Searching for Bobby Fischer

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Searching for Bobby Fischer

PG

1993

1h 50m

Biography

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

98%

Tomatometer

44 Reviews

86%

Popcornmeter

10,000+ Ratings

After he beats his dad (Joe Mantegna) in a chess match, Josh Waitzkin (Max Pomeranc), a 7-year-old, gets noticed for his talent. He becomes interested in speed chess at the park and learns the game from a hustler named Vinnie (Laurence Fishburne). However, Josh's parents invest in the services of Bruce (Ben Kingsley), a famous coach who has very different practices. Between Bruce's methods and the stress of the competitions, Josh learns that even a chess prodigy cannot make all the right moves.

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Critics Consensus

As sensitive as the young man at its center, Searching for Bobby Fischer uses a prodigy's struggle to find personal balance as the background for a powerfully moving drama.

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Jonathan Rosenbaum

Chicago Reader

It makes for a good old-fashioned inspirational story, absorbing and pointed.

Feb 13, 2019

Full Review

Kenneth Turan

Los Angeles Times

Zaillian proves as much of a prodigy as his chess-playing subject, turning out a film that is a beautifully calibrated model of honestly sentimental filmmaking, made with delicacy, restraint and unmistakable emotional power.

Feb 13, 2019

Full Review

David Ansen

Newsweek

The story he is telling--about parenting, teachers and students, and the nature of competition--is a rich one, and Zaillian tells it with warmth, humor and zest. The cast is first-rate.

May 15, 2018

Full Review

Mike Massie

Gone With The Twins

While it’s all agreeable and pleasant, it’s far from outstanding; it’s a very basic, formulaic, moderate inspirational drama.

Rated: 5/10

Mar 17, 2025

Full Review

Mark Jackson

Epoch Times

The fields of math, music, chess, and acting all produce child prodigies. Luckily for us, lead child actor Max Pomeranc can check two prodigy boxes.

Rated: 4/5

Aug 13, 2021

Full Review

Leigh Paatsch

Herald Sun (Australia)

Newcomer Max Pomeranc is nothing short of brilliant as Josh, handing in one of the best performances by a child actor you could ever hope to see.

Rated: 4/5

Sep 11, 2020

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The R

It is a very good movie about chess but I was not so convinced by its dark photography and the acting of the main child is not very charismatic

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

08/04/25

Full Review

Sergio L

Great Kid prodigy learning chess storie is fun and with a super strong story but the name is a trap to make you think this had something to do with bobby ficher when it really dosent.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

08/15/25

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Erica B

Good feature film ………

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/04/25

Full Review

Garrett B

Underrated gem. Highly recommend

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/03/24

Full Review

E4123

Searching for Bobby Fischer tells a gripping sports story while also conveying an important message about pressure and what makes something in life enjoyable.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

04/03/24

Full Review

Hao Ian L

Steven Zaillian's directorial debut transcends the typical coming-of-age story. Behind the glamorous fame and glory of a prodigy, we learn that it doesn't come without its own set of problems. Searching for Bobby Fischer dissects the complexities of balancing talent with a healthy childhood, offering a nuanced and detailed perspective on ambition, family dynamics, as well as the journey of self-discovery.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/02/24

Full Review

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Steven Zaillian

Director

Joe Mantegna

Fred Waitzkin

Max Pomeranc

Josh Waitzkin

Joan Allen

Bonnie Waitzkin

Ben Kingsley

Bruce Pandolfini

Laurence Fishburne

Vinnie

Searching for Bobby Fischer: Official Clip - Grandmaster

2:08

Searching for Bobby Fischer: Official Clip - Josh Offers a Draw

2:13

Searching for Bobby Fischer: Official Clip - Contempt

1:38

Searching for Bobby Fischer: Official Clip - Master Certificate

1:54

Searching for Bobby Fischer: Official Clip - Fear of Losing

1:40

Searching for Bobby Fischer: Official Clip - Josh Loses

1:41

Searching for Bobby Fischer: Official Clip - The Next Bobby Fischer

1:35

Searching for Bobby Fischer: Official Clip - Learning From the Master

2:12

Searching for Bobby Fischer: Official Clip - This Chess Thing

1:37

Searching for Bobby Fischer: Official Clip - A Prodigy

0:58

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Synopsis

After he beats his dad (Joe Mantegna) in a chess match, Josh Waitzkin (Max Pomeranc), a 7-year-old, gets noticed for his talent. He becomes interested in speed chess at the park and learns the game from a hustler named Vinnie (Laurence Fishburne). However, Josh's parents invest in the services of Bruce (Ben Kingsley), a famous coach who has very different practices. Between Bruce's methods and the stress of the competitions, Josh learns that even a chess prodigy cannot make all the right moves.

Director: Steven Zaillian
Producer: William Horberg, Scott Rudin
Screenwriter: Steven Zaillian
Distributor: Argentina Video Home, Paramount Pictures
Production Co: Mirage Entertainment
Rating: PG
Genre: Biography, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 11, 1993, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 1, 2011
Box Office (Gross USA): $7.9M
Runtime: 1h 50m
Sound Mix: Surround

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