Brooklyn Castle Documentary Review
I am always on the lookout for a good documentary. Taking a break from typical style movies is great and I think documentaries can sometimes really open your eyes to topics you may have never thought about before. I never learned to play chess as a child and until this day do not know how to play. But what I do know is that it is not an easy game nor is it something that you can become an expert at overnight. I attended Brooklyn Technical High School and graduated with Rochelle Ballantyne, one of the stars in the compelling film, Brooklyn Castle directed by Katie Dellamaggiore. Although I do know her personally and have heard first hand about her chess career, I thought it appropriate to finally watch the film and try to understand this world for myself.
Brooklyn Castle follows 5 members of the chess club from I.S. 318, a middle school in the heart of Brooklyn New York, that suffered damaging budget cuts. Despite these cuts I.S. 318 went on to become the most successful junior high chess team in the country and became the first middle school to win the United States Chess Federation's national high school championship.
So these 5 students are Pobo, Alexis, Rochelle, Justus, and Patrick. The film follows each one for about a year in both their chess life and their private lives. Growing up in the New York City public school system, I could relate so much to what was going on in the film. There was so much more to Brooklyn Castle than just chess. We were given a unique insight on the struggle of talented children, that although did not come from wealthy backgrounds, were given the opportunity to do something they loved to really better their lives.
As I'm sure you can imagine chess is not a necessarily fun game to watch, but the film has a good balance between showing the students playing the game and really showing us what the game really meant to each of them individually. There were a number of heart-felt scenes that were truly inspirational. Again, considering my friendship with Rochelle, I can attest to the fact that chess was a majorly important part of her life then and now. Everyone has something that has shaped them in one way or another, and for this group of people it was chess.
But they did not get to where they are today without any help. They had very supporting families that helped them persevere and reach their goals in life and in their chess careers. Along with the faculty from I.S. 318, specifically Elizabeth Vicary, Fred Rubino, and John Galvin, the chess team was able to continue competing in tournaments. They believed that the children deserved these wonderful opportunities and fought the budget cuts. They did everything they could and every small victory counted for something!
You don't have to be a chess player or a chess fan to enjoy what this documentary brings to the table. It tells an inspirational story of losses and victories. Joy and sadness. And ultimately that working hard and pursuing your dreams can really pay off, giving up is not an option. It was very easy to put myself in the shoes of these young people and I think many other people will feel the same way. I give Brooklyn Castle a 8.5 out of 10 not because I know Rochelle,but because it was a great inspirational film that everyone can enjoy.
Brooklyn Castle follows 5 members of the chess club from I.S. 318, a middle school in the heart of Brooklyn New York, that suffered damaging budget cuts. Despite these cuts I.S. 318 went on to become the most successful junior high chess team in the country and became the first middle school to win the United States Chess Federation's national high school championship.
So these 5 students are Pobo, Alexis, Rochelle, Justus, and Patrick. The film follows each one for about a year in both their chess life and their private lives. Growing up in the New York City public school system, I could relate so much to what was going on in the film. There was so much more to Brooklyn Castle than just chess. We were given a unique insight on the struggle of talented children, that although did not come from wealthy backgrounds, were given the opportunity to do something they loved to really better their lives.
As I'm sure you can imagine chess is not a necessarily fun game to watch, but the film has a good balance between showing the students playing the game and really showing us what the game really meant to each of them individually. There were a number of heart-felt scenes that were truly inspirational. Again, considering my friendship with Rochelle, I can attest to the fact that chess was a majorly important part of her life then and now. Everyone has something that has shaped them in one way or another, and for this group of people it was chess.
But they did not get to where they are today without any help. They had very supporting families that helped them persevere and reach their goals in life and in their chess careers. Along with the faculty from I.S. 318, specifically Elizabeth Vicary, Fred Rubino, and John Galvin, the chess team was able to continue competing in tournaments. They believed that the children deserved these wonderful opportunities and fought the budget cuts. They did everything they could and every small victory counted for something!
You don't have to be a chess player or a chess fan to enjoy what this documentary brings to the table. It tells an inspirational story of losses and victories. Joy and sadness. And ultimately that working hard and pursuing your dreams can really pay off, giving up is not an option. It was very easy to put myself in the shoes of these young people and I think many other people will feel the same way. I give Brooklyn Castle a 8.5 out of 10 not because I know Rochelle,but because it was a great inspirational film that everyone can enjoy.
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