Queen of Katwe - The Movie and Comparisons

[Zeljka]

Queen of Katwe (2016) is a movie made in collaboration of Disney and ESPN. That doesn't come as a surprise, considering the story is about both the child's dreams come true and the sport. We must admit the chess isn't quite an exciting sport (if you are just an observer), but when you hear that we are to see a little African girl playing chess for real and well, it is hard to resist that, don't you agree?

Here you may talk about the movie, and compare it with the book. If you haven't read the book, you still can talk about the movie. You are probably going to be more merciful to it than those who have read the book :) If you've read the book, please be considerate and use spoiler tags whenever it might be appropriate, so not to spoil the experience for those who haven't.

What did you think of the movie? Was the portrayal of the chess and its players (especially the main ones) fair and interesting? If you have read the book, was the movie faithful to the book? Or to the real events in general if you are more familiar with them? What did you like (or maybe dislike) more, the book or the movie?

[Zeljka]

The links to the book itself are as follows:

Queen of Katwe - Part one

Queen of Katwe - Part two and conclusion

[Zeljka]

OK, I watched the movie last night, and I really liked it. I have no idea if it is in any way a realistic depiction of the life in Katwe and in Uganda, as I've never been there, but I really liked the optimism and all the people / actors in the film. It was really emotional and the children were so so so sweet and smart. I am not any wiser regarding the chess, but it is not a spectators' sport anyway :) The only thing I wish to know if it is really now better than it was, and if there are now more opportunities for destitute Ugandan children to thrive, not only through chess and soccer, but also through any other venues.