The Queen's Gambit | Series Review (Spoilers)
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- čas přidán 16. 11. 2020
- Beau & Aaron review The Queen's Gambit!
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I just absolutely loved the Russians in this show. With most Americans, the showmanship you saw was because you're supposed to do that. But with the Russians, it felt like they were genuine in congratulating her, and having found their match in her. And the Russian public, I love how they loved her.
We call it "cranberry" or клюква here in Russia the way Russia or Russians are depicted in american films. Yes there were not many cranberries in these particular series, but the boy with vodka working in a restaurant?!?! What the f was that?!?!
@@user-mf6bt2dh8o
What was wrong with the boys character?
@@pseudonymousbeing987 if you knew russia or ussr you would understand that it is impossible to work at his age. Particularly in restaurants, particularly with foreigners, particularly wlth alcohol.
@@user-mf6bt2dh8o
I never really lived in Russia, and holidays weren't enough to pick up on that fact about work. Maybe the kid was a KGB agent trying to get Beth to drink.
@@pseudonymousbeing987 or maybe the whole thing was her drunk dream. And she's never been to Moscow
She was a joy to watch. This show was phenomenal and have recommended it to everyone over the past few days.
Eyy I got the joke
agreeed
This series would be better if the young russian kid beat Beth three years later like he said he would and. Beth passing down her crown
Yeah that would be good.
18:27 *I have to disagree here.* Jolene was more of a _guardian angel_ who came at the right time but the French model was more like the devil...alluring & tempted her to do things that were against her best interest...which is why she lost to the Russian, the first time. When Jolene came she was able to tie up loose ends of her past (healing) and pay to go to Russia and win!
27:22 Yessss! She was excellent! 💜
Well said
There are hints indicating Cleo was employed by the KGB to sabotage her.
The way she insisted in getting her drunk before the Paris match (and we knew since Mexico that the Russians were aware of her addiction problems). She has a mysterious past and is somewhat odd, being a model spending time with American chess masters.
Most telling she was the only person Beth told about the crush on Townes. And for the final tournament in Moscow the Russians hasted the visa process for this Kentucky reporter, hoping it will be a distraction, not knowing he is gay and they are now just friends. Townes even comments on this - "they probably though I will throw you off your game".
It is realistic that they didn't skip Cold War politics (more visible through the CIA guy trying to involve Beth in this political game). It was a big deal behind the scenes, but I loved how they kept it subtle and secondary for the most part, because Beth wasn't interested in this stuff. Beth only cared about chess and the wonderful people supporting her with both her game and her struggles.
@@adriantudor2215 This series would be better if the young russian kid beat Beth three years later like he said he would and. Beth passing down her crown
Yeah that would be good.
The character of the adoptive mother was so subtly played. That chraracter was so hard to pin down ( define ). You almost never see that in character portrayals.
Also, the story telling was well paced and the fashion evolution throughout was an interesting parallel angle to the main story.
Nailed it.
This series is replete with subtle characterizations and yes, Alma Wheatley was the best of those. It is hard to find a stereotypical character anywhere in the series.
Chess nerd here. The lessons within the games were equally sublime. I was amazed and thrilled that the actual game play was as well done as the rest of the production.
The chess drove the film. Garry Kasparov was consultant.
Unlike every other Hollywood chess game, where checkmate comes as a surprise move, and sometimes takes several minutes of study of the position before the winner finds it. In serious chess, players resign before they're checkmated when they look ahead and see it's unavoidable.
@@brothermine2292 This series would be better if the young russian kid beat Beth three years later like he said he would and. Beth passing down her crown
Yeah that would be good.
That’s what caught my attention. I love chess
I didn’t realize beltik is Dudley Dursley until today
Yeah that didnt twig for me either
omg THAT’S why I kept thinking he looked so familiar.
Same, he seemed so familiar but I couldn't put my finger on it. When they mentioned Dudley I had to pause the video and go 'Whaaaaaaat?!'
Same!
I recognized him as the guy who recited ozymandias in the ballad of buster scruggs
I wanna point out that the car crash causes her mother’s death also echoes with Queen’s Gambit, the opening move. By sacrificing the pawn in front of the queen to gain control of the game. Her mother was at the front seat driving to her death, and Beth, who sat in the back seat, survived.
That seems like a strech
cool point
@@thermon6945 It is.
You don't sacrifice the d-pawn in front of the queen. You offer to sacrifice the c-pawn, in front of the queen bishop.
This show ruled and Anya Taylor-joy continues to be one of the best young actors around.
