Queen Of Katwe: A Remarkable Must See Movie

Queen of Katwe tells the vibrant true story of a young girl who sells corn on the streets of rural Uganda. Her life changes when she discovers the game of chess. With encouragement and support from her family and community, she builds the confidence and determination to chase her dream of becoming an international chess champion. 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.

Ten-year-old Phiona Mutesi and her family struggle daily to survive in the impoverished Katwe slum of Kampala, Uganda. Her mother, Harriet, fiercely supports the family by working nonstop and selling vegetables at the market. She does this to keep her children fed and sheltered. When Phiona meets Robert Katende, a former soccer player turned missionary who teaches local children chess, the game immediately captures her attention.

Chess demands focus, strategy, and risk-taking. Katende uses it to empower young people with skills they can apply to everyday life. Phiona quickly impresses him with her sharp thinking and natural talent. Recognizing her aptitude and the resilience she inherits from her mother, Katende takes her on as a student. Harriet initially hesitates to encourage Phiona, fearing the pain of disappointment.

As Phiona begins winning local tournaments, Katende teaches her to read and write so she can attend school. She rises rapidly through competitive ranks, even as her growing independence creates distance within her family. Eventually, Harriet recognizes her daughter’s rare opportunity. She joins forces with Katende to help Phiona reach her potential, hoping to escape poverty and change her family’s future.

Queen of Katwe breaks away from the typical Disney formula. Even though it still pulls hard at your heartstrings. The film immediately struck me with the extreme poverty the characters endure. Seeing the conditions these children and their families live in made me want to cry. Simply because their reality looks nothing like ours. They have no internet and no running water.

As a mother, I found myself wanting to shake some sense into Phiona during certain scenes. This is how I knew the story truly connected with me. Being a mother made the experience hit even harder. I rarely cry during movies, but Queen of Katwe brought me to tears. I even read the book afterward, which is something I seldom do after watching a film.

The movie stays faithful primarily to the book. Even if it shifts the order of some events. You also don’t need to understand chess to enjoy the story, because I certainly didn’t.

If you know me in real life, I have been telling for months to go see this movie when it comes out.  It is amazing.  It has opened up a part of the world I had no idea about.  It is a story you must see.  It is a story your kids must see.  How many great minds have we lost due to poverty? These children never get a chance.  Phiona is still young. I want to go out and help her and help the children of Katwe.  That’s what this movie does to you.  

Queen of Katwe opened up September 23 in select theaters and opening everywhere else by September 30th.  Go see it!  It’ll be one of the best movies you will see this year!