Queen of Katwe Review [Brandon Keith Avery - JustMyOpinion.net]

Disney is doing well with their biographical true stories of brave individuals that overcome adversity. In 2015 they produced McFarland USA about a united cross country team, and this year we have an up and coming queen chess master in Uganda. It’s another perfect illustration of what someone else’s reality may be, as opposed to your own. It’s inspiring, powerful, and will boost your mood. The cast is in a league of their own with Oscar winners and contenders, and overall it’s a breath of fresh air to a culture most are unaware of.

Queen of Katwe is about becoming more than you’d thought was possible. The vehicle used to tell the story is through the game of chess, and if you know the game you know there are infinite possibilities that can determine the outcome. That’s the same way life is, and the film did a pleasant job explaining this through a large number of great analogies and metaphors. The ideas came from Robert Katende (David Oyelowo), who is Phiona’s (Madina Nalwanga) chess instructor/mentor. If his middle name was “motivation” I wouldn’t be surprised, because he’s filled with it. The performance that was given by Oyelowo was flawless as usual, and his look on screen was that of a perfect teacher. On a side note, he’s a prime example of accepting his calling to help others. Everyone can’t be the leader, but there are those who inspire others to lead. And each role is extremely important when dealing with life. Phiona herself was thankful for what she had and only dreamed just like the rest of us in the world as we live our lives. Her innocent face was to die for, and there was so much beauty in her eyes. And just like the song says, “She get it from her momma,” that was clearly the case with her mother, Nakku (Lupita Nyong’o). This is the kind of mother everyone wants. She works hard, takes responsibility, is strong, and not to be double crossed. Nyong’o’s performance was soft, but then hard as a rock when it was necessary. I could feel the true love she had for her daughter, but also fear of what’s to come in the real world.

With performances executed with such precision, it wouldn’t have mattered if it wasn’t properly pieced together. That’s when director Mira Nair shows her talent. She wasn’t on my radar before, but is now for sure. Her ability to set the stage to get the true impact for each shot was spot on. The film spanned over a number of years telling the origin of the journey, and with her direction it really felt like I was there in the midst of things. The lead performances that were mentioned earlier were fantastic, but every cast member pulled their respected weight. It all felt genuine from all the laughs and cries. The struggle that the people go through on a daily basis shone bright and clear, yet everyone there still has something to be happy about.

That’s what’s so great about the overall story. It illustrates that no matter where you come from or what you’re going through you can always overcome it by using your mind, and when trapped taking advantage of all your surroundings. That’s the best way to live and can be a savior of some sorts. This is the type of film that inspires you to construct your own building right afterwards, because you feel invincible. The only complaint in the film is a few minutes could’ve been shaved off. As the timeline is jumping year to year, it’s clear some of the story points were unnecessary. They’re wonderful scenes, but hurt the overall flow of the film.

Whether you go see it in theaters or wait until home release, it’s nearly impossible not to find something positive that will motivate you after your viewing. It’s a powerful film about changing one’s destiny and spreading your wings to fly. I learned something from this film. So chances are you may too. If only there were more films like this to fill theaters, instead of a lot of the trash that holds no real substance.

9/10

Release Date: September 23, 2016 (limited), September 30, 2016 (wide) 

Director: Mira Nair

Writer: William Wheeler

Cast: Madina Nalwanga, David Oyelowo, Lupita Nyong’o, Martin Kabanza, Taryn Kyaze, Ivan Jacobo, Nicolas Levesque, Ronald Ssemaganda, Ethan Nazario Lubega, Nikita Waligwa, Edgar Kanyike, Esther Tebandeke, Hope Katende, Philip Luswata, Peter Odeke, Maurice Kirya, Minky Ndlovu, Jack Kinobe Sserunkuuma, Irene Kulabako Kakembo, Allen Musumba, Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine

MPAA Rating: PG

Runtime: 124 minutes

Production Company: ESPN Films, Walt Disney Pictures, Walt Disney Productions

Genre: Biography, Drama, Sport

Language: English

Country: South Africa, USA

Budget: $15,000,000 (estimated)

Read more reviews by Brandon Keith Avery at Just My Opinion.net. 

Queen of Katwe Review

Well done, Disney! Well done! Queen of Katwe was an inspiring film based on the true story of a young, Ugandan girl whose life is forever changed by the game of chess. 

Filmed in Uganda, the film manages to show a range of socioeconomic statuses one may encounter in Uganda. From the makeshift shelter Phiona Mutesi (Madina Nalwanga) lived in with her mother, Nakku Harriet (Lupita Nyong'o, 12 Years a Slave), and her younger brothers after being evicted from their home; to the modest living of Robert Katende (David Oyelowo, Selma) and his wife Sara Katende (Esther Tebandeke) to the private school the children visit to compete in a chess tournament. The music was great too, with oldies but goodies from Davido and P-Square. The location and music made for a very authentic feel.

The fact that director Mira Nair (Mississippi Masala, Monsoon Wedding) lives in Uganda, which is where she met her husband while doing research for Mississippi Masala, likely added to the film's authenticity, as well. Nair noted that the true account of Phiona Mutesi took place not too far from Nair's home. Adding to the authenticity was the fact that the children actors were also from Uganda, all but one growing up in the same socioeconomic status as the real Phiona. Fun fact, the first film Nalwanga saw in a theater was Jurassic World, when Oyelowo took the children actors to see it during the filming of Queen of Katwe , and the second film she saw in a theater was the screening of Queen of Katwe at TIFF!

But despite not having seen a film on the big screen, Nalwanga did a phenomenal job playing Phiona. She and the other children actors were absolutely great! Oyelowo spoke of the energy they brought to the set, and the energy can be felt through the screen, as well. You will be truly impressed with these young actors and their ability to express a range of emotions and feelings. As to be expected, Oyelowo and Nyong'o did an outstanding job, as well; with Nyong'o stealing the show with her portrayal of a hard-working, protective mother who sticks to her principles. Though Nyong'o is not a mother herself, the young actress is absolutely one on screen as she portrays Nakku, who was a young mother. 

Queen of Katwe  was a powerful and moving film about a mother's love and strength, the power of giving back and uplifting others, and most importantly about courage and hope! Let's let Disney know we want more quality films sharing the story of strong women and young girls of color and films directed by women of color! And you know where we let them know, at the box office starting tomorrow!!

10/10

Queen of Katwe Trailer