Queen of Katwe displays classic Disney anecdote
This movie is very… Disney. If you’re looking for a major plot twist or complex character dynamics then this is not for you. However, if you really just want the anecdotal feel good film then this is perfect.
Queen of Katwe premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on Saturday, September 10 and it did all the things that a Disney film is suppose to do: make you laugh, make you cry, and leave the audience with a sense of hope and warm-heartedness at the end.
The main character, Phiona (played by Madina Nalwango), is introduced to the game of chess and discovers she has a real skill for it. While dealing with the struggles of helping her mother care for her siblings and trying to learn to read, Phiona decides to work towards a goal of becoming a master in chess. With the help of her coach, who continuously finds ways to fund her travel expenses, she gains a lot of recognition for her talent.
The one unique thing that this film does, is show the audience a side of Africa that they have probably not had much exposure to. Displaying the hardships of living in poverty in a small Uganda village, the film does a good job of conveying the atmosphere. Director Mira Nair does this true story justice by utilizing a phenomenal cast (including Lupita Nyong’o and David Oyelowo) to really show the pride and hard work of the people in these communities.
Queen of Katwe is a great family film and it does all of the things that a good sports drama does. It embodies hard work, perseverance and the importance of valuing the people who will love and support you along the way.
xoxo, Kayla
Photo Credit: Disney
