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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 | ... | ||
 |
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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Edit
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
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IMDbPro »
Technical Specs
Runtime:
| (Ontario)Sound Mix:
DolbyColor:
ColorAspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1
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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
The chess piece that Josh finds in the park at the beginning of the movie appears to be a replica of a knight from the Isle of Lewis chess men, the earliest chess pieces found in Europe, dating back to the 12th century. Harry and Ron are seen playing with similar pieces in Harry Potter & the Sorcerer's Stone. See more »Goofs
In the opening scene when Josh encounters Vinnie for the first time, as Vinne stands there with the baseball pointing at the chess piece the sunlight is over his left shoulder. In the reverse angle shot of Josh, the sunlight should be over his *right* shoulder, yet the light is on Josh's left. 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 »
Chess is a challenging game that hasn't been given its due in the art of cinema, so it's a pity "Searching for Bobby Fischer", one of the few "chess movies" out there, offers an unconvincing, Hollywoodized treatment of the subject. This is one of those completely conventional, crowd-pleasing entertainments that make everything look too easy (it almost argues that one doesn't need to practice or study to become really good at something, as long as he has a natural gift for it; I'm sure the real Josh Waitzkin would dismiss all that as pure baloney), and rely on a predictable "Rocky"-type final showdown (in this case, against a mean-spirited little chess whiz). Nonetheless, with such a splendid cast (including an excellent performance by newcomer Max Pomeranc), it would be impossible for this film not to have its interesting and affecting moments. (**1/2)