Common Sense Media Review
By Brian Costello
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Inspirational docu on the "Mozart of Chess"; some bullying.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
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Magnus
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Even as a toddler, Magnus Carlsen seemed lost in deep thought, possessed with an incredible memory and gift for finding patterns and relationships between the flags of the world. Observing this, Magnus's father introduced him to chess at age 5. In a short amount of time, he proved to be a chess prodigy, playing obsessively and eventually becoming a ranked player. While still severely withdrawn and bullied as a tween and early teen, Carlsen was also gaining worldwide recognition for his incredibly unique and intuitive style of play, even playing to a draw against iconic chess master Gary Kasparov. This documentary shows the coming of age and development of "The Mozart of Chess," from a chess-obsessed boy picked on by his peers to his current celebrity status as the highest-ranked chess player in the world.
Is It Any Good?
Like its subject, this documentary is one of a kind. Magnus stands out from so many other niche-centered documentaries because it's about so much more than chess or even a chess prodigy. Ultimately, it's about what can happen when someone who is "different" from those around him is given the space and freedom to develop his or skills to their fullest potential. This makes the movie engaging not just for chess aficionados, but also for those who don't know their rooks from their bishops.
And that's what makes the documentary special. Not only does it trace the growth of Magnus Carlsen the chess player, but also Magnus Carlsen the human being. From an introverted chess-playing tween who was an easy target for bullies to an internationally-known media star (even giving Homer some pointers in a Simpsons episode), Magnus is as much a coming-of-age story as it is a chronicle of an extraordinarily gifted young man's whirlwind ascendance into becoming the highest-ranked chess player in the world.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about documentaries centered on a specific activity, such as chess, football, or cooking. In what ways do documentaries like these try to be engaging to all viewers and not just fans of the specific sport, hobby, or profession?
How were home movies used to tell this story? What would be lost if these home movies weren't a part of the documentary?
How is tween and teen bullying toward those deemed "different" addressed in this movie? Who are some other examples of talented people who were picked on by their peers while growing up?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 18, 2016
- On DVD or streaming : February 27, 2017
- Cast : Magnus Carlsen , Gary Kasparov , Viswanathan Anand
- Director : Benjamin Ree
- Studio : FilmRise
- Genre : Documentary
- Character Strengths : Perseverance
- Run time : 78 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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