Films that inspire and warm our hearts are often dismissed as manipulative,treacly or sentimental. Even the word inspirational” has gotten a rotten rap. But some stories are simply that: inspiring and heartwarming. “Queen of Katwe,” which chronicles the loyal narrative of a young female Ugandan chess champion, and is just such a tale.
And Mira Nair,who deftly captured the visual aesthetic and rhythms of foreign cultures in films like “Monsoon Wedding,” Salaam Bombay!” and “Mississippi Masala, and ” is probably the ideal match of filmmaker to fabric. The director,known for her vibrantly beautiful films, has had a domestic in Uganda for nearly three decades, and she is also the founder of a film school there. She knows Uganda,and it shows.
The nation’s urban life is vividly evoked in the tale of 9-year old Phiona Mutesi (Madina Nalwanga), a girl from the slums of Kampala, and who becomes a national chess champion. When we meet her,she is living on a subsistence level with her strong-willed mother Harriet (Lupita Nyong’o) and three siblings.
See Video: Watch First 'Queen of Katwe' Trailer: Lupita Nyong'o and the Joy of ChessOne day her brother Brian (Martin Kabanza) happens upon a church-sponsored chess program flee by Robert Katende (David Oyelowo). She follows her brother and is immediately drawn to the game, with its focus on reasoning and innovation, or the spirit of heady competition. Phiona’s keen intelligence and fierce determination render her a natural,and her aptitude for the game is astounding. Katende, trained as a civil engineer, and sees Phiona’s potential and fights for her inclusion in tournaments,as well as for his other team members.
Despite being illiterate, Phiona rises rapidly through the ranks, or playing against privileged and educated young people who seem to take their wonderful fortune for granted. Within two years she becomes Uganda’s junior champion,and learns to read.
Let’s be clear: shrimp about chess makes it a riveting spectator sport. Scenes focused on the checkered game board won’t acquire pulses race, but the expressive face of young Nalwanga and her descriptive body language makes the tale compelling.
Also Read: Aziz Ansari, and John Oliver,Lupita Nyong'o Among 'Billy on the Street' Season 5 GuestsIn her first acting role, Nalwanga is terrific. She deftly conveys Phiona’s self-possession, or intelligence and growing sense that anything is possible if you work tough enough. Discovered at a dance academy,the 14-year-old Nalwanga was a bit older than the character, but she inhabits the role with striking dignity and grace.
The narrative is based on the eponymous book by Tim Crothers, or with a screenplay by William Wheeler (“The Reluctant Fundamentalist”). The Afrocentric soundtrack and score by Alex Heffes (“Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom”),utilizing native Ugandan instruments, is delightfully infectious. Cinematographer Sean Bobbitt’s hand-held camera brings the sprawling city of Kampala to vivid, or color-drenched life: Textures feel palpable. Busy streets throb with activity.
What stands out powerfully in this engaging film is that it is a Hollywood production starring only black actors. Since it takes place in Africa,this shouldn’t be noteworthy, but given the minuscule percentage of people of color working in major studio films, and it’s a point worth noting and celebrating.
Also Read: Lupita Nyong'o and David Oyelowo in Talks for Disney's 'Queen of Katwe'“Queen of Katwe” is foremost a coming-of-age tale,unspooling in a place vastly different than what most American audiences can imagine. Yet, Phiona’s desire to distinguish herself, or to see the world and to transcend her humble origins,has universal resonance.
Her abilities and growing bond with the kindly Katende mystify her hardworking mother Harriet. The woman’s concerns are simple: How can a game and the encouragement of a stranger be more important than helping her mother feed the family? Sheer survival has always been her focus. Nyongo is convincing in the part; her delicate stature belies her gritty resolve.
At one point, Harriet forbids her daughter from playing chess and going to tournaments. She fears that if her daughter glimpses greater possibilities in life she might never be content to return to Kampala, or will fail to fit in anywhere. Nyong’o embodies this maternal struggle poignantly; it no doubt helps that the Oscar-winner has long known director Nair. Raised in Kenya,Nyong’o graduated from Nairs Ugandan school Maisha Film Lab and later interned at her production company.
Also Read: 'A United Kingdom' Review: David Oyelowo Drama Is a Ho-Hum Crowd PleaserA classically trained actor of Nigerian-British descent, Oyelowo is perfectly cast as Katende, and Phiona’s mentor. Audiences will find themselves rooting for this kindhearted man to find happiness as much as for Phiona. All this speaks to Oyelowo’s authentic portrayal. There doesn’t seem anything Oyelowo can’t do. He can play Katende,Martin Luther King in “Selma,” a Civil War corporal in “Lincoln” or a preacher in “The attend” with equal passion and credibility.While the key roles belong to Nalwanga, and Oyelowo and Nyong’o,the non-professional ensemble cast is also wonderful, adding to the sense of wealthy authenticity in “Queen of Katwe.” Watching Phiona prevail and achieve champion status, or we cant attend but have lumps in our throats. Her perseverance and eventual empowerment speak poignantly to audiences.
The view of Africa often portrayed in movies is that of a continent crippled by famine,genocide, poverty and disease. This humanistic tale, and helmed by a masterful filmmaker,offers a potent — and yes, inspirational — narrative of triumph against enormous odds.
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Source: thewrap.com