eventually, Ed Zwick will make a movie that's entirely comprised of expository post-film title cards. at this point, that almost seems to be his goal.

"In 1972, Bobby Fischer defeated Boris Spassky to win the World Championship title in the game of Harder Checkers.

...Today we call it Chess."

Boy, am I glad I am too dumb to play chess.

1. first off this is my dads new favorite movie of all time he said its a 9.8/10 so honestly u have to believe him because he's like 63 and really likes manhunter
2. i thought tobey maguire was using an iPad even though this was the 70s when really it was a cute little portable chess thing
3. my uncle thought that this was just a dude who looked just like tobey maguire
4. i love the great gatsby (2013)
5. i have been to washington square park therefore i like this movie
6. i went to the bathroom and fell down on my way back that was rough
7. goddamn it bobby

me, to myself: why are you watching a movie about chess?

myself, to me, exhausted, with my buttons in the wrong holes, only one sock on and my hair sticking up to the sky, i haven’t been outside in 10 months, my mother has forgotten my name, my only solace is the light of my laptop: god I wish I knew at this point

손에 땀을 쥐게 하는 체스 경기

aka Worst Man

Would have been more enjoyable if I didn’t have to constantly explain basic chess theory to Lamb throughout. 


“What’s a kings Indian?” 
“Why would anyone sacrifice a Bishop?”
“My head hurts”

 I would suggest you avoid watching this film with a 750 ELO player, as was my mistake.

The famous chess player McSnadge said to me after we watched this film, 'it is as if Fisher and Spassky were the real sacrifices'. Although parts remain unfaithful to historical events the nods of transparency can be truely appreciated; the Albin Counter-Gambit played by the young Fisher vs Carmine Nigro reflects the Janowsky v Maróczy, Munich 1900 as a fine example. The film utilises Bobby's psycological battle and the Cold War pressures to allow any audience to appreciate the film. Persons who have a love for the game will surely find Pawn Sacrifice a lovely watch.

The series of crazy geniuses continues with Pawn Sacrifice, a movie about one of history’s best chess players, who also seemed to lack social skills. But while both Jobs and Zuckerberg seem to act that way willingly, there does seem to be some actual mental health problems with Bobby Fischer (Tobey Maguire).
I promise this series on talented people, who are also difficult to engage with, was not planned.
Is it really binary? Is there no way to be a decent human being while also being extremely (insert positive adjective here)?
I think I’ll look for a movie that has a sole historical protagonist at the center and see what conclusions I can come up with.

C+ (78)

Toby Maguire gives a strong and nuanced performance playing the very troubled genius Bobby Fischer. The movie wouldn’t have worked without his charisma as the dislikable Fischer, even with the strong supporting cast led by Michael Stuhlbarg. There was a good bit of humor surrounding the Cold War tensions as  Maguire manages to destroy about 50-100 phones looking for Russian bugs throughout the film. Overall, the movie made chess a cinematic experience which was an achievement on its own. Would recommend regardless of your opinion on chess.

Toby maguire actually learned to act good things, and be known as an artist instead of peter motherf-ing parker in spiderman. Respect this man's talent. Respect this movie, or i will direspect you. JK, i'll only be a little mad.

Great movie, seems a lot like 'a beautiful mind' only this seems more plausible and is actually still based on a true story instead of just the person. Acting was very nice, however, i did not like the western twist they gave it. The cold war was fudged up, but it's not happening anymore, pliz just get lost with your american heroic bullshit, then this movie would actually be a really great one.

I watched this for Lily Rabe, was happily surprised to see Évelyne Brochu turn up and the story was pretty interesting too so all in all, a good time