Queen of katwe dvd release how to#

Many of the problems facing Phiona and her family are unfamiliar to Western viewers, and the film touches on some heavy, yet deeply important and relevant topics that are rarely, if ever, explored in wide-release pictures. Queen of Katwe's story arc relies on many of the tropes typical of underdog sports movies, but it handles them in nontraditional ways. David Oyelowo's performance is earnest and heartfelt, and it is refreshing to see Katende serving less as Phiona's savoir and more as her mentor and pillar of support.

Throughout the film, Katende navigates obstacles such as a lack of funding and prejudice in order to provide his charges with the opportunity to participate in increasingly high-level chess competitions - all while trying to make the best decisions for himself and his own family. Katende, lovingly dubbed 'Coach' by the children, recognizes and takes a special interest in Phiona's talent.

Although she is initially hesitant (especially when she is bullied by a few kids), Phiona is intrigued enough to return the next day, and quickly realizes her aptitude for chess.

Queen of katwe dvd release how to#

One day, Phiona discovers a gathering of local children who are learning how to play chess from Robert Katende ( David Oyelowo). The film begins in 2007: Phiona (the wonderful Madina Nalwanga) lives with her mother Nakku Harriet ( Lupita Nyong'o), brothers Mugabi Brian ( Martin Kabanza) and Richard ( Ivan Jacobo), and sister Night ( Taryn 'Kay' Kyaze) in the slums of Katwe, where the family sells corn on the street to make ends meet. Disney's latest sports drama, Queen of Katwe, follows the real-life story of Phiona Mutesi, a young Ugandan girl born into poverty who becomes a chess champion.