I'm so glad this show is getting so much praise, to me it was flawless, I can't stop talking about it to everyone I talk to. It was so engaging, even though I knew and know nothing about chess, I still found myself on the edge of my seat everytime she played. This was truly a marvel. I hope it gets tons of awards.
I spotted this on a whim while bored and haddnt seen anything about it. I had low expectations going in and cleared the entire thing in one accidental sitting. Incredible throughout.
I was enthralled by this movie. I’m into chess by association because my son is a national master. Is anyone going to comment on the performance of the child actor that played young Beth? She was incredible!
No, you're not over hyping it. Amazing series.
The queen's gambit in its core is a sports movie. The thinking man's sports movie. It's as inspiring as rocky, beth horman is a classic underdog/dark horse, a little girl who came from nothing to become the world champion.
"thinking man's"?
Beth Horman :(
Lol yeah, and she easily beats everyone of the opposite sex who she plays against... Oh wait, that part isn't in sports movies with a male protagonist.
@@dijonjohn1011 who gives a fuck that she’s of the opposite sex? The only time that’s brought up in the show is when she complains that they’re praising her for being a girl and not for her chess skills.
It was a perfect little gem of a series. The acting, writing, set design, themes, music, everything fit so perfectly.
I think now and days I would must rather watch a really good limited series something like 8-10 episodes than a blockbuster movie. And I think it’s something that is really changing.
Give me an 8 to 10 episode tightly crafted mini series over a meandering show or a 2 to 3 your film any day of the week
The one fear I had when they went to russia they would again do really bad russian speaking and a bad representation of soviet russia
1. they did excellent in hiring good speaking russians and Borgov really tried hard to pronounce everything russian so he gets a pass
2. my dad watched the series and he lived in soviet russia and he was very happy with it so
just perfect !
Actor who played Borgov is Polish. That's why his accent was good, while obviously not perfect.
Loved it! Reminded of my late sister (minus the child genius and substance abuse part lol) who was so into sports and later in life when she was less physically able to active due to her health took up pool. She was always very competitive whether it was scrabble, video games, tennis, basketball (where she would frequently be the only female playing pick up), words with friends lol, shooting in pool leagues - she would study the craft intently. I miss her and she would’ve LOVED this series ❤️
Although you guys didn't state it specifically, I liked how standard situations were not met with standard dialogue. Her response to the Life reporter's question about being a girl in a men's game was not what you would expect from Hollywood. Fortunately the directors and producers liked the character as written and elected not to stereotype her response. What she said was crystal clear but said Beth's way. Lovely! As an aside, I loved the way her mother recognized the interview was going astray and stepped in at the perfect time to end it. We should all be so lucky to have a mother so wise.
I absolutely loved this show and it was well acted by everyone but Ana Taylor-joy was simply amazing and I couldn’t take my eyes off her whenever she was in a scene. She truly is one of the best young actors right now
did anyone notice in the soundtrack that "Beth's story" sounds a lot like Light of the Seven?
I did. The intro riff, it sounds very similar
She's very attractive
Honestly one of the best miniseries/Netflix shows I've seen in a while. Literally hooked within the 1st episode.
Absolutely loved this show. One of the best things I’ve watched in years. Inspired me to take up chess for the first time since I was about 6.
I’m no Beth Harmon let’s put it that way...
I was surprised how much I loved the show. A few tidbits you didn't mention: the show runner, Scott Frank, also made "Godless," another great limited series. And the woman who played her adopted mother (Alma Wheatley) is Marielle Heller, an accomplished director in her own right. She directed Can You Ever Forgive Me? & The Diary of a Teenage Girl.
I teared up when they called her to help her and she loved it... and the pure joy in her winning... I love all of it... great mini series....
Mrs Wheatley enabled her chess career, but also enabled her addiction.
The dress,the characters, the story, just perfect. Eventho I know nothing about chess
I just finished watching the show about an hour ago (after staying up until 4 am watching it). You're absolutely right - it's perfect.
My favorite hours spent watching television since Chernobyl
Scott Frank did such a fantastic job on this series! His writing and directing was just incredible. If you haven't checked out his other Netflix limited series "Godless" it is also very good! The amount of development he provides for the story and characters in such a short amount of time will never cease to amaze me. Limited series are definitely becoming some of my favorite forms of entertainment and Scott Frank's masterpieces are a huge factor to that.
He made Godless as well?!?! That explains so much ! 😂
So true. No flaws, it’s pitch perfect. I’m now reading the book.
I totally agree with you guys. This series is perfect.
