Movie

The Luzhin Defence

“Two worlds collide when an eccentric genius falls in love with a strong-willed society beauty.”

★ 6.2(46)20001h 49m

The Luzhin Defence isn't available to stream, rent or buy in South Africa right now. Availability changes often, so check back soon. Availability checked 21 July 2026.

Where to watch The Luzhin Defence

🇿🇦 South Africa

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Streaming in other regions

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Good to know

Director: Marleen Gorris
Release date: 2000-08-21
Runtime: 1h 49m
Language: Italian
Budget: $1,864,747
Status: Released
Country: France
Studio: France 2 Cinéma

The Luzhin Defence — trailer

About The Luzhin Defence

The Luzhin Defence is a 2000 movie in the Romance and Drama genres, directed by Marleen Gorris, starring John Turturro, Emily Watson and Geraldine James. It has a runtime of 1 hour 49 minutes. It holds an average rating of 6.2/10 from 46 viewers. Below you can see where to watch The Luzhin Defence in South Africa — across streaming, rental and purchase options — along with the full cast, trailer and viewer reviews.

Synopsis

Based upon the novel by Vladimir Nabokov, a chess grandmaster travels to Italy in the 1920s to play in a tournament and falls in love.

Cast

John Turturro

Aleksandr Ivanovich 'Sascha' Luzhin

Emily Watson

Natalia Katkov

Geraldine James

Vera, Natalia's Mother

Stuart Wilson

Valentionov

Fabio Sartor

Turati

Peter Blythe

Ilya

Orla Brady

Anna

Mark Tandy

Luzhin's Father

Kelly Hunter

Luzhin's Mother

Antonio Carli

Fascist

Themes & keywords

chessbased on novel or bookitalychess tournamentwoman director1920s

Frequently asked questions

Where can I watch The Luzhin Defence in South Africa?+

The Luzhin Defence is not currently listed on any streaming, rental or purchase service in South Africa. Availability changes often, so check back or switch your region.

Is The Luzhin Defence on Netflix?+

The Luzhin Defence is not on Netflix in South Africa right now.

How long is The Luzhin Defence?+

The Luzhin Defence has a runtime of 1 hour 49 minutes (109 minutes).

Who stars in The Luzhin Defence?+

The Luzhin Defence stars John Turturro, Emily Watson, Geraldine James, Stuart Wilson and Fabio Sartor.

When did The Luzhin Defence come out?+

The Luzhin Defence is a 2000 movie directed by Marleen Gorris.

What genre is The Luzhin Defence?+

The Luzhin Defence is Romance and Drama film.

Who directed The Luzhin Defence?+

The Luzhin Defence was directed by Marleen Gorris.