Ep 12. Brooklyn Castle

Brooklyn Castle is the twelfth episode of the twenty-sixth season of POV, a PBS television program featuring documentaries that explore social issues, culture, and politics. This episode follows the remarkable and captivating story of five young students from I.S. 318, a public school in Brooklyn that has one of the most successful chess teams in the United States.

The documentary is directed by Katie Dellamaggiore and portrays how the I.S. 318 chess team turned from underdogs to national champions and earned recognition as one of the most accomplished middle school chess teams in the country. The documentary is set against the backdrop of the 2008 financial crisis and the budget cuts that threatened the survival of the chess team and the school.

The episode takes viewers on a journey into the world of competitive chess and shows how the members of the I.S. 318 chess team navigate tournaments, builds friendships, and deals with the academic and social pressures of school. The students are all charming, witty, and talented, and viewers can't help but root for them as they face the challenges of chess and school life.

The documentary provides insight into the passion, focus, and discipline required to succeed in chess. It is striking to see how seriously the young chess players take the game, how much time and energy they devote to it, and how each one has their own unique style and strategy. The film also highlights the role that chess plays in building confidence, teaching strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, and creating a sense of community.

The film is not just about chess, however. It also delves into the lives and struggles of the students, their families, and the educators who encourage them. We get to know the diverse personalities of the students, such as Rochelle, the first African-American female chess master under the age of 13, and Justus, whose mother works multiple jobs to support his passion for chess. The educators, including chess coach John Galvin and principal Fred Rubino, are also portrayed as dedicated and passionate individuals who go above and beyond to support the students in their academic and extracurricular pursuits.

One aspect of the documentary that stands out is its emphasis on the importance of public education and the need for adequate funding and resources. The documentary shows how the budget cuts impact the chess team and the school as a whole. The students and staff fear that the resource limitations could jeopardize the chess program and disrupt the students' academic journeys. The film shows how the chess program provides a sense of continuity, stability, and purpose for the students, and the potential loss of the program could cause irreparable harm.

Overall, Brooklyn Castle is a heartwarming, engaging, and inspiring documentary that sheds light on the world of competitive chess and the life experiences of young students pursuing their dreams. It is a testament to the power of education, the importance of community, and the resilience of the human spirit. It will leave viewers feeling inspired, empowered, and grateful for the dedication of educators and the tenacity of young people.