Chess Story Movie Cast, Plot and Everything to Know

Last modified: Apr. 8, 2023

Chess Story

Director: Philipp Stölzl

Starring: Oliver Masucci • Rolf Lassgård • Albrecht Schuch • Birgit Minichmayr

NR Drama 1 hr, 52 m German, English ( Subtitled)

65% WILL SEE 35% WON'T SEE

What's the story about?

Plot: Vienna, 1938: Austria is occupied by the Nazis. Dr. Josef Bartok (Oliver Masucci) is preparing to flee to America with his wife Anna when he is arrested by the Gestapo. As a former notary to the deposed Austrian aristocracy, he is told to help the local Gestapo leader gain access to their private bank accounts in order to fund the Nazi regime. Refusing to cooperate, Bartok is locked in solitary confinement. Just as his mind is beginning to crack, Bartok happens upon a book of famous chess games. To withstand the torture of isolation, Bartok disappears into the world of chess, maintaining his sanity only by memorizing every move. As the action flashes forward to a transatlantic crossing on which he is a passenger, it seems as though Bartok has finally found freedom. But recounting his story to his fellow travelers, it's clear that his encounters with both the Gestapo and with the royal game itself have not stopped haunting him.

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The lead cast starring in Chess Story.

The Chess Story behind-the-scenes crew and production team.

The film's director Philipp Stölzl last directed Erased and Young Goethe in Love.

What we know about the Chess Story movie production.

Nov 2022

Completed

Changed Chess Story movie production status. The movie is ready for release.

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Watch official Chess Story movie trailers and clips.

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When was the film released?

Chess Story was released in New York on Friday, January 13, 2023. There were 25 other movies released on the same date, including Plane, A Man Called Otto and House Party.