From the minute I sat down to and advanced screening of Queen of Katwe, I knew it was a movie that I wanted my two older daughters to see. Immediately, I thought it was a wonderful movie to show the true story of a girl from Uganda who defies the odds as she goes through her journey of becoming a chess champion.
There have been many times where we have worked together to donate to goodwill or given money to support a cause where people were in need. I am not sure exactly if they understand what true poverty is and the struggles faced by children who are the same age as them in other countries. The movie takes place in the impoverished slum of Katwe in Kampala, Uganda and life is a constant struggle. Phiona’s 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. Seeing this poverty come to life is one of the reasons why I think it is extremely important for them to see this movie.
Once Phiona learns how to play chess and it becomes obvious that she is going to do well, the audience watches as she grows as a player and we see her great determination to become an international chess champion.
Another part of the movie that strikes me is the struggle that Phiona faces as she begins to win and is faced with coming back home to help support her family and mother. The world she lives in is vastly different from her opponents. We learn through the film that this difference is one that supports her and gives her strength to win.
As Phiona wins a variety of championships, she returns home and her community is proud of her and her accomplishments.
I love movies with positive feel good messages and Queen of Katwe is definitely one of those movies.
Directed by Mira Nair from a screenplay by William Wheeler, “Queen of Katwe” is produced by Lydia Dean Pilcher, p.g.a. and John Carls, p.g.a. with Will Weiske and Troy Buder serving as executive producers. The film stars Golden Globe® nominee David Oyelowo, Oscar® winner and Tony Award® nominee Lupita Nyong’o and newcomer Madina Nalwanga.
So you see why I think that Queen of Katwe is a movie that I want my daughters to see.
Oh! I forgot to share that after screening the movie, all 25 bloggers enjoyed dancing to Young Cardamom’s “#1 Spice” You will want to get out of your seat too .
Have a listen.
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QUEEN OF KATWE opens in theaters everywhere on September 30th!
While at the Pete’s Dragon Event, I was able to see an advanced screening of Queen of Katwe. I was invited to attend an all expense paid trip to LA to attend the premiere of Pete’s Dragon and be a part of the #PetesDragonEvent. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I cannot wait to see this! Everyone in my home is addicted to playing chess, so this is going to be great!
Sounds like an interesting and educational movie.
Marilyn
I do want to see this film as well. It looks like it will be both fun and educational as well as inspirational.
My whole family plans on seeing this! Lupita N’Yongo has quickly become one of our best actresses. I’m glad that she has chosen a movie such as this to star in. We need more films like this one that are positive and uplifting. I also like that this is another story with a girl as the lead hero, and it’s so inspiring.
I love Lupita, and this looks like such a heartwarming movie full of strength.
This looks like it will be a really good movie! I cannot wait to go and see it!
This is such an inspiring film, not just for women, but for anyone who feels like an underdog in life.
This looks like a heartwarming, inspirational movie. Can’t wait to see it!
This movie is so inspiring. Your girls will love it and will come away with such a great sense of empowerment.
I was just looking into this for Friday because that’s always a free day to take my son to the movies. He may be a bit young for this, but my daughter isn’t. I really want to take her.
This does sound like a wonderful movie to see with the kids. Phiona’s story sounds so inspiring.
I have seen the previews of this movie and have put it on the top of my “movies to see” list. We don’t go to the movies often because it is so expensive – this one would be worth the money though.
I haven’t heard of this movie. From what you have written here, it looks like it will be worth seeing. I will put it on my “must watch” list.
I can’t wait to see this movie. It seems to share so many messages for so many different people.
I’ll be taking my girl to see this one too. Sounds like there are some great messages.
I love movies like this one and can not wait to see it soon. The story is inspiring and the actors in this movie are incredible!
I would love to see this movie. Looks good.
Great story of determination and the will to succeed. If it’s within you, your circumstances become secondary. We are looking forward to seeing this!
This sounds like an awesome story.
I’ll take my niece to see this. Looks like a great film.