Queen to Play
Comedy, Drama
-
2009
Available on
Country
Hélène, a housekeeper at a ritzy hotel in Corsica, is devoted to her family but lacks any passion in her own life. When she sees a handsome couple play a passionate game of chess, she becomes inspired to play herself. Hélène's working-class husband and spoiled daughter are soon bewildered by her obsession with chess. They also grow suspicious of Hélène's close relationship with Dr. Kröger, her eccentric American expat tutor.
Director:
Cast:
Similar
Details
Runtime:
101 min
Release date:
5 Aug 2009
Country:
FR, DE
Languages:
English, French
Budget:
$0
Revenue:
$1,056,938
Awards:
2 wins & 3 nominations
Top Critics Reviews
fresh:
[A] clever feel-good lark.
– Ronnie Scheib,
Variety,
26 Jul 2011
fresh:
Subplots involving the heroine's resentful husband and rebellious teenage daughter never amount to much, though the story builds toward a satisfactory, if formulaic, climax.
– J. R. Jones,
Chicago Reader,
8 Jul 2011
fresh:
"Queen to Play" falls somewhat into the "Pygmalion" template, but watching Bonnaire's Helene find herself makes it worthy in its own right.
– Bill Goodykoontz,
Arizona Republic,
30 Jun 2011
fresh:
Maintains a wonderful balance between grit and grace.
– Calvin Wilson,
St. Louis Post-Dispatch,
17 Jun 2011
rotten:
Dull hokum.
– Colin Covert,
Minneapolis Star Tribune,
26 May 2011