Queen Of Katwe Movie Review – Truly Inspiring

It happens every day a story just waiting to be told. In this case, the story is about a young girl in rural Uganda. A young girl introduced to the game of chess, who moves mountains with her natural talent for the game. Phiona has grown up selling Maze (Corn) to help support her family. Phiona and her brother Mugabi Brian are young kids growning up in the slums of Katwe. They are very close and have a big family, their mother Harriet played by Lupita Nyongo keeps everything together.

Life isn’t easy for this family, with the loss of Phiona’s father Harriet has a tough job of keeping her family afloat by keeping a roof over their heads as well as food in their tummies. I really can relate to Harriet in some ways where I am a single mother of 4 who is trying to navigate this world the best way I can. When push comes to shove we both have to make those tough choices on behalf of our children. Her love for her children and relentless effort to push forward and take every step possible to make their lives better was truly inspiring.

I don’t think I was as brave as Phiona was at her young age, the moment she stepped foot into the room where her brother was playing chess had me holding my breath. I could imagine what it was like for her where she had no education or any type of schooling to prepare her for what laid ahead. One of the most memorable quotes I can remember from this movie was when a little girl who was teaching her to play chess explained to her how the game worked. The quote “In chess, the small one can become the big one” meant so many things. It was that moment I think Phiona said, “hey I could do this if I wanted to”.

Night and day her dedication to practicing this game was astonishing, her natural skill and ability to foresee 8 moves ahead is amazing. It’s no wonder she had moved on to play in the international chess Olympics in Russia against many of the top players at that time. Robert (played by David Oyelowo) who was Phiona’s coach, truly touched my heart, he truly loved helping the kids in Katwe and stood up for them through everything. He became that father, brother and even that friend that those kids needed. This being a real story reminds me no matter where you are in the world there are amazing and beautiful things happening every moment.

This qoute has to be the game changer for me, it is something that many of us need to be reminded of. At any age, this question has to be asked so that we can all center ourselves and realize that there is so much more we can do with our lives if we just move just ever so slightly to another direction. I cried tears of joy and sobbed at the heart touching moments, received goosebumps throughout the movie and could only think of my kids throughout the movie. I kept thinking wow, this mom did all that she could and even though it made her feel weird and out of place, she followed through without a secound thought.

If you want to watch a movie that touches your soul, then you need to watch Queen of Katwe. It’s a movie that you can watch again and again without getting tired of it. Along with some quirky jokes and some real-life comedy that you have to smile and appreciate this movie was made to be shared. This story is beautiful and inspiring, I cannot wait to take my little ones to see it. If you weren’t lucky enough to be in the few cities and states that premiered this movie yet, it will be available everywhere September 29, 2016

Share with us below if you have ever done something that you never thought was possible, also share with us how you were able to make that dream come true.

Head over HERE to check out my full Red Carpet Experience for Disney’s Queen of Katwe. There are some fun photos and info about my first-hand experience.

A Quick Recap of the Movie.

“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.

Recognizing Phiona’s natural aptitude for chess and the fighting spirit she’s inherited from her mother, Katende begins to mentor her, but Harriet is reluctant to provide any encouragement, not wanting to see her daughter disappointed. As Phiona begins to succeed in local chess competitions, Katende teaches her to read and write in order to pursue schooling.

She quickly advances through the ranks in tournaments but breaks away from her family to focus on her own life. Her mother eventually realizes that Phiona has a chance to excel and teams up with Katende to help her fulfill her extraordinary potential, escape a life of poverty and save her family. Disney’s “Queen of Katwe” will open in U.S. theaters on September 23, 2016.

Directed by Mira Nair (“Monsoon Wedding”) from a screenplay by William Wheeler (“The Hoax”) based on the book by Tim Crothers, “Queen of Katwe” is produced by Lydia Dean Pilcher (“The Darjeeling Limited”) and John Carls (“Where the Wild Things Are”) with Will Weiske and Troy Buder serving as executive producers. The film stars Golden Globe® nominee David Oyelowo (“Selma”), Oscar® winner and Tony Award® nominee Lupita Nyong’o (“12 Years a Slave”) and newcomer Madina Nalwanga.

Also don’t forget to listen to the #1 Spice Music Video which I’m sure you won’t be disappointed with. My kid’s and I love this song! You can’t help but dance when you hear it.

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