Chess Story
2021, German. Directed by Philipp Stölzl.
He turned resistance into a game.
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.
- Runtime
- 1h 50m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- German
- Rated
- Check local
Start now and it ends at ….
Popcorn Flick
Fun if you don’t overthink it.
6.8/10 from 170 TMDB viewer ratings.
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Where to watch Chess Story
Chess Story is streaming on Film Movement Plus in India.
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Fandango At HomeAvailability in India as of 11 November 2026. Streaming data by JustWatch.
Cast & crew
- Philipp StölzlDirector
- Oliver MasucciDr. Josef Bartok
- Albrecht SchuchFranz-Josef Böhm
- Birgit MinichmayrAnna Bartok
- Rolf LassgårdOwen McConnor
- Andreas LustJohann Prantl
- Samuel FinziAlfred Koller
- Lukas MikoGustav Sailer
- Joel BasmanBarkeeper Willem
- Clemens BerndorffDr. Swoboda
- Johannes ZeilerDr. Fink
- Maresi RiegnerMaid Klara
- Luisa-Céline GaffronFridl
Details
- Released
- 23 September 2021
- Original title
- Schachnovelle
- Country
- Austria, Germany
- Written by
- Eldar Grigorian
Check ratings elsewhere
News & fan talk
What Chess Story is based on
Chess Story is based on The Royal Game (1942) by Stefan Zweig.
1942
The Royal Game
By Stefan Zweig
Source details from Wikidata and TMDB.
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Chess Story: quick answers
Is Chess Story worth watching?
Our verdict is Popcorn Flick: Fun if you don’t overthink it. It scores 6.8/10 from 170 TMDB viewer ratings.
How long is Chess Story?
Chess Story runs 110 minutes (1h 50m).
Does Chess Story have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for Chess Story. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
Chess Story parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
No age rating is listed for Chess Story yet.
Which OTT platform is Chess Story on?
Chess Story is streaming on Film Movement Plus in India. (Checked 11 November 2026.)
What movies are like Chess Story?
If you liked Chess Story, try Walking with the Enemy, The Secrets We Keep, Field of Lost Shoes.
Who directed Chess Story?
Chess Story (2021) was directed by Philipp Stölzl and stars Oliver Masucci, Albrecht Schuch, Birgit Minichmayr.
What is Chess Story based on?
Chess Story is based on The Royal Game (1942) by Stefan Zweig.