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Trailers
Review
https://youtu.be/6k3LK1b7vQ8 Kermode
Top Critic
Peter Travers
Rolling Stone September 23, 2016
Directed by the great Mira Nair, the film hits you like a shot in the heart. Nyong’o and Oyelowo are both extraordinary, giving newcomer Nalwanga a chance to shine as Phiona grows into her own woman.
Full Review | Original Score: ¾
Top Critic
Rex Reed
New York Observer September 28, 2016
The story is true, and the message it delivers-with care and help, the disenfranchised can become role models and inspire others-is unabashedly sentimental, but in a good way.
Full Review | Original Score: 3/4
Other
Rotten Tomatoes 88%
Critics Consensus: Queen of Katwe is a feel-good movie of uncommon smarts and passion, and outstanding performances by Lupita Nyong’o and David Oyelowo help to elevate the film past its cliches.
“Queen of Katwe” is the colorful true story of a young girl selling corn on the streets of rural Uganda whose world rapidly changes when she is introduced to the game of chess, and, as a result of the support she receives from her family and community, is instilled with the confidence and determination she needs to pursue her dream of becoming an international chess champion. Directed by Mira Nair (“Monsoon Wedding”) from a screenplay by William Wheeler (“The Hoax”) based on the book by Tim Crothers, “Queen of Katwe” is produced by Lydia Dean Pilcher (“The Darjeeling Limited”) and John Carls (“Where the Wild Things Are”) with Will Weiske and Troy Buder serving as executive producers. The film stars Golden Globe (R) nominee David Oyelowo (“Selma”), Oscar (R) winner and Tony Award (R) nominee Lupita Nyong’o (“12 Years a Slave”) and newcomer Madina Nalwanga. For 10-year-old Phiona Mutesi (Nalwanga) and her family, life in the impoverished slum of Katwe in Kampala, Uganda, is a constant struggle. Her mother, Harriet (Nyong’o), is fiercely determined to take care of her family and works tirelessly selling vegetables in the market to make sure her children are fed and have a roof over their heads. When Phiona meets Robert Katende (Oyelowo), a soccer player turned missionary who teaches local children chess, she is captivated. Chess requires a good deal of concentration, strategic thinking and risk taking, all skills which are applicable in everyday life, and Katende hopes to empower youth with the game. Phiona is impressed by the intelligence and wit the game requires and immediately shows potential. Recognizing Phiona’s natural aptitude for chess and the fighting spirit she’s inherited from her mother, Katende begins to mentor her, but Harriet is reluctant to provide any encouragement, not wanting to see her daughter disappointed. As Phiona begins to succeed in local chess competitions, Katende teaches her to read and write in order to pursue schooling. She quickly advances through the ranks in tournaments, but breaks away from her family to focus on her own life. Her mother eventually realizes that Phiona has a chance to excel and teams up with Katende to help her fulfill her extraordinary potential, escape a life of poverty and save her family. Disney’s “Queen of Katwe” will open in U.S. theaters on September 23, 2016.
IMDB
BBFC
TYPE Feature
APPROX. RUNNING MINUTES 124
RELEASE DATES 21/10/2016
BBFCINSIGHT mild sex references, injury detail, distressing scenes
GENRE(S) Drama
DIRECTOR(S) Mira Nair
CAST INCLUDES Lupita Nyong’o, David Oyelowo, Madina Nalwanga, Martin Kabanza, Taryn ‘Kay’ Kyaze, Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine, Esther Tebandeke
SUMMARY QUEEN OF KATWE is a drama based on the true story of a young girl from the slums in Uganda who trained to become a chess champion.
CUT All known versions of this work passed uncut.
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