Micaela L Aledro 2018-02317 | BS Geology

Crazy Rook Challenge

The film, ‘Crazy Rook’, narrated the story of a group of people who’d met on social
media to resolve the consequences of their prank-gone-wrong. The story moved forward through
the use of the perspective of each person in the group, revealing not just the picture they had of
what occurred but also the ghosts and hardships that were haunting them.

“Crazy rook” is a strategy done during the endgame of a losing chess game in which the
rook hurls itself to the enemy king to protect his own king. This game play was embodied and
depicted by the movie excellently. As the group of 6 people were trying to liberate themselves
from the trap of the consequences of their prank game, they tried to face their own demons in
order to save the whole group. Since it is narrated using many perspectives, I was able to
understand more the arc of the characters because how the backstories of each person are told in
a very personal way. Moreover, the backstories also pose social commentaries as it reflects
various social issues experience not just in Iran but in every corner of the world like rape, drugs,
housing etc. The film also attempted to react to the rise of social media as the main form of
communication and relationships. Moreover, its usage of multitude of perspective made me
realized that we are indeed a limited being as our perspectives and perceptions are limited thus so
as our truths and beliefs we hold on to. Therefore, I realized that we should really create a
healthy space in which we allow to discuss these perceptions in order to fully comprehend and
grasp the bigger picture.

Aside from the brilliant storytelling, I also love the plot twist. It was crafted exceptionally
that I didn’t expect it hence the ending for me is quite satisfactory but t’was a bit sad. The death
of Pirouz totally personified the game play embodied in chess, crazy rook. Indeed, it was a
notable yet stark reminder that first, every action we had do have consequences no matter what
and secondly, shining light upon the truth is not for free, it does cost something and that
something can sometimes be death. Hence, it challenges us to ask ourselves whether we are
ready and willing to be a crazy rook for our nation or even for the greater good of this broken
world.