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      Bobby Fischer Against the World

      Released Jun 6, 2011 1h 32m Documentary List
      88% 51 Reviews Tomatometer 86% 1,000+ Ratings Audience Score Liz Garbus examines the tragic and bizarre life of the late chess master from his troubled childhood through his rise to fame and his life as a fugitive. Read More Read Less

      Critics Reviews

      View All (51) Critics Reviews
      Gary Goldstein Los Angeles Times A once-in-a-lifetime character makes for a fascinating documentary subject in producer-director Liz Garbus' "Bobby Fischer Against the World." Rated: 4/5 Sep 22, 2011 Full Review Peter Rainer Christian Science Monitor Liz Garbus's documentary about the great American chess champion Bobby Fischer does its level best to avoid the easy cliché equating madness and genius, except that, in the case of Fischer, the cliché apparently holds up. Rated: B+ Sep 16, 2011 Full Review A.O. Scott New York Times Tactfully but strongly posits a connection between the genius he brought to an infinitely complex game and the madness that defined his relationship to just about everything else. Rated: 4/5 Sep 8, 2011 Full Review Graeme Tuckett Stuff.co.nz A great introduction to this once-in-a-generation player. Nov 24, 2020 Full Review Jordan M. Smith IONCINEMA.com Bobby Fischer Against The World dazzlingly puts the pieces of Fischer's drama infused life into motion with an objective, and intimate handle on the chess master's history. Nov 19, 2020 Full Review Brian D. Johnson Maclean's Magazine Director Liz Garbus examines the fine line between the hyper-rationality of obsessive genius and barking insanity. Aug 19, 2019 Full Review Read all reviews

      Audience Reviews

      View All (130) audience reviews
      William L It takes a different perspective to be called a true genius in your craft. Bobby Fischer's version of different was divergent to such an extreme that it led to a quiet, then reclusive, and ultimately an ostracized way of life. Drawing on the impacts from family, the demands from the game itself, and the maneuverings of the political machine that he was unwillingly thrust into, Bobby Fischer Against the World provides an interesting look into the tortured existence of one of the most enigmatic masters of the great game. (3.5/5) Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 03/28/21 Full Review Audience Member The chess aspects of the documentary I found interesting, everything else not so much. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/26/23 Full Review Audience Member Crazy, messed-up genius. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/23/23 Full Review Audience Member Compulsive doco. Still leaves you wishing they had delved more into his obvious mental condition instead of explaining it as part of his chess genius. And also, where exactly was he before he was tracked down and enticed to play again in '92? There may not be much to explain besides the fact he was part of the Church and then became converted to whacky hateful ideologies and then the Hungarian girl Zita appeared. It's all still a bit sketchy, but fascinating. And that neurologist in Iceland, how did he get into the picture, and why? Maybe, as the film more or less concludes, these questions are all distractions and Bobby's legacy is his games - and what he achieved, mostly alone. Will he inspire others? We are certainly left with the understanding that his childhood (or lack of one) caused his troubled life. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 02/22/23 Full Review Audience Member An unbiased biography of the chess genius Bobby Fischer. A tragic tale that is very interesting even for non-chess folks. It's always fascinating to see what makes champions tick... whether they're champions in sports, politics, the arts, etc. Very good documentary. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/15/23 Full Review Audience Member What a life Fischer had. Not expertly told, but Fischer is so fascinating that it doesn't matter. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/02/23 Full Review Read all reviews Post a rating

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      Bobby Fischer Against the World

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      Movie Info

      Synopsis Liz Garbus examines the tragic and bizarre life of the late chess master from his troubled childhood through his rise to fame and his life as a fugitive.
      Director
      Liz Garbus
      Producer
      Sheila Nevins, Martin Pieper, Dan Cogan, Nick Fraser, Maja Hoffmann
      Production Co
      HBO Documentary Films, Moxie Firecracker Films
      Genre
      Documentary
      Original Language
      English
      Release Date (Theaters)
      Jun 6, 2011, Original
      Release Date (Streaming)
      Nov 30, 2016
      Runtime
      1h 32m