MOVIE - Queen of Katwe

PG (1:24)

Wide release 9/30/16

Viewed Monday, 10/10/16 at El Con with Sheila
RT Critic:  91  Audience:  88

Critic's 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.

Cag:  4.5 Liked it a whole lot

Directed by Mira Nair

Walt Disney Studios

Based on a true story

David Oyelowo, Lupita N'yongo

My comments:  A little long, but it seems like most films lately have been.  Based on the true story of a young girl from the "slums" of Uganda who, even though she couldn't read, learned to master the intricacies of chess, out-thinking her opponents, and with the support of her small community of Katwe, going on to win championships in all of Africa, under the guidance of a part-time minister/coach (and his wife).  Though practically homeless and incredibly poor, she is also forged by a loving mother and three supporting siblings.  (Note:  the fabrics in this film are unbelievable, gorgeous, colorful!)

IMDb Summary:  "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

MOVIE - Queen to Play (Joueuse)

Wonderful lead actress!
in French with subtitles
Limited release 4-1-11 (made in 2008/2009)
unrated (1:41)
7-16-11 at The Loft by myself (not a seat left in the upstairs theater!)
RT:  67% cag 79%
Director:  Caroline Bottaro
Sandrine Bonnaire, Kevin Kline, Jennifer Beals

This was a very lovely movie.  The setting was the island of Corsica, and it was a bout a mom who discovers the game of chess.  She's a house cleaner, and she sees Jennifer Beals playing chess while sitting on the balcony of a b & b that overlooks the ocean.  It's a lovely, somewhat sexy scene, and Helene is mesmerized by the memory of it.  So much so that she buys her husband an electronic chess set for his birthday, even though neither of them have in any way encountered the game before.

Now...although the movie does not really focus on the actual game of chess, most of the rest of the movie revolves around learning it and playing it.  Got a little too much chess-y for me.  Kevin Kline plays the reclusive chess player that teachers her how to play - and who gives her the confidence in herself to go farther.  This is another movie about a woman who breaks free of her long-standing cocoon and emerges as a butterfly.  Sandrine Bonnaire plays the protagonist beautifully.  What a lovely smile she has!