X
- 1993
- PG
- Paramount Pictures
- 1 h 49 m
- 1993
- PG
- Paramount Pictures
- 1 h 49 m
Summary (Also known as "Innocent Moves") A prepubescent chess prodigy refuses to harden himself in order to become a champion like the famous but unlikable Bobby Fischer.
Directed By: Steven Zaillian
Written By: Fred Waitzkin, Steven Zaillian
- 1993
- PG
- Paramount Pictures
- 1 h 49 m
- 1993
- PG
- Paramount Pictures
- 1 h 49 m
Searching for Bobby Fischer
7.1
Where to Watch
Summary (Also known as "Innocent Moves") A prepubescent chess prodigy refuses to harden himself in order to become a champion like the famous but unlikable Bobby Fischer.
Directed By: Steven Zaillian
Written By: Fred Waitzkin, Steven Zaillian
Where to Watch
Top Cast
Metascore
Universal Acclaim
Based on 23 Critic Reviews
89
96% Positive
22 Reviews
22 Reviews
4% Mixed
1 Review
1 Review
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Metascore
Universal Acclaim
Based on 23 Critic Reviews
89
96% Positive
22 Reviews
22 Reviews
4% Mixed
1 Review
1 Review
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
A splendid new movie. [22 Aug 1993, p.3N]
Writer-director Steven 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. The feelings it goes for are almost never the easy or obvious ones, and the levers it presses are all the more effective because of that.
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 31 User Ratings
7.1
68% Positive
21 Ratings
21 Ratings
26% Mixed
8 Ratings
8 Ratings
6% Negative
2 Ratings
2 Ratings
User Score
Generally Favorable
Based on 31 User Ratings
7.1
68% Positive
21 Ratings
21 Ratings
26% Mixed
8 Ratings
8 Ratings
6% Negative
2 Ratings
2 Ratings
absolutely superb drama about the balance of life. one of the best movies of the 90s
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Searching For Bobby Fisher – A Surprising Find
Interesting writer Steven Zaillian’s (A Civil Action, Schindler’s List) first directorial effort is little short of a landmark achievement. This searching drama works on many psychological levels but places its understanding of humanity above its technical achievements – giving both an equal serve of due importance. As with all child prodigies, there’s always much to unpack in balancing the acute levels of talent with the all-important social interactions. This based-on-fact study of a young Chess champion hooks the viewer into considering just where this young soul may end up in his future life. As the title implies we get to see the polarizing effects such astounding talent can unleash on the often, precarious levels of sanity, for the extremely gifted (or might it be afflicted?) - the fascinating story of enigmatic Bobby Fisher is told via inserted newsreel footage. Here is a film that can be equally enjoyed by the Chess ignorant or the guru. Conrad Hall’s Award-winning cinematography seems a little cramped (as if tailored to suit a TV screen of its day) compared to much of his other works, but is clearly suited to this subject. Even though some facts are modified (as with all screenplays), the cast is made up of wall-to-wall talent making it constantly compelling viewing. It’s also odd to find a full-blown music score accompanying an introspective subject, but the late great James Horner leaves his trademark elevations to add a higher dimension to the proceedings. Thanks to the recommendation of a friend, I came to this classic late, but glad to now regard it as a firm favorite. It’s a production that deserves a larger audience.
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Zaillian tells it with warmth, humor and zest. The cast is first-rate. Laurence Fishburne plays the rather underdeveloped role of Vinnie, Josh's other teacher, a speed-chess hustler with a more instinctive approach to the game than Pandolfini. Joan Allen is Josh's protective mother, determined to see that his childhood isn't stolen by the monastic demands of the game. Best of all is young Pomeranc, a chess whiz with no previous acting experience. [30 Aug 1993, p.52]
Searching for Bobby Fischer is a story that sounds, on paper, like something that shouldn't succeed as a movie but when played out so remarkably by all the parties involved, it becomes an unexpected treat.
Zaillian's usual weakness - a tendency to simplify and sentimentalize - asserts itself from time to time here. But much of the movie has a dry, almost documentary-like tone that helps to keep the material in perspective, as does the filmmaker's loving attention to detail. [13 Aug 1993, p.20]
Child actors usually seem either vacuous or snotty, but 8-year-old Max Pomeranc qualifies as a find. As Josh he comes across as a genuinely nice kid, and his intelligent, watchful eyes make him a believable chess talent. In fact, Pomer anc is a highly-ranked chess player who has competed in the national finals. [11 Aug 1993, p.E1]
Unfortunately, as scripter, debuting director Steven Zaillian (who wrote Awakenings) also feels compelled to throw in Karate Kid-type flourishes, a rather stale genre that doesn’t lend itself all that well to chess. The narrative is ruthlessly edited, jumping around in a manner that skips needed exposition and abandons characters.
Life on a chessboard. The life of a future chess champion is supported by a very interesting cast, by the appeal of duels and seeing how that prodigy must deal with his inner demons. Without the brilliance of the series The Gambit of the queen, it is seen with pleasure.
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Most people would think if it's about he chess it should be boring but this movie is touching. Definitely recommend this for watching together with the family. Also You might get interested in playing chess or even learning it!
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“Searching for Bobby Fischer” was a nice kids movie. If there is a child around who has the patience to watch people playing chess, you will stay sane sitting through this with them. I give it a C, if you've already seen the best, but you insist on watching a movie, try this one out.
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Another sport movie with a happy end and win, if you know many of them it gets boring, especially if it is chess. But there are some interesting background information and reasonable psychological elements in the movie that makes it interesting. Also there are some famous actors.
But I didnt like the focus on USA and Bobby Fischer. Why didnt they tell more about the russian players?
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Can't say I enjoyed this too much. The themes are good, and its loaded with respected actors, but the pacing and overall vibe was just so bland.
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Awards
Academy Awards, USA
• 1 Nomination
Tokyo International Film Festival
• 2 Wins & 3 Nominations
Camerimage
• 1 Win & 2 Nominations
