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The Chess Players

1977·Movie
2h 9min
83
GreatGoodWatch score

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The Chess Players fingerprint

Strong craft, low-key.

Energy

Calm and low-key

Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.

  • Tension5
  • Spectacle3
  • Adrenaline2

Heart

Melancholic

  • Melancholy7
  • Pathos6
  • Nostalgia6

Humor

Some satire and sharp wit

Not a comedy at heart.

  • Satire & Parody7
  • Wit & Wordplay6
  • Situational Comedy2

World

History, society, and politics

Lived-in and easy to get lost in.

  • World Immersion8
  • Dialogue Centrality7
  • Rewatchability6

Craft

Standout direction, performances, and characters

  • Direction8
  • Acting8
  • Character Depth8

Style

Functional look and sound

  • Cinematography7
  • Music Composition7
  • Editing6

Who it's for

AdultsDate NightFriends NightIntergenerationalPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchThought-Provoking

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You want fast pacing

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Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.

About

Satyajit Ray's First Hindi feature Film

In the year 1856, Nawab Wajid Ali Shah is the King of Awadh, one of the last independent kingdoms of India. The British intend to control this rich land and send General Outram to clear way for an annexation. Pressure is mounting amidst intrigue and political maneuvers, but the Nawab whiles away his time in pursuit of pleasure and religious practice. The court is of no help either — noblemen Mir and Mirza ignore all duties and spend their days playing endless games of chess.
Historical DramaColonial IndiaPolitical SatireCharacter StudySlow-Burn NarrativePeriod PieceLeisure & DecayLiterary AdaptationMelancholic Tone

Sequels and Prequels

No sequels or prequels available

Media

Questions about The Chess Players

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream The Chess Players legally?

You can watch it free with ads on Hoopla, Fawesome, and Tubi TV. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.

Is The Chess Players worth watching?

83
GreatGoodWatch score

Yes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 84/100 (IMDb 7.5 and Rotten Tomatoes 91%). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

How long is The Chess Players?

2 h 9 min

The Chess Players runs 2 h 9 min.

Do critics and audiences agree on The Chess Players?

Critics91
Audiences80

Not quite. Critics rate The Chess Players higher (91) than audiences (80). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.

What language is The Chess Players in?

HindiUrdu

It was made in Hindi, with some Urdu. Produced in India.

In how many countries can I watch The Chess Players?

35ADAGALBABBBMBSBZCACMFJGBGHGI+21

GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Chess Players in 35 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.