Queen of Katwe

PG

Released Sep 30, 2016

2 hr. 4 min.

Biography

Drama

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List

94%

189 Reviews

Tomatometer

86%

5,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

Living in the slum of Katwe in Kampala, Uganda, is a constant struggle for 10-year-old Phiona (Madina Nalwanga) and her family. Her world changes one day when she meets Robert Katende (David Oyelowo), a missionary who teaches children how to play chess. Phiona becomes fascinated with the game and soon becomes a top player under Katende's guidance. Her success in local competitions and tournaments opens the door to a bright future and a golden chance to escape from a life of poverty.

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Critics 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.

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Michael W

This family sports movie was great. David Oyelowo, Madina Nalwanga, Lupita Nyong'o, Martin Kabanza, and the rest of the cast did a great job in this movie. This true story about the chess master Phiona Nutesi from Uganda was dramatic, inspirational, and incredible. It's about finding what you're good at and never giving up on it no matter what. If you haven't seen this movie yet, check it out sometime. It's a great movie for an entire family.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/10/24

Full Review

David M

A film with a warm heart and good intentions may be at risk of misrepresenting itself a little. A true life sports film (if we count chess as a sport) that hits all the beats of the typical sports film whilst pulling off the neat trick of being accessible to all ages but not soft-selling the realities of poverty pf the complex issues of what it means to seek to move upward on society in such circumstances. It's never not fun, and though the two central actors take most attention, the real prizes should go to the largely untested local cast who embody and exude their roles beautifully. It's a genuine, kind-spirited film that deserves wider attention.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

04/17/23

Full Review

esme c

Inspiring and uplifting story - every girl should watch this!

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

isla s

This is a reasonably interesting story that highlights the racism and prejudice towards lower social classes present within Africa at the time its set, as seen through the eyes of the young children, more specifically Phiona Mutesi. It felt like a somewhat important piece of social history I suppose. Its not an especially memorable film or one that will likely excite or wow you but its interesting generally and, perhaps more to the point, its based on a true story. Its a film suitable for family viewing for the most part, with just one scene featuring a character calling out in pain but nothing graphic is shown. It is a little corny but still I would recommend this film as a Sunday evening sort of a film.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

Aidan C

Great movie, and very inspirational. I'm not a huge chess fan, but I was engaged the entire time. The acting was great, but there were some little things that made this review a 4.5 instead of a 5. Overall great movie, and would definitely recommend!

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

07/10/22

Full Review

Matthew R

As a chess fan, I see this film as a well made feel good movie with some cliches here and there. It's an inspiring story.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

05/24/22

Full Review

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Mira Nair

Director

Madina Nalwanga

Phiona Mutesi

David Oyelowo

Robert Katende

Lupita Nyong'o

Harriet Mutesi

Martin Kabanza

Mugabi Brian

Taryn Kyaze

Night

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Queen of Katwe: Trailer 1

2:24

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Stephanie Abraham

Bitch Media

Queen of Katwe is still a bright addition to Disney's roster. As audiences and actors demand more complex roles for people of color, let's hope we see more groundbreaking projects like this one.

Mar 1, 2021

Full Review

Candice Frederick

Reel Talk Online

Oyelowo and Nyong'o's performances temper the film with heart-wrenching emotion. And Mira Nair's touching portrait of Katwe's inspiring young queen with a dream is one to remember.

Rated: A

Mar 22, 2017

Full Review

Aramide Tinubu

Shadow and Act

Overall, the film is not without its flaws. However, in the end, you aren't just rooting for Phiona, but also for all of those who have found themselves in similar situations.

Jan 23, 2017

Full Review

Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

The film plucks our heartstrings and, despite our awareness of its manipulative formula and inherent melodrama, it nonetheless accomplishes everything the story sets out to do with impressive precision.

Rated: 3.5/4

Apr 11, 2022

Full Review

Jennifer Merin

AWFJ.org

With great truth-based story in the hands of a brilliant woman director, this film brings women into their rightful place in moviemaking.

Nov 4, 2021

Full Review

Kip Mooney

College Movie Review

While there's no points for originality, Queen of Katwe still scores a win.

Rated: B+

Aug 28, 2021

Full Review

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Synopsis

Living in the slum of Katwe in Kampala, Uganda, is a constant struggle for 10-year-old Phiona (Madina Nalwanga) and her family. Her world changes one day when she meets Robert Katende (David Oyelowo), a missionary who teaches children how to play chess. Phiona becomes fascinated with the game and soon becomes a top player under Katende's guidance. Her success in local competitions and tournaments opens the door to a bright future and a golden chance to escape from a life of poverty.

Director: Mira Nair
Executive Producer: Will Weiske, Troy Buder
Screenwriter: William Wheeler
Distributor: Walt Disney
Production Co: Cine Mosaic, Mirabai Films
Rating: PG (Some Suggestive Material|An Accident Scene|Thematic Elements)
Genre: Biography, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 30, 2016, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 10, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA): $8.9M
Sound Mix: Dolby Atmos
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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