Queen of Katwe

[ladams888]

Saw this last night at the European Premiere at the Odeon Leicester Square (another walk on the red carpet for me!). Great introduction by the director, Mira Nair and the film’s stars David Oyelowo and Lupita Nyong'o were also present.

It was a lovely “underdog film” about Phiona Mutesi – a 14-year old girl who lived in appalling conditions in the slums of Kampala, Uganda with her widowed mother and three siblings. She is taught how to play chess by the inspirational Robert Katende. We follow her story over four years and witness how, against all odds, she goes on to become Ugandan Chess Champion.

I absolutely loved this film – it was very uplifting, well cast, had a great soundtrack and, unusually, completely suitable for children – no sex, no swearing – just a great, great film. 10/10

[kevinknapman]

Also saw this last night.

An incredibly inspirational film, it may deal in several of the cliches that appear in many underdog sports dramas but does so with vibrancy and passion.

A fantastic cast also help to lift it above the familiar. Experienced actor David Oyelowo is dependably great as Robert Katende, while Lupita Nyong'o is exceptional as Phiona's fiercely proud mother. If there's any justice Nyong'o should be picking up many supporting actress awards to go with the ones she won for 12 Years a Slave. The real find however is Madina Nalwanga who makes her acting debut as Phiona. She has to carry a lot of the movie and does so with considerable charm and maturity.

The film also looks amazing thanks to 12 Years a Slave cinematographer Sean Bobbitt who captures the slums of Katwe in a completely unsentimental fashion.

Queen of Katwe is a pure crowd pleaser. Ignore any preconceptions you may have about a film that involves the game of chess, as it joins Innocent Moves as a great film about the subject. It's also worth sitting through all of the end credits as Nair seems reluctant to step away from the joyous atmosphere this film creates

[Beate]

I saw this film this morning in a members' previews at the Greenwich Picturehouse. I hadn't seen an SFF code for it which might explain why it wasn't as full as it could have been.

It's a lovely from rags to riches story about a young Ugandan girl becoming a chess champion and b*ying her mum a house, but the story somehow felt too effortless. I almost had to laugh when they made all her opponents out to be extra tall and glowering menacingly or arrogantly at her. But she had a great coach who supported his whole group tirelessly and somehow swiped all the hurdles away, allowing her and her brother to play in international tournaments. I think the strongest and most interesting character in the movie is actually her widowed mother, who tries to raise four children on almost no means whatsoever.

The fact that I never understood or liked chess might play a part here of course. My poor Dad had to play against a chess computer because I just could never find it interesting enough!

I give it 7.5/10 because I found it good but not superb. The audience at PH Greenwich however spontaneously applauded at the end. The end credits with the actors standing next to the real characters is worth sitting through btw.

[Florence1]

I saw this film at Islington Vue this evening and what a brilliant film. My friend was very impressed with the cinematography as she had spent some time in Africa. I loved this inspirational story and the acting was fantastic. The child actors were brilliant and there were lots of funny moments especially when one of the children lost a game of chess at one of the tournaments. Definitely one of my favourite films all year. 10/10

[ce.brun]

I agree. Such an uplifting well made film. Lupita Nyongo was absolutely fab

[ahman]

Enjoyed the film thoroughly. Absolutely engrossing. A good story well told. No sex, no violence and no foul language. A real treat. 10/10

[karlyk]

Saw this at Islington Vue yesterday. It was a beautiful film that had so many underlying messages for example how we must never give up on our dreams but actually keep fighting for it even if all the odds are against us. Lupita's performance was stellar as per usual. This might actually be one of my favourite films this year. One of the things I didn't like about this was some aspects of the story were unexplained to an extent I would've liked for example Night's story (I believe that is her name). Not quite worthy of a 5 so I'd give it a 4/5. Loved the soundtrack as well!

[McG]

Made a point of seeing this today as I suspect it will not last long in the cinema. Great story of one girl's achievement but also the consequences on family and friends. Some gritty detail of life in Uganda for the poorest members of society. Love films based on real life stories and the ending showing the real people and telling even more of what happened in their life.
Marks 8/10

[ploggit]

Made a point of seeing this today as I suspect it will not last long in the cinema. Great story of one girl's achievement but also the consequences on family and friends. Some gritty detail of life in Uganda for the poorest members of society. Love films based on real life stories and the ending showing the real people and telling even more of what happened in their life.
Marks 8/10

I'm glad you saw this- i saw it today and knew it would be up your street. The kids stole the film, no surprise there. One to watch out for on TV, I think.

[Abc]

Well worth a visit to the cinema to see. Especially liked seeing the actors and the actual people together at the end of film.