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Pawn Sacrifice

18 September 2015English1h 54m
out of 10
Mixedlukewarm or divided
Monk Score · 4 scored reviews · 1 not rated

Maguire's Fischer holds the board, but familiar moves limit the drama.

Verdict tier Mixed, lukewarm or divided, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.

  • Praised: Maguire's performance as Fischer
  • Criticised: Offers little new for informed viewers

Audience

User score 5.5 out of 10 from 2 ratings, not enough ratings for a verdict yet

Not streaming in India

Critic consensus

What 5 critics are saying

Critics received Pawn Sacrifice with a generally positive but measured response, praising the film for making chess compelling and dramatically tense for general audiences. Tobey Maguire's portrayal of Bobby Fischer was specifically highlighted for capturing the complexity and frustration surrounding the chess prodigy. The film's direction and screenplay were credited for elevating the on-board action into gripping cinema. The main criticism was that viewers already familiar with Fischer's life would find little new ground covered.

How the 4 scores spread

1 not-rated review isn't plotted

Positive / mixed / negative reviews

Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10

AI-generated summary of 5 critic reviews · may contain errors

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From the papers

Critic reviews (5)

Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated

  1. Top critic

    Indian Express

    Film review ·

    After watching 'Pawn Sacrifice', the game, that involves kings, queens, knights and bishops, but essentially two players poring over a small table, will never look the same again.
  2. Top critic

    Firstpost

    Film review ·

    Even if you have never played chess in your life, Pawn Sacrifice is fun to watch. It is a testament to Zwick's direction and Knight's writing that Pawn Sacrifice makes chess games so tense and exciting.
  3. Times Of India

    Film review ·

    Playing Fischer, Maguire accurately portrays the frustration that the people close to the real chess prodigy felt, but understood and tolerated because they knew that this was no ordinary guy. Essaying a complex character like Fischer isn't easy, but Maguire does a pretty admirable job of it. You might just want to bring out that old chessboard after watching this one.
  4. Mid-Day

    Film review ·

    Pawn Sacrifice is a fascinating drama, a biopic of sorts, that sheds light on the life and career of America's most valued asset during the height of the cold war. And it's not a weapon of mass destruction I am alluding to, but a homegrown champion whose mastery over the game of 64 squares put the chess giants, USSR, on the back foot.
  5. KoiMoi

    Film review ·

    If you have never heard the name Bobby Fischer and want to see the biopic on this Chess legend's life, Pawn Sacrifice is a decent watch for you. But if you are well-read about this personality, the film will show you something you already know.

Credits

Cast & crew

Cast

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