The Surrounding Game (2018) User Reviews

Okay documentary

[tekoteko · 6/10 · 6 September 2018]

Pretty subpar compared to AlphaGo documentary. This one follows the a tournament to find the first American pro player.

There's barely any insights to each player's lives. There's only one short scene showing one American playing in a Korean school. Nothing else much about their lives.

Interesting characters at an interesting time for the game

[mamins-16499 · 9/10 · 2 October 2018]

The look at Go historically and in Asia introduces you to the game well, and shows you the cultural heights the game can reach, something which helps lend importance to the documentary's main narrative: the tournament to decide America's first professional Go players.

Personally, I enjoyed the way the film followed the three American players, which was certainly not flattering, but showed them as very human and with their own philosophies and worries in life. And these are the top players in America, devoted to what was (until the events depicted in the documentary) a wholly amateur pursuit in their country -- certainly some interesting characters.

Could be far better

[mchaglayan · 5/10 · 18 September 2018]

While I was watching it, I thought like "why they give so much minute to this Ben guy, he is really annoying, probably his parents filmed it" and at the credits I saw that one of the directors have the same surname. Other than that, it is pretty outdated. I guess it is filmed in 2012 but broadcasted in 2018, weird. It would a really great documentary if it wasn't like sleeptalking of Ben for half an hour.

Powerful Storytelling

[elizagmartin · 10/10 · 10 March 2018]

The Surrounding Game is a beautiful, intricate window into the secret world of Go. It gives a wonderful history of the ancient game as it follows a few brave souls trying to become the first professional players in America (and theres even a trip to Korea, to see what the inside of a competitive Go school looks like). It's so touching to watch these young kids, who share the same passion, play against each other-you can really feel how high the stakes are for them. By the end of the film, you'll want to go buy a board yourself.

GO See It!

[sallydewind · 10/10 · 12 March 2018]

Beautifully shot and edited, the film offers viewers a peek into the unique and highly specialized world of go. At the same time, the story is relatable to anyone who has something they are truly passionate about. The documentary's subjects are portrayed with great humor, poignancy, and warmth.

Beautiful and Fun...

[adamkurnitz · 9/10 · 5 March 2018]

The Surrounding Game is amazing. What a fascinating look at a world I didn't know anything about. Just bought my first Go set!

First movie of its kind; trailblazer for the Go community

[Ksaraf23 · 10/10 · 15 March 2018]

Just finished. truly a groundbreaking thing to happen for the go community, the making of this movie. im sure it will start changing how people see this game.

I play online Go and real Go all the time, and I think the idea of professional american players will help Go a long way to inspiring others to follow in their footsteps. Also, that cameo from a certain legendary player was amazing.

This is truly a film that was a long time coming, and one that took so much effort and love to make that even a non-Go player will be able to appreciate it! I strongly urge you all to watch this movie now!