Queen of Katwe

In chess, the small one can become the big one.

2016 • 124 min • Drama

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Synopsis

A young girl overcomes her disadvantaged upbringing in the slums of Uganda to become a Chess master.

Our family guide

Best from age 8

Movie Knight Score

477 reviews

100 Reviewers · 3 · 53%
72 Audience · 474 · 47%

A young Ugandan girl discovers a talent for chess, using her strategic mind to rise above extreme poverty and pursue a brighter future. Her journey is a true story of resilience, family, and the power of opportunity.

Violence & peril: 1/10
Language: 1/10
Drinking, drugs & smoking: 0/10
Romance & sensuality: 0/10
Scary moments: 2/10

Heads up

Brief scenes of illness
Discussions of poverty and hunger

What it models well

Resilience in adversity
Importance of education
Family support and community
Pursuing your dreams

Talk about it after

Understanding poverty and inequality
The role of mentors in life
Finding your unique talents
The challenges of cultural differences

Written by the Movie Knight editorial team for Queen of Katwe. Our own words, our own scoring — always double-check against your family's standards.

Where to watch

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Top billed cast

Director: Mira Nair • Crew: William Wheeler

Trailers & clips

Reviewer notes

Recommended
Excellent. <em>'Queen of Katwe'</em> is another Disney sports biopic, but one made with a difference - it doesn't hit the exact same notes as the studio usually does in this genre, which is a positive. The film is shot lovely, with a terrific main cast. Lupita Nyong'o is top notch in the role of Nakku, while Madina Nalwanga impresses in the lead as Phiona.…
r96sk, TMDB Community

RecommendedTrusted family reviewers
**A life changing game.** I am not a big fan of Mira Nair. But I like some of her films, particularly 'Amelia'. Because she usually prefers India and Indian subjects and cast as what she's. Outside that circle, she was not that successful, until now. It was a sport film, that revolved around chess game. Inspired by an incredible true story from the dark continent. It all happened less than ten years ago.…
Reno, TMDB Community

RecommendedTrusted family reviewers
From a technical point of view, _Queen of Katwe_ is not a resounding success. There is bad audio, continuity errors, hammy dialogue, some very bizarre choices in cinematography and the occasional scene of poor acting. The story however (while following a fairly predictable family-friendly line) is totally engrossing.…
Gimly, TMDB Community