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Chess Story

Name: Chess Story
Director: Philipp Stölzl
Released: 2021
Duration: 110 min

Representation Score

4.3/10

Fair

2021

Director

Philipp Stölzl

Runtime

110 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The film 'The Royal Game' is a historical drama that emphasizes psychological realism and criticism of totalitarianism. It excels in depicting the harshness of historical institutions through a focused and intense lens. However, the narrative structure remains traditional in its portrayal of gender and race, focusing narrowly on a specific historical context without exploring diverse identities.

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Category Breakdown

Does Chess Story have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or explore non-cisgender identities in the main storyline.

How does Chess Story portray gender?

Limited

The story focuses primarily on male characters, with women appearing in supporting roles and not having much independence.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Chess Story?

Limited

The cast is predominantly white, reflecting the demographics of 1938 Austria and focusing on the European political situation of that time.

How does Chess Story represent religion and culture?

Good

The film critiques the Nazi regime and portrays the protagonist's struggle against a bureaucratic and oppressive system.

Does Chess Story include disability representation?

Fair

The movie explores mental health issues through the lens of psychological distress and obsession, showing the impact of extreme stress on mental health.

Present on Screen

Provides a strong critique of totalitarian state authority and institutional cruelty.
Shows the psychological torment and mental breakdown realistically.

Limited or Absent

Women are given limited roles and are not shown as independent drivers.
The film lacks racial and LGBTQ+ diversity.
It focuses on trauma-induced mental breakdown rather than a nuanced exploration of disabilities.

Official Synopsis

1938. While the Nazi troops march into Vienna, the lawyer Josef Bartok hastily tries to escape to the USA with his wife but is arrested by the Gestapo. Bartok remains steadfast and refuses to cooperate with the Gestapo that requires confidential information from him. Thrown into solitary confinement, Bartok is psychologically tormented for months and begins to weaken. However, when he steals an old book about chess it sets him on course to overcome the mental suffering inflicted upon him, until it becomes a dangerous obsession.

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