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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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 |
|
0Share... |
Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Max Pomeranc | ... | ||
Joe Mantegna | ... | ||
Joan Allen | ... | ||
Ben Kingsley | ... | ||
Laurence Fishburne | ... | ||
Michael Nirenberg | ... | ||
Robert Stephens | ... | ||
David Paymer | ... | ||
Hal Scardino | ... | ||
Vasek Simek | ... | ||
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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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>
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!