Final scene pure genius - here's why!?

Rating: Null/10 (12 July 2004)

The emotionally powerful introduction in the concentration camp is matched by the finale which confirms there was more to this film than just green screen acting and CGI. The film deals with the treatment of minorities in democratic societies and this is singer's most explicit demonstration of his philosophy. Magneto is clearly the Malcolm X character here and Xavier is the robust Martin Luther King. The finale scene is pure genius, and heres why. Before this film neither actor (Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart) knew how to play chess. Singer hired a local chess master to teach them - in order to symbolize Xaviers superiority over his rival he employs whats known as a pawn assault (gaining check mate using only his weakest piece) - Singer's mastery of the technical and emotional side of the story is the key to this films success.