Alexander Alekhin was really the greatest chess player of his time, but he NEVER wanted to return to Russia from where he escaped in the beginning of 1920th. Alexander Kotov simply "invented" this fact (btw, he was a KGB officer). If you remove this "concept" from the movie it will become a pretty good one, but not a masterpiece for sure. Perhaps, Kotov was forced to do this sort of "inventions" since in Soviet time an immigrant could not be a national hero by definition, so he made a story saying that first, he had to leave Russia to prepare for the World Championship match with Capablanca and then he missed all the opportunities to return, but he always dreamed about it.
3 Reviews
A Decent Depiction on the Life of a Chess Titan
Screen_O_Genic4 April 2023
A fine portrayal on the life of world chess champion Alexander Alekhine from the time he won the world championship against José Raúl Capablanca in 1927 to his death in Portugal. This Russian film reveals the complex and controversial master as it shows the man's battles with politics, relationships, alcohol and world events around him. Good acting and scenic backdrops provide ocular appeal to the struggles of the mind in its attempt to master the vast universe of the 64 squares. Although the film fails to fully convey Alekhine's fascinating and inspiring life and tones down the Russian master's darker and more unpleasant side rendering the movie to a number of tedious spots this is a worthwhile view. History buffs and enthusiasts of the game won't mind seeing this.
Useful to understand Russians
ttonic24 August 2003
This is the story about fourth world champion, magnificent Russian chess player Aleksander Alekhin. The true reflection of his entire life, immigration, fantastic matches vs. Max Euve, two his basically unsuccessful marriages and following loneliness, fight against alcohol abuse, difficult life under German occupation during WW2 and consequent death far from Russia where he always wanted to return to.
Alekhin, the most brilliant Russian chess player, had such dramatic life that writer didn't need to tell something superfluous except facts to make novell more interesting. Everybody who likes true and dramatic stories should watch this movie.
Alekhin, the most brilliant Russian chess player, had such dramatic life that writer didn't need to tell something superfluous except facts to make novell more interesting. Everybody who likes true and dramatic stories should watch this movie.
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