Album 61: The Path of the Chess Grandmaster Album 61 (2013) is a fascinating and deeply personal account of the life and career of Israeli chess grandmaster Boris Gelfand. Director Khalil Efrat managed to create not only a biography of an outstanding chess player, but also a unique look at the entire process of talent formation, starting from childhood.
The film begins with the viewer’s acquaintance with the albums led by Boris’ father, Abram Gelfand. Each album contains photographs and recordings, carefully and lovingly collected by his father, documenting every stage of his son’s life. These 60 albums become a symbol not only of Gelfand’s career, but also of his father’s immeasurable love and support.
Particularly valuable in the film is how he reveals the inner world of Gelfand, his thoughts, experiences and difficulties that he faced on the way to world recognition. In the frame there are his coaches, rivals, and close people, each of whom has contributed to the formation of him as a person and an athlete.
The film covers not only the technical aspects of Gelfand’s chess game, but also immerses in the atmosphere of the chess world, showing its inside out. The viewer has the opportunity to learn about the psychological preparation, strategies and hard work necessary to reach the top in such a difficult sport as chess.
The historical context in which Gelfand’s life and career unfolds is also impressive. The film touches on his childhood in the Soviet Union, his training at a specialized chess school and his path to the World Cup. This path is filled with both bright victories and difficulties that Gelfand overcame, persistently pursuing his dream.
Album 61 is not only a film about chess, but also about willpower, perseverance and the constant support of loved ones. It’s a story about how one person and their family can inspire and motivate, setting an example of an unbending pursuit of purpose. The film deserves the attention of not only chess enthusiasts, but also everyone who is interested in success stories and inspiring personalities.
10 out of 10