The Surrounding Game

The Surrounding Game (2018) is an engaging and cultured documentary that intends to attract an array of audiences, from game enthusiasts and strategists to individuals seeking a heightened comprehension of Eastern philosophy and culture. The movie stars Allan Abramson, Keith Arnold, and Terence Benson who navigated through the intricate world of Go and helped intensely in communicating the essence of this game to audiences world over.

Go is a simple yet complex board game effortlessly epitomizing the nuanced aspects of warfare, mind strategies, and philosophical connotations. Devised over 2500 years ago, the game has risen from China and is nowadays widely cable of holding its own against chess, poker, and other prominent games in the West. This fascinating and enlightening film delves into the world of Go like never before, extending an insightful hand to those initially oblivious to the existence of this game and the vast cultural disposition it carries.

The documentary spotlights the first-ever National Go Tournament held in the United States. This gripping event, prominently attached to the storyline throughout the film, brings together the nation's top players as they compete for the prestigious title and the honor of being the first American Go professional. The characters illustrated in the movie, namely Allan Abramson, Keith Arnold, and Terence Benson, execute their roles in a way that's both riveting and educational.

In addition to offering a courtside perspective of a high-stakes tournament, The Surrounding Game provides an in-depth look at the history and meaning of Go. The film delves into the game's origin in ancient China, the rich layers of strategy and intuition that have captivated players for millennia, and how it has become a fundamental part of East Asian culture, especially in countries like China, Korea, and Japan.

One of the film's most potent attributes is how it contrasts East and West, symbolized through the game of Go. Go is presented as a mirror of life's struggles and triumphs, analogous to Eastern philosophies that consider life as a combination of two contradicting forces symbolizing light and dark. Western audiences are exposed to the philosophy and cultural prominence of Go through the narratives of the central characters, as they confront a game that demands extreme levels of concentration, creativity, and strategic thinking, much like life itself.

The storyline is enhanced by the brilliant representation of characters that are not just mere players but passionate individuals striving to master the game that has allured the East for thousands of years. Allan Abramson, Keith Arnold, and Terence Benson embody this passion and determination, representing a unique cross-section of the Go community in America. The movie does a great job of humanizing these players, showing their struggles, asked sacrifices, and tribulations while preparing for the tournament and in their ongoing journey to truly comprehend the art of Go. It demonstrates the bold spirit of these individuals who are keen to introduce and promote the beauty and complexity of Go in the Western world.

As an audiences, you witness the journey of both the players and the game, as Go slowly but surely gains momentum in the West, watch as the characters gear themselves and their communities for the inaugural national tournament. They strive against all odds, fighting through their personal hurdles, internal conflicts, and lofty expectations to make the event a success.

Such is the dedication of the individuals involved that this isn't merely a game to them, but a way of life, a philosophical commitment. The Surrounding Game allows you to observe, analyze, and appreciate the subtly intensive environment that exists in a Go match nearing its climax or a player making that decisive move after a long contemplation, filling the ambiance with a strategic and intellectual intensity almost palpable on screen.

To put it succinctly, The Surrounding Game admirably succeeds in making this relatively obscure game and its vibrant culture accessible. It balances the intellectual, social, and personal aspects of the characters and the game beautifully, providing an enriching experience both culturally and educationally. Whether you're familiar with the game or not, this documentary offers engaging characters and cultural insights sure to captivate audiences while deepening appreciation for Go's profound history and philosophy.