Queen of Katwe

Name: Queen of Katwe
Genre: Biography, Drama, Sport
Released: September 23, 2016
Duration: 124 min
Rating: 73

2016

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Generally favorable reviews based on 40 Critic Reviews

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Generally favorable reviews based on 63 Ratings

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6.5

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Queen Of Katwe

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Movie Details & Credits

| Release Date: September 23, 2016 | PG

Summary: A young girl from Uganda trains to become a world chess champion.

Director: Mira Nair

Genre(s): Biography, Drama, Sport

Rating: PG

Runtime: 124 min

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Critic Reviews

A.O. Scott

Sep 22, 2016

In Ms. Nair’s hands, Phiona’s story has a richness and unpredictability that separates it from other, superficially similar movies. It also has the buoyant, cleareyed feel for the particulars of culture and place that is among this director’s great gifts. Read full review

Blake Goble

Sep 21, 2016

Queen of Katwe shows that a film doesn’t have to give up on the tenets of genre, but has the potential to win big if it can enliven them in new ways. Read full review

Stephen Whitty

Sep 21, 2016

Although the script is a little flat — just because the story is true doesn't mean it should feel so predictable — Nair gives the film tons of energy and joy. Read full review

Katie Rife

Sep 21, 2016

In some ways, the more novel element is the film’s depiction of chess, which in Katwe is a popular sport on the level of football. And while that might seem unlikely, it’s accurate, at least in the wake of Mutesi’s success. Read full review

Tirdad Derakhshani

Sep 22, 2016

This terrific film and its inspirational message have been filtered through an individualistic, American point of view, suggesting that anyone can make a better life for themselves if they are willing to work. And that's not the case everywhere. Read full review

Matt Donato

Sep 22, 2016

Queen Of Katwe is pretty typical Disney magic, but dynamic performances add a little more oomph to Phiona Mutesi's amazing true story. Read full review

Tim Grierson

Sep 17, 2016

Perhaps it’s simplistic to say that director Mira Nair has fashioned a good-looking but Disney-fied version of actual events, and yet the studio’s predictably uplifting-at-all-costs blandness slowly but methodically drains the material of its richness. Read full review

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User Reviews

BHBarry

Oct 2, 2016

“Queen of Katwe” is biodrama based on the true story of Phiona, a Ugandan girl with an uncanny and innate gift for playing and winning in the game of chess. The film is based on an article and book written by Tim Crothers,a screenplay by William Wheeler and stars David Oyelowo and Madina“Queen of Katwe” is biodrama based on the true story of Phiona, a Ugandan girl with an uncanny and innate gift for playing and winning in the game of chess. The film is based on an article and book written by Tim Crothers,a screenplay by William Wheeler and stars David Oyelowo and Madina Naiwanga (who plays the young chess prodigy). This could easily have turned out to be one of those formula feel good films with their predictable story book endings but, In the capable hands of director Mara Nair (“Amelia”), she brings warmth, emotion and an understanding of the Ugandan culture into this lovely and heart warming film. It Is an enriching movie experience and well deserves the 8.0 I rate it. Like a winning chess player, Ms. Naair made all the right moves.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

LeZee

Sep 26, 2017

A life changing game.

I am not a big fan of Mira Nair. But I like some of her films, particularly 'Amelia'. Because she usually prefers India and Indian subjects and cast as what she's. Outside that circle, she was not that successful, until now. It was a sport film, that revolved aroundA life changing game.

I am not a big fan of Mira Nair. But I like some of her films, particularly 'Amelia'. Because she usually prefers India and Indian subjects and cast as what she's. Outside that circle, she was not that successful, until now. It was a sport film, that revolved around chess game. Inspired by an incredible true story from the dark continent. It all happened less than ten years ago. Disney and ESPN together produced it. So when these two productions come together, you would know what to expect.

Seeing the opening few minutes, it reminded me the recent New Zealand film 'The Dark Horse'. Kind of a similar film, but I was not that impressed with that. But this one was awesome. Simply a miracle. Like any fairy-tale from the Disney. She was not a princess, but in a way she turns to be one. Years ago when I reviewed 'Searching for Bobby Fischer', I said that was the film should be shown in the schools. Now add this title as well to the list.

The opening was the ending. Then followed the flashback, which went to the 4 years ago. Living in a slum of Katwe, a single mother raising her children, but not without their contribution to the family. Now the focus shifts to one of the family members, Phiona. Curiosity on her brother who disappears every day after sold out his goods leads her to a new path. That's when she discovers a game she had never heard of before. After learning the basics, she quickly picks up the rest of the game on her own and becomes a prodigy.

