The film is not without its faults though. Chess is an important part of the movie narrative. It is an absorbing tense game where you challenge your opponent’s wits.
The chess playing scenes suffer on this account as they are not able to invoke the tension associated with the game. You need to get caught up in the game as you follow the protagonist’s move with someone explaining the maneuver. However in Queen of Katwe the thrill and the suspense surrounding chess disappear due to the quick pace at which the game is played. The camera focuses more on the players’ faces than on the game. This only adds to the drama but the excitement and exhilaration of a sports movie is clearly missing in these scenes.
The Verdict: * 7/10
Despite its one inherent flaw, this movie deserves a watch. The writing and cinematography brings out the inspirational power of the film. Phiona’s tale showcases a powerful yet unexpected story of triumph.
This is not your typical feel good Disney movie (although it is produced by Disney Studios). It offers a realistic and honest look of Africa with its harsh environment making the story all the more inspiring. The performances of all the actors are great. The movie conveys a message of hope without being too preachy. My Verdict is 7 stars out of 10.
