The series „Rematch“ portrays the chess game between Garry Kasparov and the computer Deep Blue as a thriller set in 1990s New York.
The confrontation between Garry Kasparov and the IBM computer Deep Blue in 1997 was a significant moment in the history of chess, with the former world champion losing the match. The media dubbed it as „man vs. machine“ and it attracted worldwide attention.
Arte, in collaboration with Disney+ and HBO Europe, has turned this chess drama into a captivating series titled „Rematch,“ which won the series festival in Lille this year.
The rematch between the IBM computer and chess world champion Kasparov, who had defeated Deep Blue in 1996, took place in New York and garnered global media coverage. IBM invested millions in making Deep Blue more powerful by assembling a team of programmers and chess grandmasters.
In „Rematch,“ the fictional IBM manager Helen Brock, programmer P.C., and chess expert Paul Nelson are portrayed as the opponents of a nervous Kasparov. The series depicts Kasparov’s struggles against the digital machine, showcasing the early stages of technology.
The series portrays the nine days in New York as a psychological thriller, with IBM fighting aggressively to win. The game becomes a showcase of technology that was still in its infancy at the time.
In an epilogue set 25 years later, Kasparov and manager Brock reunite, reflecting on the impact of their match. „Rematch“ also beautifully captures the essence of New York in the 90s.
Kasparov’s frustration leads him to buy dozens of computers to practice in his hotel room. The series highlights Kasparov’s efforts to outwit the machine, even as it makes mistakes. Kasparov and his opponents strategize between matches, with flashbacks to his early days as a chess prodigy.
The series keeps viewers on the edge of their seats with thrilling chess sequences. Despite the intense competition, the consensus in the chess world is that Kasparov lost more to his own nerves than to the computer, which was dismantled by IBM afterwards. Despite Kasparov’s call for a rematch, IBM declined.
„Rematch“ is available on Arte Mediathek until November 23 and will air on Arte on October 24.
