Queen to Play

2009
6.9| 1h37m| NA| en| More Info
Released: 05 November 2009 Released
Producted By: Mon Voisin Productions
Country:
Budget: 0
Revenue: 0
Official Website: http://www.joueuse-lefilm.com/
Info

Hélène, a housekeeper at a ritzy hotel in Corsica, is devoted to her family but lacks any passion in her own life. When she sees a handsome couple play a passionate game of chess, she becomes inspired to play herself. Hélène's working-class husband and spoiled daughter are soon bewildered by her obsession with chess. They also grow suspicious of Hélène's close relationship with Dr. Kröger, her eccentric American expat tutor.

Genre

Drama, Comedy

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Director

Caroline Bottaro

Production Companies

Mon Voisin Productions

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Queen to Play Audience Reviews

Raetsonwe Redundant and unnecessary.
Konterr Brilliant and touching
FuzzyTagz If the ambition is to provide two hours of instantly forgettable, popcorn-munching escapism, it succeeds.
Paynbob It’s fine. It's literally the definition of a fine movie. You’ve seen it before, you know every beat and outcome before the characters even do. Only question is how much escapism you’re looking for.
the_doofy This may be the best chess movie i have watched, and i watch any I can find.--The original title to this movie is Joueuse, the feminine form of "player", which say a lot about the movie--I think Joueuse and 'Queen to play' says it all, it has wheels within wheels regarding a woman's traditional role VS wanting more out of life without losing those things you originally love--The makers of this movie also manage to incorporate the primary attributes a great chess player has in their character, and they do this in such a way that blends them seamlessly into the movie. I know there are some chess movies that are 'based on true events', but if a viewer does the research, they will find that the actual facts are so far removed from the actual story, that it may as well be fictionI found this movie to have multiple layers to it - like real life
dragonslayer_ I figured out the plot in the first 20-30 minutes.The chess scenes are well done. At least we don't see the common goofs of having the board 90 degrees wrong (white on right), or the king and queen on the wrong squares (queen goes on its color). The mate in two problem is accurate. Kudos to the chess technical adviser.Some pretty nice photography of the French (or is it Corsica?) countryside. Kevin Kline's character is well drawn. They could have developed the teenage daughter a little more.All in all, a nice chess fairy tale, even though I found the film very predictable.
intelearts Joueuse is one of those French films that tenderly and charminlgly warms the heart - it is beautifully made with fine acting, a measured script, never too much or too little - and it rewards the viewer.The plot of the cleaning lady who discovers chess and a mentor has strong fairytale tones: she is poor, he lives in a château but has withdrawn from the world. She has a husband who struggles to understand his wife's new found interest and growth, he struggles with human interaction. Throughout there is a nice balance around the relationships that makes sense.Above all, this is a film about discovering that the things we do for pleasure bring their own reward. The chess is very well-handled throughout the film and it makes it fun to watch.The film has heart, humour, and is nicely unmelodramatic. One of the better films I have seen recently, a pleasure to watch and simply enjoy.
Mike B On some levels this movie works. Its' slow paced, languid, and the characters draw you in – particularly Sandrine Bonnaire. It's about the addiction of the game of chess and its appeal. So if you feel nothing for the game then you have been warned! The scenery on the island of Corsica is very colourful.However it's also a somewhat self-indulgent film – it's about addiction after all. There are many long and lingering shots of Sandrine and Kevin staring at each other and then at chess pieces. Sandrine's family is so very much accommodating to her new found passion. There is certain lack of logicality – it takes years with many different chess partners to become a solid player and then participate successfully in a tournament. Still the movie does dreamily captivate.