Queen of Katwe (2016)

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1. 

   Siskoid

   Queen's Gambit was fiction, but Queen of Katwe is the real thing. Phiona Mutesi has a lot to overcome in the accident of her birth. A girl from an Ugandan slum is not expected to become an international chess champion. Having the virtue of being filmed where it took place with a mostly African cast, this family film achieves a vibrancy and authenticity, where misery mingles with hope. I often found myself smiling or feeling moved. I do wonder if the real Phiona used "Queening" as a routine checkmate strategy, because in my (relatively limited) experience, it isn't a move that's easy to achieve (though maybe in aggressive play, it is). Is it a real biographical detail, or meant to convey the theme of achievement, of the pawn becoming the queen. Incredibly well supported by key actors like David Oyelowo and Lupita Nyong'o, who have never struck a false note in their lives (Nyong'o as the mother desperate to protect her children from disappointment is especially strong), the kids nonetheless have a lot of star power and are a fun, affecting group. 2 years 11 months ago
2. 

   kottonen

   I will carry my thoughts in my mouth for a while, until they develop further, but impressions will do for now:
   
   I wish there was more than the 'rags to riches' plot. The journey is great, but the ending (entirely deserved and entirely predictable) should have also contained a reference to systemic problems. Not everyone can be a child prodigy. Not everyone is lucky enough to have support and encouragement to try — and keep trying! — their odd thing.
   
   Extreme poverty. Being rich, on the other hand, automatically makes you an owner of all the comforts and commodities from the 1970's.
   
   Am now reliving the days when I used to competitively play checkers, age 6 to 12. By the way, tournaments are not nearly as exciting for spectators as in the film: a single game can go on for up to 6 hours, and most of that time is spent thinking, no pieces moving at all.
   
   Am also feeling extremely humbled, which, I suppose, is the idea since the film was produced by Disney and for young Western audiences. Undoubtedly, simplifying the narrative. 7 years 6 months ago
3. 

   Slylingual24

   A slightly dull if not absolutely beautiful movie. This coming from a fairly big chess fan. 7 years 7 months ago

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