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

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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

Full Review

Erica B

Good feature film ………

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/04/25

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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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