Actors: Madina Nalwanga, David Oyelowo, Lupita Nyong’o, Martin Kabanza, Taryn Kyaze
Directors: Mira Nair
Rated: PG
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
Release Date: January 31, 2017
Run Time: 124 minutes
Film: 3 out of 5 stars
Blu-ray: 4 out of 5 stars
Extras: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Usually, I stay clear of true-life Inspirational films in general. Not my typical come of tea, so to say. I was draw to this film due to the Disney brand and the casting of the wonderful Lupita Nyong’o (even though her role isn’t huge). Like I thought this really wasn’t a film for me but it also wasn’t a bad film. Don’t forget here we are dealing with the rather tame topic of chess, so this is not a shoot ’em up action film for sure. The performances from the talent involved were fantastic and left me with inspired for sure. So if you enjoy these type of movies, I would surely recommend this.
Official Premise: “Queen of Katwe” is based on the vibrant true story of a young girl (Madina Nalwanga) from the streets of Uganda whose world 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. It is a remarkable story of perseverance against all odds that will leave viewers feeling humbled and inspired. According to director Mira Nair, “The triumph of the human spirit is not to weep for what we don’t have but to focus on what we do have and allow that to take us to a place we never imagined possible.”
Disney is releasing this film a a combo pack with a Blu-ray + Digital HD included. The 1080p transfer captures the film’s setting perfectly and really looks solid. Same can be said for the DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. I enjoyed the score a lot. The special features are impressive as well. “Queen Of Katwe: Their Story” looks into the people behind-the-scenes who made this movie. “A Fork, A Spoon & A Knight” is director Mira Nair’s short film about Robert Katende. “In The Studio With Alicia Keys” focuses on the film’s song, which its music video is also included. Lastly there is an audio commentary with the director, Mira Nair and eight deleted scenes included with director intros.
