Review of Pawn Sacrifice (2015) by Tom M — 10 Sep 2015

Outstanding movie that goes beyond chess to mirror the effects of true genius and the toll this takes on Bobby Fischer. It reminded me a lot of a chess version of the great movie about the Cold War and Hockey "Miracle". There is much more at stake as his friend and lawyer played by Michael Stuhlbarg states than just chess.

If you're looking for fast paced action or special effects this movie has very little. It is a well told story of one man's struggle to greatness to become the World Champion of chess. The toll it takes on his closest friends Father Bill Lombardy and his Manager, who see his once in a lifetime skills mask the growing paranoia he displays. The sound editing to reflect the imagined sounds that break Fischer's concentration were outstanding.

This is a movie to pay attention to the details of eye contact, imagery and news clips that show the late 60's leading up to his Championship match in 1972 with Boris Spassky the reigning champion. Liev Schreiber plays Spassky with a quiet confidence, locked and loaded with incredible clarity and concentration.

There was much more at stake than a chess match, it was the Cold War and this was Russia versus the US with very few chess minds capable of matching the Russian Chess champions.

In the end we see the ultimate price of Fischer's greatness. Toby Maguire is outstanding and this role is right in his zone.

Go see this movie make the right move. Check Mate!!!