Great review, so glad you made mention of Mrs. Wheatley's performance as Beth's adoptive mother, it was my favorite performance of the series as well and im surprised she wasnt nominated for any sort of supporting actress award.
I can’t believe I didn’t realize Benny was Jojen from GOT. I LOVED this series, absolutely perfect.
I picked up on him right away but completely missed Beltik as Dudley! Mind blown!!
her walk changes throughout amazing. I thought it was a different actor when she was at that teeen age. same for moses' character
Great show with a very strong supporting cast, characters who were on screen for minutes or only an episode i longed for, like her friend at orphanage who i delighted to see again,
There's only a few shows that Ill stay up to binge watch when I first find them but this was like watching an amazing movie that just took a long time. Its absolutely perfect.
I appreciated the insightful comments of this podcast, and it was great to stumble onto Nerd Soup. I want to add something: There are all kinds of "father" parallels, too. One parallel I noticed is that Beth isn't ever REALLY an orphan, but the fathers in her life let her down, especially in crises. She has a living biological father who wants nothing to do with her. [Sidenote: I did find that a plot weakness, because after her mother kills herself, wouldn't there have been records to show that Beth still had a living parent and therefore would not need to go to an orphanage? That plot point still bothers me, although, of course, we'd have a very different story without the orphanage. And the novel says that her father preceded her mother in death.] Then, when she is adopted, Mr. Wheatley isn't involved with her. After Alma dies, Mr. Wheatley renegs (sp) on his offer to give Beth the house. This move threatens to make Beth homeless, and this is another parallel, because her father renegs on his parenthood, which also makes Beth homeless shortly thereafter. And here's also an interesting twist on the father parallels. Beth is cast out by her biological father, and her adoptive father tries to do the same, but Beth outplays him by offering to buy the house from Mr. Wheatley. This is a beautiful plot twist because it shows Beth's growth into adulthood and independence. She doesn't need men to protect her. As you guys brilliantly noted, there is so much plot richness in this series. It is a nearly perfect series, and this comes from someone who still maintains that The Wire and Breaking Bad are the best series ever. The performances are outstanding, but I especially appreciated the way you noted camera angles and all of those underappreciated editing and cinematography skills that most of us take for granted.
Just finished it. I loved the binge model for sure for this! Really enjoyed you guys’s review too. Just like you said, you were excited for the next episode after each. Very cohesive. It’s a 10 outta 10 for me 😎👍♟👒👗🥿🇫🇷🇷🇺🎥🎬🍿♥️
You both articulated everything that I (and I think a lot of people) thought made the show so watchable. A perfectly brilliant show, start to finish. Great ending too!
I also loved the fact that Beth still had her watch on the whole time since her mom passed.
Having watched the series 3 times now, and the ending many more, I think there needs to be a shout out for the music. It just seemed to flow so well with the story, especially the last episode and the build up to the ending.
The soundtrack and score combo just adds to it's perfection
Wonderful review as always guys, might I also recomend The Crown? Great historical epic!
I was hoping you guys would review this! Such a great show.
Great review for a great series. I agree with most of what you guys say about this fabulous show….but I do have one nit to pick about one of you who said that the acting of the Marielle Heller character was the best. Come on now….Anya Taylor-Joy’s performance has Emmy or Golden Global winner written all over it.
One other thing that you guys did not mention was the soundtrack. Several great songs that fit perfectly into the scene. There are two songs in particular among many: First is the Herman Hermits song “The End of The World” plays after Beth’s loss to Benny and she finds out that the one person she has feelings for (Townes) is in a relationship with another man and she has a confrontation with her mother.
The second is the song at the end of the official trailer. Dionne Warwick “Don’t Make Me Over”. The Beth Harmon character loves chess unconditionally
“Don't make me over
Now that I'd do anything for you
Don't make me over
Now that you know how I adore you”
and she wants the world to love her for how she is....despite her flaws.....
"Accept me for what I am....Accept me for the things that I do".
Thank you for the review! I was actually hoping for this since I myself wasn't sure if it's OK to be 100% satisfied with a show.
Good to hear you guys had a similar experience watching it.
I was really invested on the chess aspect but also, that the main character had her issues, even social awkwardness at the start and - was also a sexual being. The show still managed to not exploid this with unnecessarry nude scenes but you get her desires at all time because the facial expresssion were just on point.
You see her grow physically and mentally in as little as 7 episodes, see the beauty in the relationships, especially with her adoptive mother, she develoos with people. Also the first question she was asked at the orphanage, "What 's the last thing your parents said to you ?" somehow managed to stay a mystery until we reach the lowest point in her life and get that answered. This show came in full circle and I couldn't express anymore love for it.
