Overrated...big time

I doubt that it was that poorly done - it was a very intriguing film, and I'd love to read the novel, just to see what you're complaining about. The movie is not easy to find here, and I feel lucky to have found a copy this year, in a public library collection in New Mexico! The time period covered is fascinating and frightening, and Tony Leung was compelling in his role as the earlier chess player.