Life of a King poster

Life of a King

"The endgame is the only thing that'll set you free."

Movie PG-13 2013 1h 41m 7.2 /10
Directed by Jake Goldberger

Set in Washington DC, Life of a King tells the true story of Eugene Brown after he serves a long prison sentence and returns to mentor at‑risk teens who face a tough future. He launches the Big Chair Chess Club as a strict yet hopeful space where chess becomes a tool for focus, discipline and... Read more

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Streaming availability last verified: January 26, 2026

About Life of a King

Set in Washington DC, Life of a King tells the true story of Eugene Brown after he serves a long prison sentence and returns to mentor at‑risk teens who face a tough future. He launches the Big Chair Chess Club as a strict yet hopeful space where chess becomes a tool for focus, discipline and possibility. Brown shares lessons learned from his own life, showing that planning, patience and responsibility can steer youths toward school, jobs or trade programs. The narrative follows Tahime, Peanut, Clifton and other local teens as they begin to view themselves through a wider lens and start to imagine paths they hadn't imagined before.

Directed by Jake Goldberger Life of a King is grounded in a true life story. The screenplay credits go to David Scott and Dan Wetzel, adapting material from Eugene Brown's experiences.

The film centers on redemption and mentorship in an urban setting. Gooding Jr delivers a grounded performance that anchors the story while a supporting cast shows the obstacles and small victories that come with discipline, guidance and new opportunities.

Details

Release Date
June 22, 2013
Runtime
1h 41m
Rating
PG-13
User Ratings
200 votes
Type
Movie
Genres
Drama
Country
United States
External Links
View on IMDB

Official Trailer

Cast

Cuba Gooding Jr.

Cuba Gooding Jr.

Eugene Brown

Malcolm M. Mays

Malcolm M. Mays

Tahime

Kevin Hendricks

Kevin Hendricks

Peanut

Alani iLongwe

Alani iLongwe

Clifton

LisaGay Hamilton

LisaGay Hamilton

Sheila King

Dennis Haysbert

Dennis Haysbert

Searcy

R

Rachae Amber Thomas

Katrina

Richard T. Jones

Richard T. Jones

Perry

Paula Jai Parker

Paula Jai Parker

Gina Sanders

J

Jaida - Iman Benjamin

Rhonda

Director: Jake Goldberger

Written by: David Scott, Dan Wetzel

Frequently Asked Questions

Life of a King is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video, Peacock, and Peacock Premium. You can also rent or buy it on Apple iTunes and Google Play.

Yes, Life of a King is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.

Yes, you can rent on Apple iTunes and Google Play or buy on Apple iTunes and Google Play.

With a rating of 7.2/10 from 200 viewers, Life of a King is well-regarded and recommended by viewers.

Set in Washington DC, Life of a King tells the true story of Eugene Brown after he serves a long prison sentence and returns to mentor at‑risk teens who face a tough future. He launches the Big Chair Chess Club as a strict yet hopeful space where chess becomes a tool for focus, discipline and pos...

Life of a King stars Cuba Gooding Jr., Malcolm M. Mays, Kevin Hendricks, Alani iLongwe, and LisaGay Hamilton.

Life of a King was directed by Jake Goldberger.

Life of a King was released on June 22, 2013.

Life of a King is a Drama film.

Yes. Life of a King is based on the real life of Eugene Brown and his Big Chair Chess Club in Washington, DC, documenting his effort to give inner city kids a future.

Cuba Gooding Jr. plays Eugene Brown, the man who starts the Big Chair Chess Club. He's the central figure whose mission drives the story.

Life of a King was directed by Jake Goldberger. The film tells the true story of Eugene Brown and his Big Chair Chess Club in DC.

The film is rated PG-13. That means some material may be unsuitable for children under 13.