Something of a hybrid between Spellbound (VL-1/04) and Waiting for Superman (VL-3/11), Katie Dellamaggiore's engaging documentary presents a portrait of Brooklyn Intermediate School 318, whose students—most from impoverished backgrounds—have been winning chess championships for years. The film is at once a celebration of the youngsters, several of whom Dellamaggiore follows closely as they balance their training, schoolwork, and home lives; of their parents, who struggle to make ends meet while supporting their children's aspirations; and of the teachers and administrators whose commitment is every bit as passionate as that of coaches in other schools' sports programs. We meet Rochelle, on her way to becoming the first black American female chess master; Pobo, the son of African immigrants, who is a candidate for class president; and Justus and Patrick, who are a little less sure of themselves. The tension that arises from the players' worries over their national rankings and individual matches is exacerbated by budget cuts that threaten the program. But true to the traditional arc in similar documentaries, the students overcome these obstacles and learn that hard work, even in the face of adversity, can pay rich dividends. Brooklyn Castle offers the welcome suggestion that activities of the mind can win as much campus support as football and basketball. DVD extras include deleted scenes. [Note: this is also available in an educational version—with PDF-files explaining more about the game and how to establish a student society—for $60 from First Run Features, www.firstrunfeatures.com.] Recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (F. Swietek)
Check out more films that empower students