Searching for Bobby Fischer (1993)
- Starring:
- Joe Mantegna, Max Pomeranc, (more)
- Director(s):
- Steven Zaillian
- Theatrical MPAA Rating:
- PG
- Category:
- Drama
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Searching for Bobby Fischer was inspired by the life of chess prodigy Josh Waitzkin, as written by his father Fred Waitzkin. Josh (Max Pomeranc) is a "regular kid" who begins evincing signs of being a genius at chess. His father (Joe Mantegna) encourages this, hoping that it won't fundamentally change his son's healthy outlook on life. But Josh is taken under the wing of cold-blooded chess instructor Bruce Pandolfini (Ben Kingsley), who indoctrinates the boy in the "Bobby Fischer" strategy. Unfortunately, Pandolfini emphasizes all of Fischer's negative traits, especially his contempt for his opponents. Josh is in danger throughout the film of sacrificing his essential decency, but in a rousing conclusion, the boy is able to successfully blend ruthless competition with good sportsmanship. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Theatrical Feature Running Time:
- 109 mins
Complete Cast:
- Joe Mantegna - Fred Waitzkin
- Joan Allen - Bonnie Waitzkin
- Laurence Fishburne - Vinnie
- Robert Stephens - Poe's Teacher
- Tony de Santis - Journalist
- Steve Randazzo - Man of Many Signals
- Hal Scardino - Morgan
- Dan Hedaya - Tournament Director
- Jerry Rakow - Washington Square Patzer
- Anthony Heald - Fighting Patient
- R.D. Reid - Final Tournament Director
- William Colgate - Statistician
- Tony Shalhoub - Chess Club Member
- Tom McGowan - Reporter
- Max Pomeranc - Josh Waitzkin
- Ben Kingsley - Bruce Pandolfini
- Michael Nirenberg - Jonathan Poe
- David Paymer - Kalev
- Laura Linney - School Teacher
- Josh Mostel - Chess Club Regular
- Caroline Yeager - Screaming Mom
- Anthony McGowen - Park Dealer
- Vasek Simek - Russian Park Player
- William H. Macy - Tunafish Father
- Maria Ricossa - Gym Parent
- Vincent Smith - Washington Square Patzer
- Austin Pendleton - Asa Hoffman
- Director(s):
- Steven Zaillian
- Writer(s):
- Steven Zaillian
- Producer(s):
- Scott Rudin, William Horberg
- Theatrical MPAA Rating:
- PG(Excellent For Children)
- Categories:
- Drama
- Closed Captioning:
- Check All Versions
- Subtitles:
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- 1993 - Searching for Bobby Fischer - American Society of Cinematographers - Best Cinematography
