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A Ugandan girl sees her world rapidly change after being introduced to the game of chess.
I cannot say that I have ever been a big fan of Disney films inspired by true stories, especially after the catastrophe that was “The Finest Hours,” which played out like a B-movie and would have been better if it were mashed up with “Sharknado.” Other inspired films, while not bad, are simply just too on the nose, all the scratches and dings buffed out, leaving life a little too glossy and put together. Director Mira Nair does well to preserve some rawness and grit in “Queen of Katwe.” Life flows and is felt through the screen. Your heart trembles, your eyes dart, and mind vibrates with the life of the the Ugandan township of Katwe, snatching your attention and seizing your heart from the outset.
“Queen of Katwe” is the underdog story of Phiona Mutesi (Madina Nalwanga), a young girl from Katwe, a poverty stricken township outside the Ugandan capital of Kampala. She lives with mother (Lupita Nyong’o) and her siblings, an older sister Night (Taryn Kyaze), brother Brian (Martin Kabanza), and younger brother Richard (Ivan Jacobo/Nicolas Levesque). Hard and desperate times have hit the family since their father and other sister died. The three oldest children have to contribute to keeping fed and sheltered by selling food on the streets. Older sister Night is disgruntled, fed up and leaps at a chance to get out via a bad boy with a motorbike despite her mother’s protests. A melancholy air of acceptance and respect is present within the other two children, Phiona and Brian. Though they too may wish to escape from their plight, their place is with their mother, a woman strong with honor and integrity who propelled by an unwavering love and concern for her children.
Phiona discovers chess by chance, as she follows her brother Brian one day after he manages to sell off his food quickly and dashes off in a hurry. She lingers outside an unassuming building, peeking in, hesitancy heavy in the air. Kids from the area are there joyful for food and lessons in chess provided by youth minister Robert Katende (David Oyelowo). Sensing her presence, Robert invites Phiona, despite protests and schoolyard jabs from the other children. It isn’t too long before the children are mesmerized by Phiona’s skill as she beats them in games of chess, a sore spot for some of the boys as their egos are bruised by being beaten by a girl. And soon she will bruise plenty more egos as her skills sharpen and determination strengthens.
Robert Katende fights for Phiona and the other children. He fights for their right to play chess and to be educated. He brings a lightness to the harsh realities of their world and provides them with the joy of a game and skill of strategy. He fights institutions and strong willed mothers alike, and he wins. David Oyelowo shares a natural rapport with the children. The connection is endearing without being saccharin.
The acting overall is impressive. Lupita Nyong’o as the hard-faced mother, brow forever furrowed with worry, is excellent. Her sharp-tongue and posturing is worn like a suit of armor that fits like a glove, perfectly balancing a comedic sharpness and motherly love. But Madina Nalwanga is the real gem of the film. With a diamond in the rough realness she tugs at you gently with her soft voice and wistful eyes. There is a stillness there that holds you, makes you listen and follow. It is Nalwanga that captures your heart and uplifts your spirit in Nair’s “Queen of Katwe.” Disney finally managed to win me over with this true story and I am sure will win over audiences nationwide.
In theaters Friday, September 30th
