Capablanca

The film follows José Raúl Capablanca as he travels to Moscow for an international chess tournament amidst the backdrop of Machado's dictatorship in Cuba. This setting adds tension to his participation, highlighting the complexities of his dual identity as a chess champion and a government employee.

Capablanca's journey is marked not only by his strategic battles against chess greats like Lasker, Tartakower, and Bogolubov but also by his tragic romance with ballerina Sasha Mozhaeva from the Bolshoi Theatre. The film captures the intensity of Capablanca's matches and the emotional stakes involved, especially during a notable simultaneous game where he faces the young Mikhail Botvinnik.

This film offers a unique glimpse into the world of chess during a pivotal time, making it an interesting choice for collectors who appreciate narratives that intertwine history and sport.