Watch Closing Gambit: 1978 Korchnoi versus Karpov and the Kremlin

Closing Gambit: 1978 Korchnoi versus Karpov and the Kremlin is a documentary film released in 2018 that chronicles the legendary match between Anatoly Karpov and Viktor Korchnoi. The movie features interviews with renowned chess players and sports figures, including Michael Adams, Viswanathan Anand, and Muhammad Ali, who were all present during the pivotal match.

The film starts by recounting the Cold War paranoia that gripped the world at the time and introduces the two chess stalwarts, Karpov and Korchnoi, both of whom were prodigies in their own right. The movie follows their careers leading up to the 1978 match, which was held in Baguio, a remote city in the Philippines. The audience is given context on the political climate of the times, as Karpov was Soviet Union's golden boy and Korchnoi had defected from the USSR, adding to the stakes.

The tension builds as the documentary sets the stage for the intense face-off, featuring exclusive footage of the two chess greats in their training sessions and analyzing each other's strategies. The movie's pace is thrillingly fast-paced, and viewers can feel the emotional pressure of the event as the match unfolds.

The movie provides an in-depth look at the various games played by the two players, as well as their tactical moves and strategies, all of which are fleshed out with commentary from world-class chess players. The movie's producers used historical footage, animations, and interviews to illustrate the complexities of the game, while also capturing the mood of the times.

The film delves into the psychological warfare waged by both players, as Korchnoi's defection added a political angle to the already high-stakes match, and Karpov dug deep into his opponent's childhood traumas to distract him. The match is a testament to the incredible tension that the game of chess can create, both for the players on the board and the audience watching from afar.

Closing Gambit is a tribute to a bygone era of intense competition in the chess world, where the fate of nations hung on the decisions of two players. The documentary tells a powerful story about the game's impact on politics and culture, with exclusive interviews with some of the most prominent personalities of the time adding to its historical significance.

Michael Adams, Viswanathan Anand, and Muhammad Ali are among the many notable figures who appear in the documentary. Their perspectives on the match and their insights into the game itself add new layers to the story. Through interviews and commentary, viewers gain a sense of the personal experiences of these legendary players, their struggles, and their successes.

Closing Gambit is a captivating and informative documentary, emphasizing the wisdom and skill required to become a world-class chess player. The lessons of the game, the drama it creates, and the political and global context make this documentary one that every chess enthusiast must watch. The film takes the audience back to an unforgettable moment in chess history while also providing a subtle commentary on the historical background of the times.

Closing Gambit: 1978 Korchnoi versus Karpov and the Kremlin is a 2018 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.