2016 | Norway | NR | 75 min.
Magnus Carlsen is called the Mozart of Chess—
his brain does what no human brain is supposed
to be able to do. In his early twenties,
he achieved and has since maintained the
highest rating in chess history, playing in a
way no one else ever has. Most chess masters
memorize games and moves. Magnus does
that, and adds instinct. If you love epic chess
showdown, you will get your fill of them in this
film, but at its heart, “Magnus” is about family.
Carlsen’s father has traveled with Magnus
to all of his tournaments, and he is our guide
through this superb documentary. From his
earliest matches to the media circus that surrounded
him at the 2013 World Chess Championship,
we see that, for all his genius, Magnus
owes much of his success to his family. While
other chess champions have famously succumbed
to the insane mental pressures of the
game, his supportive family keeps him grounded—he
may be the most “normal” chess genius
ever to top the game. Plus, he’s so handsome,
he’s a model, too! Even if you have zero interest
in chess, you will not want to miss this top pick
of TCFF 2016. In Person: Director Benjamin Ree.