Chess Story
Schachnovelle
“He turned resistance into a game.”
Synopsis
1938. While the Nazi troops march into Vienna, the lawyer Josef Bartok hastily tries to escape to the USA with his wife but is arrested by the Gestapo. Bartok remains steadfast and refuses to cooperate with the Gestapo that requires confidential information from him. Thrown into solitary confinement, Bartok is psychologically tormented for months and begins to weaken. However, when he steals an old book about chess it sets him on course to overcome the mental suffering inflicted upon him, until it becomes a dangerous obsession.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
Chess Story (2021) | Trailer | Philipp StölzlOfficial
Type: Trailer • Published 2022-12-21
Top Cast
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Oliver Masucci
Dr. Josef Bartok
Albrecht Schuch
Franz-Josef Böhm
Birgit Minichmayr
Anna Bartok
Rolf Lassgård
Owen McConnor
Andreas Lust
Johann Prantl
Samuel Finzi
Alfred Koller
Lukas Miko
Gustav Sailer
Joel Basman
Barkeeper Willem
Clemens Berndorff
Dr. Swoboda
Johannes Zeiler
Dr. Fink
Maresi Riegner
Maid Klara
Luisa-Céline Gaffron
Fridl
Moritz von Treuenfels
Policeman Erich
Carl Achleitner
Chess Player
Eric Bouwer
Dr. Wouters
Rafael Stachowiak
Ship Waiter Harry
Isa Hochgerner
Cook
Anton Rattinger
Driver Max
Release History & Theatrical Window
New German Cinema Festival
Festival / Special Debut
January 13, 2023
Wide Cinema Exhibition
March 10, 2022
Physical Home Media
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Philipp Stölzl
- Screenplay & Story
- Eldar Grigorian, Stefan Zweig
- Original Score
- Ingo Ludwig Frenzel
- Original Title
- Schachnovelle
- Country of Origin
- Austria, Germany
- Spoken Languages
- German
- Runtime
- 1h 50m
- Production Studios
- Walker & Worm Film, Dor Film, BR, ORF, StudioCanal, Studio Babelsberg, ARD, ARD Degeto
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Philipp Stölzl
Eldar Grigorian, Stefan Zweig
Ingo Ludwig Frenzel
Thomas W. Kiennast
Sven Budelmann
Tobias Walker, Philipp Worm
Department Leadership Roster
Tobias Walker
Producer
Philipp Worm
Producer
Philipp Stölzl
Director
Eldar Grigorian
Writer
Thomas W. Kiennast
Director of Photography
Sven Budelmann
Editor
Ingo Ludwig Frenzel
Original Music Composer
Matthias Müsse
Production Design
Tanja Hausner
Costume Design
Michael Wortmann
Visual Effects Supervisor
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
International Certification Matrix
FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.
Interdit aux moins de 12 ans — 12+ only.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Chess Story.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Chess Story
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Chess Story about?
1938. While the Nazi troops march into Vienna, the lawyer Josef Bartok hastily tries to escape to the USA with his wife but is arrested by the Gestapo. Bartok remains steadfast and refuses to cooperate with the Gestapo that requires confidential information from him. Thrown into solitary confinement, Bartok is psychologically tormented for months and begins to weaken. However, when he steals an old book about chess it sets him on course to overcome the mental suffering inflicted upon him, until it becomes a dangerous obsession.
Who directed Chess Story?
Chess Story was directed by Philipp Stölzl.
Who stars in Chess Story?
The principal cast of Chess Story includes Oliver Masucci, Albrecht Schuch, Birgit Minichmayr, Rolf Lassgård, Andreas Lust.
When was Chess Story released and how long is it?
Chess Story was released in 2021 with a total runtime of 1h 50m.
Who composed the musical score for Chess Story?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Chess Story was composed by Ingo Ludwig Frenzel.
Is Chess Story based on a book or true story?
Chess Story is adapted from the following source material: Novel: "Stefan Zweig".
What is the age rating and content advisory for Chess Story?
Chess Story holds official age classifications: DE: 12 (FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.); FR: 12 (Interdit aux moins de 12 ans — 12+ only.).