Searching for Bobby Fischer (1993)

Director: Steven Zaillian

Writers: Steven Zaillian, based on a book by Fred Waitzkin

Stars: Max Pomeranc, Joe Mantegna, Joan Allen, Ben Kingsley, Laurence Fishburne, Joan Allen, Michael Nirenberg, Robert Stephens

This film is based on the true story of Josh Waitzkin (Max Pomeranc), a young chess prodigy who attained great success in the field of competitive tournament chess yet managed to remain grounded in a field notorious maladjusted eccentrics such as the Bobby Fischer of the title. 

He manages this by maintaining strong connections to the world outside the rarefied atmosphere of chess addicts who live, eat, and breathe the game at the risk of losing touch with all else. 

This balance doesn't come naturally, though.

 

The primary dramatic tension in this film comes from the question of what one owes to one's own gifts--if you are able to perform at the level of genius, do you have an obligation to do so? 

To whom is this obligation owed?

 

And how much should be sacrificed for it?

 

This is a powerful film about decent, intelligent people dealing with these issues and emerging triumphant. 

It is packed with terrific actors giving great performances. 

Young Max Pomeranc holds his own against such heavy hitters as Joe Mantegna, Joan Allen, Ben Kingsley, and Laurence Fishburne.