← ← Back
The Royal Game
🎬 Movie

The Royal Game

2021 · 110 min History Drama War Thriller
6.9 / 10 · TMDB

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.

▶ Watch Trailer

📺 Where to Watch

Checking availability...

🎬 MovieFinder's Take

The film doesn't rush. It trusts the viewer — gives time to inhabit the characters, understand what's really happening. Direction here serves the actors rather than overwhelming them.

This film doesn't entertain — it speaks. If you're ready for that, it'll leave a mark. If not — it'll seem slow.

A good choice for those who value subtle direction and honest performance.

Director: Philipp Stölzl

— MovieFinder Editorial

🕯️

Best Watched

Viewing atmosphere: Unhurried, on a weekday evening. Put down the phone, let the film work.

🎭 Cast

Oliver Masucci

Oliver Masucci

Dr. Josef Bartok

Albrecht Schuch

Albrecht Schuch

Franz-Josef Böhm

Birgit Minichmayr

Birgit Minichmayr

Anna Bartok

Rolf Lassgård

Rolf Lassgård

Owen McConnor

Andreas Lust

Andreas Lust

Johann Prantl

Samuel Finzi

Samuel Finzi

Alfred Koller

Lukas Miko

Lukas Miko

Gustav Sailer

Joel Basman

Joel Basman

Barkeeper Willem

Clemens Berndorff

Clemens Berndorff

Dr. Swoboda

Johannes Zeiler

Johannes Zeiler

Dr. Fink

🎬 Similar Movies

💬 Audience Reviews

Write a Review

Quick rating — tap to vote:

Or write a full review:

0/2000