Oscar winner Kevin Kline (in his first French-speaking role) and French star Sandrine Bonnaire shine in this sophisticated dramedy set on the beautiful isle of Corsica. Middle-aged chambermaid Hélène’s newfound obsession with chess—a passion that rankles her husband and teenage daughter—leads her to seek the tutelage of a reclusive American doctor (Kline), a liaison that radically transforms both of their ho-hum lives. France & Germany, 2009, 97 minutes, French with English subtitles
“CRITICS’ PICK! Caroline Bottaro’s tangy comic bonbon plucks the game of chess out of the metaphorical realm of spy thrillers and re-imagines it as a fable about relationships and upward mobility. . . .Captivating. . . a lighthearted, grown-up fairy tale. . . .Mr. Kline gives one of his finest screen performances.” – Stephen Holden, The New York Times
“Two-time César winner Sandrine Bonnaire mesmerizes in the story of a working wife and mother whose soul is stirred by the game of chess. Kevin Kline is pretty enjoyable too. . . . [An] intelligent, heartfelt and deeply satisfying film.” – Kenneth Turan, Los Angeles Times
