Powerful film, "Life of a King," hits theaters today and is about the real-life redemption of ex-felon turned chess champion Eugene Brown, who dedicated his life to teaching the game to troubled children.

Co-writer/director Jake Goldberger has turned the "true story" of Brown into an inspirational film in the face of complexities.

Oscar Award-winning actor Gooding plays Brown, who spent 17 years in a D.C. penal institution. Brown decides to follow the advice of a fellow inmate, the Chess Man (Dennis Haysbert).

"Just keep your eye on the end game. ... Take care of the king. Everything else follows," Haysbert told Brown in the movie. This comment helps Brown change the lives of thousands.

Brown took on the conquest of trying to win the hearts and minds of young people from tough areas who might otherwise drift into drug-dealing jobs. The streets are constantly knocking on the door for these kids, and all Brown can offer is an ancient board game in where one fatal mistake can cost a player the game.

Gooding recently spoke with CBN News about the film inspired by Brown's life and said It is a role he is very passionate about.

"It is part of my goal to tell stories that continually remind people of that theme, that connective theme," Gooding said. "When you learn about people doing great things like this, who have been incarcerated, it is easy to say he is a felon. He is an ex-con who has made a difference in the life of these kids who are now considered intellectuals."

Real life Brown started the Big Chair Chess House in Washington D.C. about 30 years ago. Since that time, he's trained thousands of children to play the game.

"Life of a King" hit select theaters today and will also be available on video on demand.