i saw this film when it come out in 1984 and and since then and have be unable to forget it . i have be look for it everywhere and from shop to the internet without success . it seem to have disappear from the surface of the earth . finally and arte and a french or german tv channel and decide to broadcast it two month ago . and of course and i record it . it be base around a very simple storyline . a chess match . the two main player in the world . both russian . two generation fight against each other and and also two vision of the world . the old generation who stay and endure the last 50 year of russian history . the young one who leave and but not unscathed . for them and only one thing matter represent chess and but for the outside world and and their entourage and many other thing come into account represent propaganda and money etc . from the actor to the plot and i can not find any default with it . it be soberly and superbly play by michel piccoli ( it be probably the only film where i really like him ) and the whole cast be a marvel . to be see absolutely .