowo (Selma), Oscar® winner and Tony Award® nominee Lupita Nyong'o (12 Years a Slave) and newcomer Madina Nalwanga.

I was absolutely blown away by Queen of Katwe. It is a beautiful story that is both inspiring and heartbreaking.  It makes me so upset that Disney has not been marketing this movie well, to the point where most people I mentioned it to had no idea what I was talking about. I believe this is a movie that everybody can learn a valuable lesson from, no matter who you are. I cannot recommend it enough. 

Queen of Katwe follows the story of Phiona, played by Madina Nalwanga.  Phiona and her brother, Brian, sell maize on the streets to make a living with their single mother, Harriet, played by Lupita Nyong'o.  One day Phiona and Brian came across a ministry outreach program where children who couldn't afford to go to school would play chess during the day. Their coach Robert, played by David Oyelowo, taught the children how to play chess and how to use the problem solving skills in their day to day lives.  He became an advocate for these children, taking them to chess tournaments hosted by schools and teaching them how to read and write.  He believed they could all learn and rise to better stations in life.

This movie does not shy away from difficult issues.  Queen of Katwe shows just how horrid people treated those who they believed were beneath them because they lived in the slums and could not afford an education.  It also showed the struggles that come from being homeless in Uganada.  Harriet struggles and does everything to provide for her children.  She loves her children and wants to protect them. Phiona acts like every other teenage girl.  When she starts to realize that she is better at chess then people "who having things" she starts thinking she deserves better then the life she has.

Queen of Katwe was partially filmed in Uganda, including some of the actual places where the events took place. The rest of the movie was filmed around South Africa. After the movie they show the actors with the people they portrayed, which I really enjoyed. If you stay during the credits you'll get to see a fun music video featuring the cast.  However, if you already accidentally left before you can catch an alternate version on youtube: