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Searching for Bobby Fischer (1993) 7.5
A prepubescent chess prodigy refuses to harden himself in order to become a champion like the famous but unlikable Bobby Fischer. Director:Steven Zaillian |
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Title: Searching for Bobby Fischer (1993)
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Cast
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Max Pomeranc | ... | ||
| Joe Mantegna | ... | ||
| Joan Allen | ... | ||
| Ben Kingsley | ... | ||
| Laurence Fishburne | ... | ||
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Michael Nirenberg | ... |
Jonathan Poe
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| Robert Stephens | ... |
Poe's Teacher
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| David Paymer | ... |
Kalev
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| Hal Scardino | ... |
Morgan
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Vasek Simek | ... |
Russian Park Player
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| William H. Macy | ... |
Tunafish Father
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| Dan Hedaya | ... |
Tournament Director
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| Laura Linney | ... |
School Teacher
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| Anthony Heald | ... |
Fighting Parent
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Steven Randazzo | ... |
Man of Many Signals
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Plot Summary
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Plot Synopsis
Storyline
Josh Waitzkin is just a typical American boy interested in baseball when one day he challenges his father at chess and wins. Showing unusual precocity at the outdoor matches at Washington Square in New York City, he quickly makes friends with a hustler named Vinnie who teaches him speed chess. Josh's parents hire a renowned chess coach, Bruce, who teaches Josh the usefulness of measured planning. Along the way Josh becomes tired of Bruce's system and chess in general and purposely throws a match, leaving the prospects of winning a national championship in serious jeopardy. Written by Rick Gregory <rag.apa@email.apa.org>
Taglines:
Every journey begins with a single move.Parents Guide:
View content advisory »
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Details
Country:
USALanguage:
EnglishRelease Date:
11 August 1993 (USA) See more »Also Known As:
À la recherche de Bobby Fischer See more »Box Office
Gross:
$7,266,383 (USA)Company Credits
Show detailed
company contact information
on
IMDbPro »
Technical Specs
Runtime:
| (Ontario)Sound Mix:
DolbyColor:
ColorAspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1
Edit
Josh Waitzkin: [about Bobby Fischer] In the days before the event, the whole world wondered if he would show up. Plane after plane waited on the runway, while he napped, took walks, and ate sandwiches. Henry Kissinger called and asked him to go for his country's honor. Soon after arriving, he offended he Icelanders by calling their country inadequate because it had no bowling alleys. He complained about the TV cameras, about the lighting, about the table and chairs, and the contrast of the squares...
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Did You Know?
Trivia
In the second half of the movie where Josh's father brings him back to the park to play with Vinnie, real-life Josh Waitzkin and Vinnie (both much older than actors playing them) are visible in the background. See more »Goofs
Josh hits the clock button at the start of his match with Jonathan, but in the next shot the button on his side is still raised. See more »Quotes
[first lines]Josh Waitzkin: [about Bobby Fischer] In the days before the event, the whole world wondered if he would show up. Plane after plane waited on the runway, while he napped, took walks, and ate sandwiches. Henry Kissinger called and asked him to go for his country's honor. Soon after arriving, he offended he Icelanders by calling their country inadequate because it had no bowling alleys. He complained about the TV cameras, about the lighting, about the table and chairs, and the contrast of the squares...
See more »
There are few movies I would call perfect in terms of script, photography, performance, and continuity. This is one of them. I have watched this film at least 8 times, and have seen something new in it every time.
This is based on a true story, and it is much more than a movie about parents demanding time, effort, and sacrifice of a child chess prodigy. This is about a seven-year-old boy who knows who he is, and resists adults attempts to make him into someone he is not. Max Pomeranc gives about the best performance I have ever seen by a child actor in the role of Joshua Waitzkin. Fortunately, Josh has a mother (played by Joan Allen) who recognizes Josh's innate goodness and protects him from those who want to change him. This movie is about a father (Joe Mangtegna) learning to respect and appreciate who his son is, instead of trying to make him into something he isn't.
I had seen the movie three times before I understood the title. The adults are searching for "the next Bobbie Fischer" (a television reporter in the film uses those words). Josh Waitzkin asserts to his teacher "I'm not him."
Watch this movie with your children!