Dangerous Moves

The movie follows the story of two chess grandmasters, Akiva Liebskind (played by Michel Piccoli) from the Soviet Union and Pavius Fromm (played by Alexandre Arbatt) from Hungary, who compete in a world championship match in Geneva, Switzerland. The game of chess serves as the backdrop to explore the complex personal and political issues that the two players face.

Akiva is a Jewish chess player from the Soviet Union who is haunted by his past experiences during the Holocaust. He is pitted against Pavius, a young and ambitious player from Hungary who is supported by his government.

As the match unfolds, the two players engage in a series of intense and strategic chess moves, but their personal issues and political pressures continue to impact their game. Akiva, for example, is struggling with his identity and is feeling increasingly isolated from the Soviet Union, while Pavius is dealing with the conflicting demands of his government and his own ambitions.

As the game progresses, the stakes become higher, and the players become more emotionally invested in the outcome. Ultimately, the game reaches a dramatic conclusion that has far-reaching consequences for both players.

Throughout the movie, there are flashbacks that provide insight into the players' personal lives and the political contexts that they are operating in. The movie explores themes such as identity, ambition, loyalty, and the role of politics in shaping personal lives.

• Michel Piccoli as Akiva Liebskind
• Alexandre Arbatt as Pavius Fromm
• Liv Ullmann as Marina Fromm
• Leslie Caron as Henia Liebskind
• Wojciech Pszoniak as Felton, Fromm's team
• Jean-Hugues Anglade as Miller, Fromm's team
• Daniel Olbrychski as Tac-Tac, Liebskind's friend
• Hubert Saint-Macary as Foldes
• Michel Aumont as Kerossian, Liebskind's friend
• Pierre Michaël as Yachvili
• Serge Avedikian as Fadenko
• Pierre Vial as Anton Heller
• Bernhard Wicki as Puhl, arbiter
• Jacques Boudet as Stuffli
• Benoît Régent as Barabal

"Dangerous Moves" was released in 1984. The movie was directed by Richard Dembo and produced by Michael Arthur Films.

The movie was released in several countries around the world, including the United States. The movie's success at the box office and critical acclaim helped to establish its place in cinematic history as a classic of the genre.

"Dangerous Moves" was released during the height of the Cold War, a period of political tension between the Soviet Union and the United States. The movie's exploration of personal and political issues against the backdrop of a high-stakes chess match resonated with audiences around the world, and it helped to cement the movie's place as a classic of the genre.

"Dangerous Moves" was well-received by both critics and audiences upon its release in 1984. The movie won the Best Foreign Language Film at the 57th Academy Awards and also won the academy award of the National Academy of Cinema, France.

Critics praised the movie for its intelligent script, nuanced performances, and engaging storyline. On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of 67% based on 6 reviews, with an average score of 7.3/10. The movie's exploration of personal and political issues against the backdrop of a high-stakes chess match was particularly lauded. The movie's themes of identity, ambition, and loyalty were also widely praised.

"Dangerous Moves" is considered to be one of the best chess movies ever made, and it continues to be a favorite among chess enthusiasts and movie buffs alike. Its success at the box office and critical acclaim cemented its place in cinematic history as a classic of the genre.

The film won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 1984;[2] it was submitted by the Swiss government, and gave that nation its first Oscar win. It also won the Louis Delluc Prize, the Prix de l'Académie du Cinéma and the César Award for Best Debut.

The CD soundtrack composed by Gabriel Yared is available on Music Box Records label (website).

"Dangerous Moves" is regarded as one of the greatest chess movies ever made, and it continues to be a favorite among chess enthusiasts and movie buffs alike. Its themes of personal and political struggle, as well as its intense and strategic portrayal of the game of chess, make it a timeless classic.

• List of submissions to the 57th Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film
• List of Swiss submissions for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film

• Dangerous Moves at IMDb