I greatly value and respect movies based on real-life stories. This is because they're not just movies, but inspirations filled with impactful lessons that one can learn from. They don't just aim to entertain, but to educate and inspire the audience, revealing some things unknown and also spurring people towards something good, while also recognising the figures behind the real-life stories, probably unknown, yet with a deep remarkable lesson.
This is the case with the movie “Queen of Katwe” which I've come to enjoy and learn from. Released in 2016, the movie follows the inspiring journey of a young girl from a very humble background and what you could say a hopeless situation, rising to a great height in life that she never dreamed of. Dreams were actually expensive there, so you could understand why. In the long run, it showed what opportunity, determination and a brilliant mind could do.
“Queen of Katwe” isn't the usual Disney movie you would see. It's one of those sports movies that not many really find the sport interesting. If you're curious, chess is the sport. A sport that involves deep reasoning, critical thinking, mental strength and fortitude, unlike what's usually known of sports. But even as one who was unfamiliar with the game of chess, I was captured by the movie because of the inspiring story. Being familiar with the game now adds a layer to it.
Phiona Mutesi, played by Madina Nalwanga was a girl from Katwe, a slum in one of the most underprivileged places in Uganda, East Africa. With her mother, sister and two brothers, she lives life. Together with her brother, Brian they assist through hawking to provide for themselves. The mother, Nakku Harriet played by Lupita Nyong’o is one I must talk of. Who else to play this role of a strong widow doing her best to provide for her family than the Academy Award winner?
I've watched some of Lupita Nyong’o’s movies and she remains one of the best talents, exceptional even for such a role. I knew it was already a great one for that role. Then comes in another great talent in David Oyelowo, playing the role of Robert Katende, Phiona’s chess coach and teacher. In a world where people strive only for themselves and their families, Robert, though struggling, made it a duty to inspire a group of Katwe teenagers to hope and optimism. Not using something spectacular, but a “boring” board game.
The movie started with the end in 2011; Phiona at an international chess tournament. It then took us back to 2008, the journey to that stage. Sometimes, our curiosity could be the beginning of our journey to greatness. That was it with Phiona, whose curiosity to know where her brother always went after selling their maize took her to the meeting house of “The Pioneers” as Robert named the group of teenagers. It didn't really start well for her but her stubbornness prevailed and gave her a place, later becoming the group's best player.
An interesting part of the movie was when Robert found a way to enrol the children in a school-based chess tournament, despite them not being students. They had lots of joy about going to the city and playing the “city boys.” But on getting there, seeing the structures and other children all looking sharp in their uniforms, their confidence was derailed. Robert, however boosted their morale, and they went on to play, with Phiona emerging as the champion.
“Sometimes the place you're used to is not the place you belong. You belong where you believe you belong.” These were the words of Robert to Phiona during a training session. It highlights how we can become so lost in the environment or disadvantaged situation we find ourselves in that we submit to its limitations. This was him addressing Phiona’s doubts about the potential of her becoming a grandmaster. Her environment and world conditioned her to think it's impossible. It stuck with me because many people are caught in the trap of such thoughts.
I must give kudos to Madina Nalwanga for a wonderful performance as the lead actor. The expressions and character were there. The settings were well-depicting of what was typical of such a place. The accents remained on point. As an African-based film, it had to reflect that. Also a reason why I found Lupita Nyong’o and David Oyelowo’s delivery exceptional. Bringing such a story to live action in 120 minutes was a good job done by the writers, producer and director. It's definitely a good watch and one I recommend that every child should watch.
Thank you for reading!
Rating: 90/100
