"The Royal Game," directed by Philipp Stölzl in 2021, is a historical drama thriller based on the eponymous literary work by Stefan Zweig. Starring Oliver Masucci and Albrecht Schuch, the film delves into the poignant story of Joseph Bartok, a former Viennese notary who recalls the traumas of war, from his arrest by the Gestapo to his time spent in isolation, while clinging to a chess book found in his cell as a lifeline to overcome his psychological suffering.
The film's strengths lie first and foremost in the incredible acting performance of Oliver Masucci as Joseph Bartok. His portrayal is stunning, skillfully capturing the transformation of the character before and after his arrest, with remarkable emotional depth. The adaptation of Stefan Zweig's book is also well-executed, offering a fresh perspective to the story while remaining true to its essence. Philipp Stölzl's direction is of high quality, with dark and artistic visual effects in the framing that are visually captivating, particularly the chess game scene between Masucci and Schuch on the steamship, which is a true masterpiece.
However, despite these strengths, the film also has some weaknesses. The screenplay can sometimes feel sluggish, with scenes that are too slow-paced and may bore the viewer, compromising the artistic aspect of the film. Some passages could have been better paced to maintain the viewer's attention consistently.
In conclusion, "The Royal Game" is a film that will appeal to fans of tender and artistic films. The acting performances, direction, and book adaptation are undeniable strengths. However, the sometimes slow-paced screenplay may be a drawback for some viewers. I recommend this film to those who appreciate historical dramas with an artistic approach, and I give it a rating of 7/10.
