Watch EL Jugador de Ajedrez

El Jugador de Ajedrez, translated to The Chess Player, is a 2017 Spanish war drama film directed by Luis Oliveros. The plot is set during the Spanish Civil War in 1934 and revolves around the journey of Diego Padilla, a world-renowned chess master. The movie stars Marc Clotet as Diego Padilla, Melina Matthews as Marianne Latour, and Alejo Sauras as Colonel Masagual.

The film begins with Diego Padilla traveling to Germany to participate in a chess tournament. However, he gets captured by Nazi forces and is taken as a prisoner of war. He spends the next 12 years in a concentration camp, where he is subjected to brutal torture and inhumane treatment. Despite the difficulties, Diego does not give up and continues to play chess with his fellow prisoners. His captors use him to their advantage by forcing him to play against a chess computer, designed by the Nazis, to showcase their superiority over human intelligence.

As the war ends, Diego is released from the concentration camp and returns to Spain. Upon his arrival, he discovers that his beautiful French girlfriend, Marianne Latour, has disappeared. He then begins a search for her, which leads him to the home of Colonel Masagual, who was once obsessed with Marianne.

The story further unfolds as Diego takes on Masagual in a game of chess, which fuels their rivalry and sets the stage for an intense battle of wit and strategy. The Colonel tries every trick in the book to beat Diego, even going to the extent of threatening to kill Marianne if Diego does not throw the game. However, Diego refuses to give up and uses his skills and knowledge to win the game.

The movie is a beautiful depiction of the power of the human spirit and the strength that comes from perseverance. The film explores themes of love, hope, and the importance of family, all of which are tested against the backdrop of a brutal war. The story is gripping, intense, and emotionally charged, giving the audience an insight into the realities of war and the impact it can have on human lives.

The acting in the film is top-notch, with Marc Clotet delivering an incredible performance as the lead protagonist. His portrayal of Diego Padilla's struggles is both convincing and heart-wrenching, leaving the audience rooting for him throughout the film. Melina Matthews as Marianne Latour is charming and endearing, with her on-screen chemistry with Marc Clotet adding to the overall appeal of the movie. Alejo Sauras, as the malevolent villain, Colonel Masagual, is menacing and sinister, making for a compelling antagonist.

The cinematography and scenic shots in the movie are equally impressive, showcasing the beauty of Spain and Germany while keeping the viewer engrossed in the plot. The direction by Luis Oliveros is commendable, as he manages to strike a balance between the intensity of the story and the human emotions that accompany it.

In conclusion, El Jugador de Ajedrez is a must-watch movie for anyone interested in war dramas or chess. The film's themes of perseverance, love, and the power of the human spirit make it a moving and engaging viewing experience. The excellent acting, cinematography, and direction elevate the movie into one of the finest Spanish films made in recent years, cementing its place as a classic in the genre.

EL Jugador de Ajedrez is a 2017 history movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.