First, the Recap:
Dreams. When living in a state of being that doesn’t show progress or any chance of moving beyond one’s station, thinking it will ever be possible becomes hard to grasp. It is 2007, and in the African nation of Uganda, one such young girl, Phiona (Madina Nalwanga), struggles to survive by selling maize in local markets in hopes of providing much needed money for her mother Nakku (Lupita Nyong’o), brother Martin (Mugabi Brian), and elder sister Night (Taryn Kyaze). An unexpected path, however, opens up to Phiona when she inadvertently discovers she has a natural mind for the sport of chess. Encouraged by her newfound coach Robert (David Oyelowo), Phiona travels a hard fought road to not only excel beyond her small town of Katwe to a world stage, but to find the belief in herself that it will all be worth never giving up a dream.
Worth Seeing: YES
The House of Disney continues its ever-present run of quality film work with this wonderfully detailed look into the life of an unassuming chess prodigy from Uganda. Deftly directed by accomplished filmmaker Mira Nair, the narrative plunges the viewer into the slums of the Ugandan city of Katwe in highlighting the rise of this amazing young woman who overcame much adversity and even initial lack of support from her own mother to become of the most respected members of both her own community and the international chess world as well. Affecting performances from award winners Nyong’o and Oyelowo anchor the proceedings, but it is the even more wondrous debut effort from Nalwanga as Phiona that ultimately gives this true story-based film its heart, soul, laughs, tears, and inspiration that anything can be possible in this life.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
