QUEEN OF KATWE REVIEW
I don’t say this lightly but I think that Queen of Katwe is one of the best films of 2016. “Queen of Katwe” tells 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.
Newcomer Madina Nalwanga stars as 10-year-old Phiona Mutesi. For a actress so young she is in almost every scene and commands you to watch in awe of her performance. There are major superstars who can barely carry a movie which is what impressed me about Madina from her expressive face to her nuanced moments with her co-stars. She displays all the tween emotions you would expect but having the extra layer of intense poverty. It goes without saying that you you want her to win and win big.
The film also stars Golden Globe® nominee David Oyelowo (“Selma”) as Robert Katende, a soccer player turned missionary who teaches local children chess and Academy Award ® winner and Tony Award® nominee Lupita Nyong’o as (“12 Years a Slave”) as Phiona’s mother, Harriet (Nyong’o), both who bring their “A” game to their performances. David Oyelowo as Phiona’s Chess coach Robert Katende brings an intensity to the role and his compassion to help the young impoversidhe kids becomes his calling after coming to his own ephiphany that it is life’s work even at the expense of taking a job that will help his family financially.
And Lupita Nyong’o shows again why she is an Oscar winner. Her fiercely determined Harriet, number one goal is to care for her family and works tirelessly selling vegetables in the market to make sure her children are fed and have a roof over their heads.
A major character without a credit is the impoverished slum of Katwe in Kampala, Uganda where we see Phiona’s family and the residents of slum living in a constant struggle. These are intense scenes for anyone but I think that kids need to see that there are families and kids their own age who aren’t as lucky as they are.
Even in your kids don’t play chess, it’s not only an inspiring story for every dreamer but shows how supportive people in your life can make a difference.
One of my favorite Director’s Mira Nair (“Monsoon Wedding”) is at the helm and she does a masterful job in extracting some amazing performances. I seriously hope that the Academy remembers the cast especially newcomer Madina Nalwanga because they are all worthy of nomination nod.
Do I recommend this movie? Yes – Queen of Katwe is one of the movies I love that Hollywood makes, great story, great characters and yes I know that Phiona’s circumstances may not be the most pleasant to see but I think kids will see in themselves that having a passion for something is a wonderful thing to have and help you accomplish your dreams.
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QUEEN OF KATWE opens in theaters on September 30th!
Disclosure: NYC Single Mom’s travel and accommodations to attend the the Pete’s Dragon event is being covered by Disney. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.
