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The Luzhin Defence

Play trailer Poster for The Luzhin Defence PG-13 Released Apr 20, 2001 1h 48m Romance Play Trailer Watchlist
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58% Tomatometer 73 Reviews 69% Popcornmeter 1,000+ Ratings
Set in the late 1920s, "The Luzhin Defence" tells the story of a shambling, unworldly chess Grand Master who arrives in the Italian Lakes to play the match of his life and unexpectedly finds the love of his life. Discovering his prodigious talent in boyhood overshadowed by his parents' failing marriage, Luzhin's lyrical passion for chess has become his refuge and rendered the real world a phantom.
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The Luzhin Defence

The Luzhin Defence

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Critics Consensus

Tuturro and Watson play well off each other in this intriguing and well-crafted film.

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Critics Reviews

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Jonathan Rosenbaum Chicago Reader I realize that every film adaptation of a good novel involves some sort of trade-off and that fair exchanges are few and far between. But this movie takes away a good two-thirds... Jun 22, 2022 Full Review Glenn Kenny Premiere Magazine One has to assume that Sony Pictures Classics hopes to attract Nabokov-philes to theaters. And, boy, will they be pissed. Sep 4, 2001 Full Review Chris Vognar Dallas Morning News Makes up for a creaky structure with the intensity of emotion and psychological nuance provided by two of our finest screen actors. Jun 14, 2001 Full Review Matt Brunson Film Frenzy A worthy effort for most of its running time. Rated: 2.5/4 Mar 2, 2024 Full Review John A. Nesbit Old School Reviews Turturro supplies some good moments, but without a believable emotional core the film falls short Rated: C Feb 21, 2011 Full Review Film Threat Rated: 4/5 Dec 6, 2005 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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duncan p Decent on its own merits, but as an adaptation of the Nabokov novel, it feels like the changes to the story resulted in the thematic and poetic elements of his insanity being lost in the translation to film. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member well crafted historical/period drama that proves bobby fisher wasn't the first chess champ that was wack a doodle. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 01/21/23 Full Review Audience Member Based on a Nabokov novel published in 1930, this film delves into the mind and soul of an obsessed chess player, and the love of a woman who sees him beyond the celebrated chess player he is. Emily Watson plays the role of a woman in love with a genuine human being; and not a more glamorous but ultimately shallow alternative. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/14/23 Full Review Frances H Hauntingly beautiful film about a quiet genius unable to handle the practical side of life who finds love and understanding from a young socialite (played by the luminous Emily Watson). John Turturro delivers a stellar performance unlike anything I've ever seen him in before, and should have garnered a Best Actor nomination. It matters not if you like chess or not, this film is excellent! Rated 4 out of 5 stars 07/30/13 Full Review Audience Member "La défense Loujine" Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/06/23 Full Review Audience Member All it takes, is someone to believe in you. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/18/23 Full Review Read all reviews
The Luzhin Defence

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Cast & Crew

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Marleen Gorris

Director

John Turturro

Alexander Luzhin

Emily Watson

Natalia

Geraldine James

Vera

Stuart Wilson

Valentinov

Christopher Thompson

Stassard
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The Luzhin Defence

Emily Watson as Natalia. Emily Watson as Natalia and John Turturro as Luzhin. Director, Marleen Gorris. John Turturro as Luzhin (left). The Villa Erba in Cernobbio, Italy. Emily Watson as Natalia and John Turturro as Luzhin. John Turturro as Luzhin, Stuart Wilson as Valentinov and Emily Watson as Natalia. The Luzhin Defence (2000) The Luzhin Defence (2000) The Luzhin Defence (2000) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis Set in the late 1920s, "The Luzhin Defence" tells the story of a shambling, unworldly chess Grand Master who arrives in the Italian Lakes to play the match of his life and unexpectedly finds the love of his life. Discovering his prodigious talent in boyhood overshadowed by his parents' failing marriage, Luzhin's lyrical passion for chess has become his refuge and rendered the real world a phantom.
Director
Marleen Gorris
Producer
Stephen Evans, Philippe Guez, Caroline Wood
Screenwriter
Peter Berry, Vladimir Nabokov
Distributor
Sony Pictures Classics
Production Co
Clear Blue Sky Productions, France 2 Cinema, ICE3, Lantia Cinema, Magic Média, Renaissance Films
Rating
PG-13 (Thematic Elements|Some Sensuality)
Genre
Romance
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Apr 20, 2001, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Nov 30, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA)
$1.1M
Runtime
1h 48m
Sound Mix
Surround, Dolby SR, Dolby Digital, Dolby A, Dolby Stereo
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