Here is the premise: Phiona (wonderfully portrayed by newcomer Madina Nalwanga) lives in Uganda and helps her mom and siblings survive by selling maze. Phiona’s life is changed when the youth coach from the local church teachers her and other kids about chess. Phiona is a natural and sets her eyes on competing and winning in the national chess tournament.
Such an inspiring movie, even more so since this is a true story. I teared up in several places, and silently cheered in others. Queen of Katwe is sometimes sad, sometimes happy, but is always inspiring and heartwarming. All the actors did a phenomenal job, down to the youngest child, I can see best acting noms for Madina, as well as David Oyelowo (who plays the mentor chess coach) and Lupita Nyong’o (who plays Phiona’s mom.) Director Mira Nair does a great job in laying out this story while tugging at our heartstrings all the way through the film.
I recommend this movie for all teenagers, it shows that anything is possible, you just have to be willing to fight for your dreams.
Russell Lockhart
