Grandmaster (Russian: Гроссмейстер, romanized: Grossmeyster) is a 1972 Soviet sports drama film directed by Sergey Mikaelyan.

[1][2][3] The film tells about a chess prodigy’s obsessive pursuit of brilliance which propels him to the pinnacle of his career but costs him love and connection, culminating in a high-stakes match that intertwines his triumph and personal longing.

Years later, during a simultaneous chess exhibition, Sergey notices Lena among the players; she is now Elena Andreevna Dontsova, a translator.

They rekindle their relationship and marry, but their life together suffers as Sergey’s dedication to chess eclipses his marriage, leading to their separation.

The film concludes with Sergey and Viktor passionately analyzing the accuracy of the sacrifice on the street, as Lena watches them from afar.