Knights of the South Bronx

I don't exactly watch a huge amount of television and I usually scoff at made-for-TV movies, but I do recommend A & E's Knights of the South Bronx. The movie is based on the story of David MacEnulty, who dramatically changed the lives of his inner-city students for the better by introducing them to the power of their own minds through the game of chess. This is from a description of the movie.

[H]e is determined to awaken the minds of his underprivileged students at a poor school in the South Bronx. They have attitude. They are chaotic. They have no faith in themselves, or in the world around them. But Richard teaches his class that if they can win at chess, no one can ever again call them stupid. If they can win at chess, they can win at life.

According to the second link, MacEnulty was "the first full-time chess teacher in the New York City School System. He coached his students on to win three national championships." His efforts led to the formation of the non-profit organization called Chess in the Schools in New York City. Here are some reviews. The movie will re-run Saturday.

While productionwise, it is not quite big screen material, I found it inspirational. Call me a sap all you want, but watch it first before you do.

-- CAV