The Queen's Gambit - Netflix | The Boneyard

The Queen's Gambit - Netflix

nelsonmuntz

nelsonmuntz

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2 Episodes in, and this show is interesting. The tone and pacing and period details (most of the show takes place in the 50's and early 60's make it really compelling. Not sure where it is going, but I like it it so far.

The only remotely recognizable actor is Bill Camp, although apparently the guy that played Jojen Reed from GoT will show up at some point. The lead actress is really distinctive looking. She hasn't had to do much in terms of acting so far, but she definitely has something to her.
 
Haven't started yet, but it's on my list. Anya Taylor-Joy is already fairly accomplished, and looking at the credits Thomas Brodie-Sangster has been acting for most of his life. Not sure how old he is now but his first credit is from way back in 2001.
 
I'm into it after two three episodes.
 
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I enjoyed it, although I feel a bit manipulated by the ending, which was just a bit too convenient and hokey.

I wasn't all that familiar with the actor who played Benny, but I enjoyed him channeling both Leonardo DiCaprio and Johnny Depp simultaneously.
 
Binged the whole thing last night. One of Netflix's best originals IMO. Yes a little bit of a "hokey and convenient" happy ending, but as much as I love the kind of darker physiological dramas that have been so prevalent, I actually found this refreshing and very entertaining. The cinematography and performances were outstanding as well. Anna Taylor-Roy is striking for sure, but I was surprised at just how good and engaging she was in it as a lead. Its not a physical role per se, but she is very good at physically but subtly conveying her feelings, emotions, and state of mind. I also like how it approached various social issues without being preachy.
 
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Haven’t tried this one, but seems it is worth a shot.
 
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Episode 1 seemed to be missing something...Anya Taylor-Joy. She was onscreen maybe 5 minutes out of the hour. That was not what I expected.
 
Two episodes in. The kid who played Dudley in the HP films is also in this, if we're searching for that's that guy moments.
 
Bezzz said:
It gets better once she'a grown up. She is gorgeous.
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I've been a fan of her for several years. I got thru 2 episodes last night, I'll check out some more tonight.
 
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Wife & I watched it over the first 4 nights that it was available. While the main story line was compelling, I was immediately taken aback by the forced medication control of the children in the orphanage. Librium, which as a Pharmacist was immediately identifiable, is stored in a dispensary in a giant candy jar. Ironic, but a sign of the drug use in the sixties. Harkened back to the refrain "Mother's little helper".
 
Started it last night. So far so good. Wife started it without me, so I started to catch up. She assumed I wouldn't want to watch it.
 
Agreed that this is a very good, engaging miniseries. As a former chess player (including brutal speed chess during lunch breaks for several years), much of the competition was familiar to me and the show brought out the tension and the specialized expertise of high level chess.

Additionally, I know so many eccentric, bright people whose lives have been ruined by drug involvement that I kept waiting for the ultimate devastation, especially in the final segment.

Anya Taylor-Joy is an exotic beauty and the makeup artists did a remarkable job, their presentation emphasizing both her beauty and her isolation.

I won't rewatch, but I recommend watching.
 
storrsroars said:
I enjoyed it, although I feel a bit manipulated by the ending, which was just a bit too convenient and hokey.
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I kinda sorta know what you mean. But it made sense in a "Something About Mary" way that made me smile.
 
Just finished it. Worth the watch. More character study than plot but good.
 
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I thought the final episode was great, with one minor exception.

I couldn't help thinking of Rocky IV in that last episode, although that wasn't my problem. I think pretty much everyone will like this.
 
August_West said:
SHE

IS

RIVETING
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Rosie-the-Riveter-We-Can-Do-It-poster-J-Howard-Miller-circa-1942-1943-World-War-II.jpg
 
I finally finished it. I bogged down in the middle for quite a while. I didn't enjoy it as much as most people did apparently. Honestly thought it would've been better if it was 2 or 3 episodes shorter. Everything other than when she was playing chess I didn't find particularly interesting.
 
Just started watching with the first two episodes. I haven't played in a long time so I went over to chess.com. I won my first to matches. . . against the adaptive bot. I'm gonna play a grand master . . . wait a second. They even have Beth Harmon bots!

1606525605745.png
 
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Watching this series on Netflix this weekend. Very interesting story, fascinating young actress playing main character, and a soundtrack from the 60s that is a sheer, eclectic joy. If you play chess or wish you could play chess, you will be entertained for sure. Binge away until December 8 when the ladies return.
 
Seconding this rec. The characters are all captivating and the story provides such an interesting social and (mildly) political commentary of the time period. I’ve always theoretically understood chess, but this made me appreciate what it takes to be great at it — and, like being great at anything, the process isn’t always pretty.

It is probably, IMO, the best thing I’ve watched on Netflix during ‘rona.
 
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Third this rec. Really well written and acted. Knowing chess helps but not required.
 
I’ve watched the whole thing, and really enjoyed it. Garry Kasparov was a consultant for the series. He says they made all the chess games variations of real historical games, made sure all the details were correct, as serious chess players have criticized previous chess movies because the games were nonsense/garbage. He said the behavior of the Russians & KGB was realistic. And said it was realistic to hold strategy sessions overnight for games continued to the following day. The only thing not realistic chess-wise is they play much faster on screen than in real life (necessary to move things along in the video production).

Kasparov also said he’s known a couple players who were druggies like Beth, but that would never fly nowadays - too intense a focus is required. He said he also knew players who ‘sort of’ visualized games like she did on the ceiling, but not in a drug-induced state.

Also, some think her story parallels the real story of Bobby Fisher in many ways, including the time period.
 
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Just finished it a few days ago - absolulty loved it. It draws you in emotionally right away. Ayna Taylor-Joy in the lead role is a delight, and her supporting cast is wonderful. I actually hated to finish the series...!
 
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