Queen to Play

Caroline Bottaro's feature debut—adapted from Bertina Henrichs' novel The Chess Player—serves up a tale of female liberation achieved through the unlikely medium of chess. Sandrine Bonnaire stars as Hélène, a hard-working maid at a hotel on Corsica, who is married to dockworker Ange (Francis Renaud). Teenage daughter Lisa (Alexandra Gentil) is rebellious and demanding beyond her parents' means, which makes Hélène's employment essential. Witnessing a couple engaged in a romantic round of chess, Hélène is entranced and becomes determined to learn how to play. Realizing that the game cannot be totally self-taught, she seeks guidance from Dr. Kröger (Kevin Kline), a recluse for whom she cleans house. Although initially resistant, Kröger agrees to teach her, and after gradually coming to the realization that she has a special gift, he suggests she take part in a local competition. Unfortunately, her obsession takes a toll on both her work and her marriage, as Ange grows jealous of Kröger. When it comes to the chess tournament, Queen to Play is as formulaic as Rocky and its many imitators, but it's a more sophisticated take, with a fine cast filmed in lovely Corsican locales. A pleasant and evocative story of empowerment that should appeal even to those who don't know a pawn from a rook, this is recommended. [Note: DVD extras include a “making-of” featurette (21 min.) and trailers. Bottom line: a decent extras package for a winning film.] (F. Swietek)