the audience applauded

I cannot think of one single thing that I would change about this film. The acting is incomparable, the directing deft, and the writing poignantly brilliant.

It was OK. I don't see why everyone loves it so much. It wasn't very smart or deep or well-directed.

This is one of the few movies I've ever seen where the whole audience broke into spontaneous, loud applause a third of the way in.

As this moved dragged on, it became more and more apparent that the makers of this movie wanted it to be really deep and trippy but had no idea what exactly they wanted to say. There was a bunch of disconnected, half-developed story ideas that never really went anywhere.I was very disappointed because this movie came highly recommended and I thought for sure I would like it. But I can't imagine anyone thinking this was a "good movie". If this was produced by high-school students, I can see giving them an "A" for effort, but other than that, it should have never seen the light of day.

A lot of reviewers seem to be taking this film too seriously. Honestly, relax, it's a good film. It's no blockbuster, there's no special effects (apart from a number of "glitch" type effects adding to the 80s hand-held camera vibe and the general strangeness of the film).The film is, of course, mainly about the characters. The whole artificial intelligence and computer chess story is an interesting thread throughout the film but it is not the main focus. From the start, most of the characters in the film seem socially awkward, somewhat repressed, insecure and nerdy, often even speaking in a hesitant or awkward way. It's the general quality of this film that I like, not necessarily what happens (though that is interesting too - e.g. the complete contrast between the group of chess geeks at the hotel and a bunch of new-age tantric group therapy individuals). The film moves along at its own pace, often with odd glitches or slightly cut-up scenes. Every second is enjoyable - the attitude of the characters, the geekiness of a haircut, the strange goings-on. The film is generally quite off-the-wall, with many quite odd or playfully bizarre incidents. Computer chess is IMPORTANT. And it's IMPORTANT to win. Enjoy.

Shot in grainy black-and-white, the ultra-low budget "Computer Chess" is the type of movie that gives art films a bad name among audiences who never go to art films. Slow-moving, meandering and technically unpolished (to put it mildly), it might be of interest to anyone who has a fascination with computers, chess or possibly both. Anyone else will likely be bored to tears by this static tale of a group of early '80s nerds attending a tournament designed to determine which tech team has come up with the most effective computer chess program.The movie is obviously intended as a satire of sorts about the ancient days of computer technology and those who have an easier time interacting with technology than with their fellow human beings. It also makes fun of Man's relentless quest to create artificial intelligence, but the whole thing is so lacking in clarity, energy and humor that I imagine that half the audience will have drifted out of the theater long before the midway point, while the other half will be in too much of a stupor to get up and leave.

As both a chess and AI lover this film was wonderful for me.However it's surprisingly entertaining and funny for the average viewer too.The cinema was alive with laughter and enjoyment. Some hilarious awkward tension with an "alternative therapy" group.In fact quite a few awkward moments overall.The fake documentary approach is perfectly executed. Amazing style and attention to detail.It's in black and white and 4x3 aspect ratio. I loved it! Just don't expect a summer blockbuster.