The Luzhin Defence (2000)
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58% of critics liked it
(71 reviews) -
66% of users liked it
(1,215 ratings)
A lush historical drama from Dutch director Marlene Gorris, The Luzhin Defense is set in Como, a gorgeous northern Italian lakeside town located at the foot of the Alps. The year is 1929, and Alexander Luzhin (John Turturro) is a talented Russian chess player travelling to Como by train for the… More A lush historical drama from Dutch director Marlene Gorris, The Luzhin Defense is set in Como, a gorgeous northern Italian lakeside town located at the foot of the Alps. The year is 1929, and Alexander Luzhin (John Turturro) is a talented Russian chess player travelling to Como by train for the World Chess Championship. Also on his train is Natalia (Emily Watson), who is journeying to Como to meet her mother Vera (Geraldine James) at their posh lakeside hotel. Vera wants Natalia to settle down with the right -- meaning rich -- man, and duly tries to set her up with Jean (Christopher Thompson), a French count. However, Natalia instead sets her sights on Luzhin, who returns her affections, and the two embark on an unusual and unpredictable love affair. Adapted from one of Vladimir Nabokov's lesser-known novels, The Luzhin Defense also features the talents of Mark Tandy and Kelly Hunter as Luzhin's parents -- seen in flashback -- and Orla Brady as his young aunt. ~ Rebecca Flint Marx, Rovi
- Directed By
- Marleen Gorris
- Written By
- Peter Berry
- Genres
- Art House & International, Drama
PG-13,
- In Theaters
- Apr 20, 2001 Wide
- Studio
- Sony Pictures Classics
Critic Reviews
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Chris Vognar, Dallas Morning News
Makes up for a creaky structure with the intensity of emotion and psychological nuance provided by two of our finest screen actors.
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Terry Lawson, Detroit Free Press
It plays a predictable, if pretty, game.
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Joe Baltake, Sacramento Bee
Pretty much just a string of words and ideas and stick-figure characters who never become fully formed.
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Susan Stark, Detroit News
As brave as it is affecting.
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Steve Murray, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
When Luzhin's old chess teacher shows up, the movie becomes a slow-motion wreck.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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John Turturro
as Alexander Luzhin
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Emily Watson
as Natalia
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Geraldine James
as Vera
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Stuart Wilson
as Valentinov
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Christopher Thompson
as Jean De Stassard
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Fabio Sartor
as Turati
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Peter Blythe
as Ilya
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Orla Brady
as Anna
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Mark Tandy
as Luzhin's Father
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Kelly Hunter
as Luzhin's Mother
- Massimo Sarchielli
- Chris Thompson