There was still one thing that kept me thinking till the very end. If anyone has an explanation for that, I'd be grateful to hear.
We learn that Benny always carries a knife with him for safety and I thought that was perhaps a habid he developped during his time in Russia.
Therefore I was really anxious till the very end when she was walking through the crowd she might get stapped or anything.
This is the only part I had no explanation for (why they showed us Benny's knife).
I loved this show Rewatched it in Spanish with my mom afterwards and she enjoyed it as well just such a gem of a show.
I'm glad you guys did a review.
Any chance you're going to talk about The Great on Hulu? Written by the guy that wrote The Favorite which you guys loved. The Great isn't talked about enough and somwthing The Queens Gambit reminds me of it, not even sure why, they are very different. But I loved loved both
The pill stealing scene reminded me of the movie The Fall. (Named for that scene I think!)
Have y’all seen it? It’s in my top 5.
I loved this show. Also, you guys bring up at the end the idea of this being an anime. In case you don't know of it, my favorite anime of all time is Hikaru No Go. It's an amazing anime about a child prodigy for the board game of Go. Quite a few differences, but many parallels with the Queen's Gambit.
I love chess and this show was crazy good. The attention to detail was unreal. I did recognize some of the positions in the chess games because a lot of them were based on classic famous chess games in real life. I love chess and I love film, this was so perfect in my eyes it’s unreal
Easily my favorite moment is the small "Avengers assemble" moment during the last match. It absolutely filled me with joy.
Regarding the Russian female chess player - she is actually a real person AND DID play male adversaries (she commented that this blunder was a bit of a shame). However, in the show, we see her in the audience during the last match, beaming at Beth. So in universe, she definitely turned out a fan.
I absolutely love this channel, do you think you guys will ever do a series review of "The Leftovers" it such a fantastic show and I'd love to see your guys' perspectives on it.
They definitely made her look like a queen chess piece in the last scene in Russia. Every aspect of set, costume design, and editing were on point
I also thought the show was amazing, I couldn't believe it was so good I tried finding negative reviews in hopes to find what could be disliked. This show wasn't overhyped at all. It really is one of the best media to come out of 2020 for me.
5:45 into the review and 🛑. All right I’m going to go watch this rn!
This series reminded me of all the greatest movies I've seen seemed to short!
I love the podcast and review, and I love the Goodfellas reference in the intro, next to the monkey. Tommy’s mom painting 😂
“I like this one. One dog goes one way and the other dog goes the other way, and this guys saying whaddya want from me” 👌🏼
Just finished the show and wanted to jump on to find a review....lo and behold the nerd soup. Spot fuckin on as always. Love your stuff you bastards made me get spotify just so I could listen to your reviews.
Finished it in one day and I thought it was remarkable. I literally can't wait to rewatch it.
Perfect series - Anya gets the Emmy 👍
That was the best series of the year! I was applauding wildly when she saw the chess pieces on the ceiling in Moscow without the drugs! 9.5/10!
Totally agree. Have been talking it up just like you guys are doing.
I put it on because I couldn't sleep expecting not to get into it and drift off. How wrong I was.......I do not regret not sleeping at all that night, ended up watching the lot,was just so good 👩🍳💋
Same! Binged and now sleep deprived. Regretted nothing
Was hoping this was coming!
Finally finished it, wow hell of a show... Jojen with a cowboy hat was the absolute best😂😂
Still the most underrated review I watch. Keep it up guys. Also. Keep bringing back that third guy that everyone hates. Hes just part of it now.
I watched the whole series in one sitting. Then the following day I watched it again in one sitting. It's that good!
Not overhyping at all. It is a perfect show.
Nerd Soup is my favorite thing to watch on CZcams. They should have way more views for this. This was literally the best show I have watched since Cobra Kai season 2. It was perfect.
I agree totally with the anime analogy. Watching this felt so familiar and I couldn't pin it down. But a lot of the character and story movements are right out of long-form anime.
I agree. Perfect. I went into this not even knowing what the show was about. I had seen it popping up here and there and then saw it at #2 on Netflix and figured, what the hell. I’m so glad I did. I so enjoyed this series. Oh and as most others, I don’t know anything about chess!
