Synopsis
A young girl overcomes her disadvantaged upbringing in the slums of Uganda to become a Chess master.
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Cast
- Madina NalwangaPhiona Mutesi
- David OyelowoRobert Katende
- Lupita Nyong'oNakku Harriet
- Martin KabanzaMugabi Brian
- Taryn "Kay" KyazeMargaret Night Nantongo
- Esther TebandekeSarah Katende
- Ntare Guma Mbaho MwineTendo
- Ethan Nazario LubegaMukumbya Benjamin
- Nikita WaligwaGloria Nansubuga
- Ronald SsemagandaIvan
Recommendations
- 90
TheWrap
This humanistic tale, helmed by a masterful filmmaker, offers a potent — and yes, inspirational — story of triumph against huge odds. - 80
The Guardian
For what is, in essence, a by-numbers Disney sports flick, there’s endless freshness and vivacity to Mira Nair’s picture – her best in years. - 80
Time Out London
If you’re the person who watches weepies with a cynical curl of the lip, this isn’t the film for you. Everyone else, prepare to have your heartstrings plucked. - 75
RogerEbert.com
It seems unlikely that Phiona Mutesi ever imagined her life would one day be the subject of a Disney film. But she certainly learned that life is full of surprises. When it comes to movie surprises, Queen of Katwe is a truly pleasant one. - 75
The Playlist
The picture is genuinely entertaining and moving, but the fact it even exists in the first place is something you simply cannot dismiss. - 70
Variety
The film’s strongest assets are undoubtedly its actors. - 60
The Hollywood Reporter
Even with director Mira Nair’s typically vivid sense of place and the charismatic central performances by David Oyelowo, Lupita Nyong’o and a striking newcomer, the film hits every note of plucky positivity so squarely on the head that it leaves little room for audience involvement. - 58
IndieWire
No amount of strong performances and good vibes can hide the sense that we’re just watching a paint-by-numbers routine. Nair puts so much effort into galvanizing the movie’s central figures that the slightest hints of conflict register as little more than an inconvenience.
