The Woman Who Defeated Kasparov. The Documentary The Queen of Chess Ignores What It Shouldn't
The documentary 'The Queen of Chess' examines the life of Judit Polgar, a chess prodigy, but fails to critically explore her father's controversial training methods.
The Netflix documentary 'The Queen of Chess' focuses on the life and achievements of Judit Polgar, one of the greatest chess players in history. Polgar was the youngest of three sisters subjected to an intense training regime devised by their father, Laszlo Polgar, who believed that chess prodigies could be cultivated through rigorous practice rather than natural talent. This training included eight to nine hours of daily chess practice with no holidays and limited social interaction, which significantly shaped Judit's development as a chess player.
However, the documentary, directed by Rory Kennedy, approaches the discussions around Laszlo Polgar's controversial methods with a concerning nonchalance. While the film includes archival footage showing a young Judit decisively defeating adult male players, much of this material serves merely an illustrative purpose rather than prompting deeper reflection on the psychological and emotional impact of such stringent training on her and her sisters. Important questions regarding their mental well-being and the potential costs of such an upbringing remain largely unaddressed throughout the film.
Ultimately, 'The Queen of Chess' presents an inspiring narrative of Judit Polgar's remarkable achievements but lacks a comprehensive examination of the broader implications of her father's educational philosophy. By not thoroughly discussing the ramifications of Polgar's harsh training methods, the documentary misses an opportunity to provide a more nuanced portrayal of one of chess's most celebrated figures, leaving viewers with a sense of an incomplete story that raises more questions than it answers.