Chess Story Film Based on Stefan Zweig’s Novella
Chess Story is a 2021 German drama film directed by Philipp Stölzl and starring Oliver Masucci, Rolf Lassgård, Albrecht Schuch, and Birgit Minichmayr.
It is based on the 1942 novella of the same name by Stefan Zweig.
The film tells the story of Dr. Josef Bartok, a Jewish chess grandmaster who is arrested by the Gestapo in Vienna in 1938.
Bartok is forced to play a game of chess against the Gestapo chief, Colonel Mackensen, in exchange for his freedom.
The film is a powerful and moving story of one man’s struggle against tyranny.
It is also a fascinating look at the world of chess.
Oliver Masucci gives a tour-de-force performance as Dr. Bartok, and the supporting cast is also excellent.
If you are a fan of chess, historical dramas, or simply well-made films, then I highly recommend checking out Chess Story.
It is a film that will stay with you long after the credits have rolled.
Buy the DVD on Amazon or get the digital movie on Prime Video.
Chess Story
Film Movement
Not Rated
Release Date 4/11/23
Synopsis
Vienna, 1938: Austria is occupied by the Nazis.
Dr. Josef Bartok (Oliver Masucci) is preparing to flee to America with his wife Anna when he is arrested by the Gestapo.
As a former notary to the deposed Austrian aristocracy, he is told to help the local Gestapo leader gain access to their private bank accounts in order to fund the Nazi regime.
Refusing to cooperate, Bartok is locked in solitary confinement.
Just as his mind is beginning to crack, Bartok happens upon a book of famous chess games.
To withstand the torture of isolation, Bartok disappears into the world of chess, maintaining his sanity only by memorizing every move.
As the action flashes forward to a transatlantic crossing on which he is a passenger, it seems as though Bartok has finally found freedom.
But recounting his story to his fellow travelers, it’s clear that his encounters with both the Gestapo and with the royal game itself have not stopped haunting him.
Adapted with opulent attention to period detail by filmmaker and opera director Philipp Stölzl, CHESS STORY brings Stefan Zweig’s stirring final novella to life.
Director
Philipp Stölzl
Cast
Oliver Masucci
Rolf Lassgård
Albrecht Schuch
Birgit Minichmayr
Genre
Drama
Language
German with English Subtitles
Official Trailer: Chess Story
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