The Luzhin Defence
2000, English. Directed by Marleen Gorris.
Two worlds collide when an eccentric genius falls in love with a strong-willed society beauty.
Based upon the novel by Vladimir Nabokov, a chess grandmaster travels to Italy in the 1920s to play in a tournament and falls in love.
- Runtime
- 1h 49m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- English
- Rated
- Check local
Start now and it ends at ….
Popcorn Flick
Fun if you don’t overthink it.
6.4/10 from 50 TMDB viewer ratings.
Seen it? Give your verdict.
Saved privately on this device.
Where to watch The Luzhin Defence
The Luzhin Defence isn’t on a subscription OTT platform in India, but you can rent it or buy it online.
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At HomeAvailability in India as of 11 November 2026. Streaming data by JustWatch.
Cast & crew
- Marleen GorrisDirector
- John TurturroAleksandr Ivanovich 'Sascha' Luzhin
- Emily WatsonNatalia Katkov
- Geraldine JamesVera, Natalia's Mother
- Stuart WilsonValentionov
- Fabio SartorTurati
- Peter BlytheIlya
- Orla BradyAnna
- Mark TandyLuzhin's Father
- Kelly HunterLuzhin's Mother
- Antonio CarliFascist
- Christopher ThompsonStassard
- Alfredo Pea1st Official
Details
- Released
- 21 August 2000
- Country
- France, United Kingdom, Hungary, Italy, United States of America
- Written by
- Peter Berry
- Budget
- $1.9M
Check ratings elsewhere
News & fan talk
What The Luzhin Defence is based on
The Luzhin Defence is based on The Defense, a 1930 novel by Vladimir Nabokov, published by G. P. Putnam's Sons.
Novel · 1930
The Defense
By Vladimir Nabokov
Published by G. P. Putnam's Sons
Source details from Wikidata and TMDB.
If you liked The Luzhin Defence
Enchanted April
1991 · 6.7/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers
Hello, Goodbye, and Everything in Between
2022 · 6.1/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers
The Wings of the Dove
1997 · 6.5/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers
Northanger Abbey
2007 · 6.8/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers
The Great Gatsby
2013 · 7.3/10
Worth the HypeRecommended by TMDB viewers
The Secret Scripture
2017 · 7.2/10
Worth the HypeRecommended by TMDB viewers
Pride and Prejudice
1940 · 6.9/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers
Racing with the Moon
1984 · 6.3/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers
Lovely, Still
2009 · 6.6/10
Popcorn FlickRecommended by TMDB viewers
The Magic of Ordinary Days
2005 · 7.5/10
Worth the HypeRecommended by TMDB viewers
The Luzhin Defence: quick answers
Is The Luzhin Defence worth watching?
Our verdict is Popcorn Flick: Fun if you don’t overthink it. It scores 6.4/10 from 50 TMDB viewer ratings.
How long is The Luzhin Defence?
The Luzhin Defence runs 109 minutes (1h 49m).
Does The Luzhin Defence have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for The Luzhin Defence. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
The Luzhin Defence parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
No age rating is listed for The Luzhin Defence yet.
Which OTT platform is The Luzhin Defence on?
The Luzhin Defence isn’t on a subscription OTT platform in India, but you can rent it or buy it online. (Checked 11 November 2026.)
What movies are like The Luzhin Defence?
If you liked The Luzhin Defence, try Enchanted April, Hello, Goodbye, and Everything in Between, The Wings of the Dove.
Who directed The Luzhin Defence?
The Luzhin Defence (2000) was directed by Marleen Gorris and stars John Turturro, Emily Watson, Geraldine James.
What is The Luzhin Defence based on?
The Luzhin Defence is based on The Defense, a 1930 novel by Vladimir Nabokov, published by G. P. Putnam's Sons.