Omg i love the queen's gambit in couple of year's this show will go down in history as classic 😊👸
I really hate how Mr Shibal character was just left after first few episodes i really enjoyed that Master and Student thing.But a great show at the end no doubt
I would love to hear a discussion of Kubrick references in this film, some are very clear. In the Russian hotel (with wallpaper reminiscent of the Overlook Hotel carpet), and what does she find? The Russian's hunched over in an almost perfect tableau of the man-in-the-bear-suit scene of The Shining. Lots of tracking sequences. And the cinematographer comes right out and says the scene where the camera follows her into the Las Vegas hotel was inspired by Full Metal Jacket's These Boots Were Made for Walking scene. Scene after scene reminds me of Kubrick's symmetry, pull backs, zoom ins, holding the camera on the face... Let's hear more.
Beth is just captivating
You can't help but watch all the episodes
It's funny that you brought up WWE in this review. I'm a big pro wrestling fan and a lot of these characters felt like pro wrestling characters, especially Benny. Each major player had a distinct look and style, and the chess matches served as the catalyst for Beth to interact with each of them. Not unlike a Steve Austin having wrestling matches to interact with all the other distinct WWE characters. So coming from that viewpoint I absolutely loved this show!
Just found this review. While I disagree with some of your interpretations, I really appreciate the overall take. I largely stopped watching TV over 30 years ago, and even in the age of more "content" than we can handle, had given up on finding anything really great to watch. This series just broke the streak. I can't believe how good it is. Thanks for reviewing it.
This show encapsulated me from start to finish.
I cannot believe how perfect this was. This director and these actors and actresses were amazing.
For some reason I got visions of the movie rounders while watching the show kind of like that adaptation to skilled card poker playing over to this highly skilled chess playing which much more technical
I made the mistake of watching episode 1 last night at midnight....I pulled an all nighter. Oops.
A lot of people miss this, but it is heavily implied that Townes is gay. He is sleeping in a 1 bed hotel room with another man in the scene where he is interviewing Beth. While Beth clearly had a crush on him, it is beyond unlikely that Townes actually felt the same way with her. He clearly did have a really high opinion of her though.
Anya Taylor joy killed this and I loved every moment of this series
Is there a Chernobal review from nerd soup, I can't find it :)!
I just noticed that the tiles in Mr. Schibiles basement are a grid like a blank chess board.
The whole plot follow a chess game. 7 episodes the pawn hs to move 7 squares to be promoted to Queen. She starts off as a pawn, then after a long struggle - in the final game she sacrifices her Queen. followed by a pawn promoted to a new Queen. Then, dressed as the white Queen, among her adoring subjects.
Just finished it a few days ago. Loved it
I hope Netflix sustains this license. I want this series binge-watch to be my new Thanksgiving tradition.
Great review, love the sports references
I would want to see more from Beth. I can understand why Beau wouldnt, but ana taylor joy was compelling enough to warrent it. I would be unsure as to what can be said but I wouldnt mind. probably should. lol
great show over all. perfect
I absolutely loved The Queen's Gambit! It's by far the best thing I've seen in years! It grips you so emotionally and takes you on a fun ride of highs and lows. Yet there was no one that made reference too or remembered the 9 year old Orphan Beth Harmon going to Duncan High School and beating 12 high school chest club members. I was waiting for someone in the next 6 episodes to remember that 9 year old prodigy's first chest match! You would think in that chest world someone would definitely remember that. But otherwise a 12 out 10 for an off the charts movie experience!
First time posting and really enjoy your reviews.
1. Someone may have already referred to this chess movie Searching for Bobby Fisher. It was made in 1993 and has 100% rotten tomatoes. What do you think of that movie and how does it compare to the show.
2. Does the new game of thrones show have a chance to be as good as the first 4 or 5 seasons of the original game of thrones show?
Thanks from the fly over states.
I'm in no way a TV buff...but this show was AMAZING!!!.....you did a great jobs talking about it.....LOVED your recap!!!!....Let's go JETS!!!...LOL!!!
I really love the show as well : Perfect casting, good flow, great script, good camerawork etc. The only thing that kind of threw me off was the second episode when she was adopted and we immediately switched from the young Beth to Anya. Even with the hairstyle and the clothes, as well as Anya's great acting to appear younger, I had trouble believing she was supposed to be 13 years old. But this is just me just nit picking - this series was great!
The genius chess grandmaster who wrote Queens Gambit - we interviewed him today on our channel :) @
Her eyes kept me glued to the tv
cold day in toronto, a good day for some warm soup
If there's one nitpick I could come up with, it would be that after watching and being enthralled by the series, and particularly Anya Taylor Joy's performance, is that, it did not make me learn what move the Queen's Gambit is. I know it is mentioned, but it's so fleeting that it doesn't stick in the memory. (Not asking btw)
You guys need to put all this content on your Podcast, Please!!!!!!!!!!!!