Searching for Bobby Fischer

Searching for Bobby Fischer

1993 · 1 hr 49 min · PG

Biography, Drama, Sport

Directors

Steven Zaillian

Actors

  • Joe Mantegna
  • Ben Kingsley
  • Max Pomeranc

Credits: 5

Summary

A prepubescent chess prodigy is encouraged to harden himself in order to become a champion like the famous but unlikable Bobby Fischer.

More about this movie

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.