1977 · drama · history
The Chess Players
Directed by Satyajit Ray2h 9m1977
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.
Our read: The Chess Players (1977) reads as a neutral, measured, grounded drama · history entry — measured in intensity, mid-stakes in scope, measured in temperature, ambivalent in outlook, with a strong directorial signature.
Neutral, measured, measured drama / history, grounded in texture. Ambivalent, mid-stakes, measured.
- measured
- signature
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How The Chess Players feels to watch.
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