MovieChat Forums > The Luzhin Defence (2000) Discussion > What city is this?

What city is this?

posted 17 years ago by persistenceofvision
12 replies | jump to latest

Remember the scene (in flashback) where Valentinov, having dragged Luzhin across Europe on some tour of exhibition-matches, dumps him and makes off with the money, driving off in a coach, and Luzhin runs after him shouting "What city is this?" Then he goes off and sits down hopelessly in a square/piazza surrounded by statuary.

I have a feeling that the viewer is supposed to recognise the architecture, but I didn't at all (I thought maybe it was meant to be Berlin). Can anyone tell me what city it actually is?

[–] 17 years ago

[deleted]

[–] josephpadur 17 years ago

Budapest.

[–] persistenceofvision 17 years ago

Thank you!

[–] AkiraVsAquaman 17 years ago

bratislava

[–] josephpadur 17 years ago

you are wrong, it is Budapest
wanna bet!

[–] persistenceofvision 16 years ago

But it *definitely* begins with a B?

[–] youknowforkids 15 years ago

Just watched the film. The city you were asking about is definitely Budapest in Hungary. The scene where Luzhin is left behind was filmed around the landmark known as Heroes' Square. I've been there and instantly recognised it.

[–] persistenceofvision 15 years ago

Thanks! I think that carries it. :)

[–] goleafsgo27 10 years ago

So the consensus seems to be building that it was not Flin Flon, Manitoba, as I thought it was. OK then.

I have seen enough to know I have seen too much. -- ALOTO

[–] rwsmith29456 14 years ago

I haven't seen the movie but if it's a Northern Italian city I would guess it is most likely Meran or Merano depending on if you are speaking German or Italian. It's a spa/resort town and a famous venue for chess and there were some important tournaments there in the 1920's. Also feaured in the stage musical 'Chess'.

[–] zoerpit 14 years ago

As to the main action of the film, it would certainly be historically accurate for that time period to set it in a northern Italian resort. In the first half of the 20th century (well, at least prior to WWII), it was common to have major chess tournaments in European resort or spa towns like Carlsbad (Karlovy Vary), Baden-Baden, San Sebastian, Monte Carlo, San Remo, Merano, etc. However, the film DID take liberties in making the tournament into one to determine the world championship; traditionally in those days, the world championship was decided in a match (long series of games) between just two players, not directly connected with any tournament.

[–] rwsmith29456 13 years ago

Lombardia lake is the resort, town scenes are Lombardia, Budapest the rest. Lombardia is one beautiful place. I'lll have to show this to my wife even just for the scenery.