❝Losing teaches me how to play better.❞

This is like most of the true stories you have seen, but that's the truth as well in here. What might come later could impress you. Because it was not like she has a superpower, so she can clear her life path just like that. Honestly, the real test begins now for her, how she uses her gift. But it was her coach who understood the situation, and tried his best to push her further with the big tournaments, in the national and the international level. Not just her, there has been a team behind her. So the remaining is to reveal how far she would go, as well as the story of her struggling family.

They have got the cast perfectly. Everyone was brilliant. David Oyelowo was amazing, surely one of my favourite British actors for now. This is the second consecutive time he's making a such impression. Not long ago with 'A United Kingdom'. Definitely the Oscars is just a corner. And then Lupita Nyong'o, she was not the centre of the story, but had enough part and she excelled every bit of it. The rest of the actors, including the one who played Phiona was amazing. At the end credit, both the cinematic and the real life characters appeared. I felt that was a result of excitement, but liked it.

The sad part was why such films were ignored at the big stages! This is a must see film, especially if you have a kid(s) in the home, show it to them. Being the parents, uncle and aunt, that's one of the best thing you would do for them. Because no one knows when and where kids gets their confidence boost, inspiration or discovering a new path. You can't compare films with real life, even it was a biopic. But still the true story always remains a true story, even after they're compressed to 120 minutes. Particularly the Disney film gets rid of harsh parts, making a family friendly film. So watch it for a change, you have no other reasons, you could be impressed!

8/10… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

StevieGJD

Oct 20, 2016

This is a well made and inspiring movie about people overcoming overwhelming odds to achieve something special. It is a movie I took my mother to. It is neither high art nor densely intellectual. It is family friendly entertainment. Anyone who hates this movie because it does not comportThis is a well made and inspiring movie about people overcoming overwhelming odds to achieve something special. It is a movie I took my mother to. It is neither high art nor densely intellectual. It is family friendly entertainment. Anyone who hates this movie because it does not comport with their beliefs about the "real story" is either a racist or simply misses the point: Phiona overcomes great odds to achieve what she does in the film. So do the other kids. The coach and his wife are wonderful people who give of themselves to help others rise above their station. It might not be 100% accurate. But this is not a documentary, this is a drama. The main actors are great. David Oyelowo does another excellent job as the coach. Lupita Nyong'o is a terrific actress who is very good again. The young actors playing the children, including newcomer Madina Nalwanga as Phiona, are all effective. This is not a movie about chess, it is a movie about overcoming obstacles. It is a little corny at times. But it has a great heart. Racist bigots will not like it for obvious reasons. While it is certainly not a dynamic work of art, it is pleasant entertainment that is well presented about a subject that it important (and that is working hard to achieve, not simply chess).… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

moviemitch96

Oct 9, 2016

It had an undeniable charm to it often times and some familiar faces with the likes of David Oyelowo and Lupita Nyong'o. However, for the most part, it's nothing we haven't seen before (person has a dream of becoming great at something, person runs into many obstacles and challenges beforeIt had an undeniable charm to it often times and some familiar faces with the likes of David Oyelowo and Lupita Nyong'o. However, for the most part, it's nothing we haven't seen before (person has a dream of becoming great at something, person runs into many obstacles and challenges before they can do so, person becomes great.) Also, this often times simply felt like an African ripoff of Searching for Bobby Fisher. Overall, like I said the film often had a sweet charm to it and decent performances, but I wouldn't really give this too heavy of a recommend.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

Thegodfatherson

Oct 6, 2016

Katwe is not a bad movie. It has great actors, a great director, and a great score. But the main mess starts at the pacing. Mira Nair focuses too much on the concept rather than building on the characters and adding layers to a film that could have been the Oscar Bait we were hoping for.Katwe is not a bad movie. It has great actors, a great director, and a great score. But the main mess starts at the pacing. Mira Nair focuses too much on the concept rather than building on the characters and adding layers to a film that could have been the Oscar Bait we were hoping for. Still, if you have the patience, it's a nice, clean film that could be watched with families.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

Fluid_Dynamics

Oct 7, 2016

A delightful movie, but I'm a little disappointed that they felt they had to imply such amazing gifts as a chess player. We felt lied to.

Phiona Mutesi FIDE ranking: World (all players): 175,313 World (active players): 90,020 We wonder if she doesn't feel a little trapped by theA delightful movie, but I'm a little disappointed that they felt they had to imply such amazing gifts as a chess player. We felt lied to.

Phiona Mutesi FIDE ranking:
World (all players): 175,313
World (active players): 90,020

We wonder if she doesn't feel a little trapped by the hype herself at this point. She knows where she stands, she has an amazing spirit and gifts, but they are not currently in Chess. We wish her all the best.… Expand

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

GamecubeLover

Oct 4, 2016

Why do people like this movie. The plot is so slow and the plot is about CHESS. Let that soak into you. The characters are so unlikeable and annoying. So is the acting but ten times worse. Dislike if you want this movie is crap by disney which disney is getting worse and worse.

3 of 8 users found this helpful35

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