Dear Lord, pardon me for not bringing this one before. Amen!
A dramatic start, lol.
So just today, actually right now, I saw "The Queen's Gambit" reel, and that too on Instagram. Can you belive a peak mini-series reel in this economy? I guess, social media is not all that bad.
Now where would I like to put this one? Maybe, with the list of "12 Angry Men." Yes, yes, I know, quite different genre and years. However, the thing is: a girl and 64 squares. So, in this manner, both are peak in there domains.
Wait a minute, I forgot one thing. I have been playing chess for almost a year now, my best in Blitz is 1,000 and something. Now if you are wondering that I might started playing it after watching the show, then you are absolutely wrong.
Is it a bad thing?
Hell nah! This simple thing makes it even more quality work. Imagine someone, like me, who just know that chess exist; and still, enjoyed it so much that named it peak. I hope you understand the worth of this mini-series.
| Episode | Title | IMDb Rating |
|---|---|---|
| S1E1 | Openings | 8.4/10 |
| S1E2 | Exchanges | 8.7/10 |
| S1E3 | Doubled Pawns | 8.4/10 |
| S1E4 | Middle Game | 8.4/10 |
| S1E5 | Fork | 8.2/10 |
| S1E6 | Adjournment | 8.4/10 |
| S1E7 | End Game | 9.2/10 |
Decided to share the rating, so you guys know that I am not using any sort of hyperbole here.
"Sygrayem" (сыграем, Let's Play): the Plot.
The story follows Beth Harmon, brilliantly played by Anya Taylor, an orphaned girl who discovers an extraordinary talent for chess while living in Kentucky's orphange house.
She learns the game from Mr Shaibel, the custodian of the orphanage, and quickly becomes obsessed with it. Now, at first, it seemed like a mere hobby type of thing. However, soon enough, she along with others realise the talent she has. Beth starts competing in tournaments - sexist society though. Like they really look down on her, especially in the beginning. The scenes where she does not have any ratings, and they treat her like someone insane being. And when she defeats increasingly difficult opponents and eventually rises enough to beat "Borgov."
But, just like other superpowers, this one also comes with a price. She struggles with addiction, loneliness of her nature, and somewhat, desperate need for control.
I personally say that: it was Beth against Beth for the most part.
As she says: "It’s an entire world of just 64 squares. I feel safe in it. I can control it; I can dominate it. And it’s predictable. So, if I get hurt, I only have myself to blame." - Beth Harmon
Beth's fashion, her eyes and chess on the roof.
Now, before going with her character development, the fashion, her eyes and confidence level tells a different story. For the fashion, it is not just her; but almost every character with their own style is just top-notch. I am not a fashion expert, otherwise I would have yapped a good one on this one. They really nailed with it.
Now for Beth's clothes, it all changes as she climbs up the ladder. The simple dresses gradually become more confident, elegant and carefully choosen. It can be symbolised well with her gaining control over her own life. Then there are the eyes, with even bigger picture. Like look at the pictures, and you will know how important those big eyes are. Beautiful isn't she?
And now her power to see the chess board on the roof. That thing is quite fascinating, and I envy her for that. I wish I could do the pre-moves and imagine the possibilities. Hehehe, but I am too lazy for that, and all that dead-fish thing will never let me take anything serious. Maybe a good humbleness than I will be serious about it. Anyways, I am not writing an autobiography.
Characters and their role in her development.
Mr Sahibel, as mentioned earlier, is the one who starts this journey for her. He is the first one to notice how talented she actually is, and introduces her to the world of chess. And for that reason, Shaibel is more than just a teacher. He is the one who showed her the pathway to the world of her own.
Then comes Harry Beltik, one of Beth's first serious opponents. The one who did not take her serious, and guess what? A humongous mistake.
I recall those guys at the table saying: "There are three guys in there with ratings over 1800. And Beltik may show up. They will eat you alive."
And guess what? She was the one who ate them, left to no crumbs.
So what makes him important? After losing he does not just run away, he actually helps her to improve. Through him, Beth realises that understanding chess is not enough; there is always another level to reach. To defeat him, Beth had to calm herself out, as she went to the restroom, did the chess on the roof thing. And after that, she won it.
Benny Watts is somewhat different story. And he might be the first player who can genuinely challenge Beth intellectually, and he did. There relationship is bit complex, but eventually he becomes a sort of mentor and friend. Benny helps her in learning how to think several moves ahead, and not on the board only, but also in her development as a player.
Worth mentioning: chess players do not think of each other as enemies rather opponents.
Like even after a defeat, they appreciate, and discuss things with each other. Sportsmanship huh!
Finally, there is this final boss - Mr.Borgov. And he is pretty good. But the thing is: he does not underestimate Beth. He is already operating at the highest level, and Beth initially struggles against him. Well the kid had warned Beth already. So, her losses force her to confront the limits of her natural talent. But, just like a champ, she does not accept her defeat. She studies, learns and comes back strongers. And boom! She finally defeats Borgov in Moscow. It was not a mere win, Borgov for the first time ever offers her a draw. ANd she refuses to accept, and won in the end.
For my final words, here are few Googled facts. The Queen's Gambit is a fictional novel written by Walter Tevis, first published in 1983. In 2020, Netflix adapted the novel into a seven-episode miniseries starring Anya Taylor-Joy as Beth Harmon. (Quick Search result).
Reason behind this thing? Netflix adapted this. I am not anti-Netflix, but it is very rare from them to actually create peak cinema. So, make this a must watch. And remember, you do not even need to know chess as a game. All you need is some time, and you are good to go.
Oh, I forgot to mention the legend - grandmaster Luchenko.
"You are a marvel, my dear." Mr.Luchenko to Beth.
It maybe a fictional charcter. But remember this world has seen chess legends. From Garry Kasparov, Bobby Fischer, Magnus Carlsen, Hikaru Nakamura and Viswanathan Anand to women like Judit Polgar, Hou Yifan, and Vera Menchik (Sorry to the missed one), chess has produced minds capable of turning 64 squares into an entire universe. Their stories are a reminder that Beth Harmon may be fictional, but the brilliance, obsession, pressure and beauty of the game are very real.
Ratings as of now:
| Platform / Rating | Score |
|---|---|
| IMDb | 8.5/10 |
| Rotten Tomatoes | 96% |
| My Rating | 95/100 |
Peace 🕊️
Tables were made using ChatGpt.
Rating: 95/100