Watch Dangerous Moves

"Dangerous Moves" is a 1984 drama and thriller film directed by Richard Dembo. The film is set during the Cold War era and takes place in Geneva, Switzerland where the World Chess Championship is set to take place. The movie is also known as "La diagonale du fou" in French, which means "The Diagonal of the Madman". The film revolves around two chess players, one a Soviet and the other a Frenchman. The Soviet player, Aleksandr Ivanovich Borovsky (Michel Piccoli), is a highly regarded and respected chess player from the Eastern Bloc. His opponent, Akiva Liebskind (Alexandre Arbatt), is a Jewish Polish-French chess player who has lived through and survived the Holocaust. Their intellectual battle of wits turns out to be much more than just a chess game.

The movie begins by showing a glimpse of Borovsky's life in the Soviet Union, where he is constantly monitored by the authorities. However, he is considered one of the best chess players in the world and is invited to participate in the World Chess Championship in Geneva. Borovsky is accompanied by his second, a KGB agent named Squeres (Feodor Atkine). Borovsky's main rival in the championship turns out to be Liebskind, who is also accompanied by his second, a woman named Vera (Liv Ullmann).

The story develops through the different rounds of the championship, where the characters’ personalities and motives unravel through their moves on the chessboard. Throughout the games, we see the tension and rivalry between the players and their seconds. We also get a glimpse of their personal lives outside the chessboard, where different emotions are shown. Borovsky is a man devoted to the game, while Liebskind is more interested in politics and social justice, which is reflected in the way they approach their chess games.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the movie is the psychology of the two players. The movie examines the complexity of the human mind and how the smallest detail can affect the moves the players make. Each character brings a unique perspective to the game of chess, and the audience can feel the intensity of the match as they watch it unfold.

Apart from the main storyline, "Dangerous Moves" also explores the political tensions between the Soviet Union and the Western Bloc during the Cold War. As the two players battle it out, their countries also compete for prestige and dominance. The game of chess becomes a metaphor for the power struggle between these two superpowers.

The movie isn't just about chess – it's about human interaction and personal relationships as well. The chemistry between the two players is tense and intriguing, as they exchange both verbal jabs and chess moves. The audience can see the determination and the passion the players have as they compete in this high-stakes tournament.

The film was acclaimed for its storytelling and script, but also for its authentic portrayal of chess. From the opening sequence to the last move, the film captures the beauty, elegance, and complexity of the game of chess. The chess moves featured in the movie were made by Jean-Louis Servan-Schreiber and Jacques Serper, both renowned French chess players.

Michel Piccoli, who plays Borovsky, delivers a stellar performance, which earned him the Best Actor award at the 1984 Cannes Film Festival. Alexandre Arbatt, who plays Liebskind, also delivers an equally impressive performance, portraying the passion and determination of a Holocaust survivor haunted by his traumatic past. Liv Ullmann, who plays Vera, brings a unique perspective, as she acts as a bridge between the two chess players.

In conclusion, "Dangerous Moves" is a must-watch movie for those who enjoy suspense and drama, but also for those who enjoy chess. It's a moving story about human interaction, personal relationships, and the game of chess, set against the tension of the Cold War era.

Dangerous Moves is a 1984 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 50 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.