Searching For Bobby Fischer

Director: Steven Zaillian (1993)

Cast: Max Pomeranc, Joe Mantegna, Joan Allen,Ben Kingsley, Laurence Fishburne

Searching for Bobby Fischer is inspired by the early life of chess prodigy Josh Waitzkin, Josh (Max Pomeranc), a "regular kid '' who happens to be a genius at chess. His father, real life sportswriter Fred Waitzkin (Joe Mantegna) wrote the book the film was based on. Fred is hoping that it won't fundamentally change his son's healthy outlook on life. Josh is tutored by former youth chess champion Bruce Pandolfini (Ben Kingsley), who indoctrinates the boy in the Bobby Fischer “kill-or-be killed”chess  strategy, especially his contempt for his opponents. Josh and his family reject that theory and bring in an supplemental chess coach named Vinnie (Laurence Fishburne), a Washington Park player who teaches Josh to love the competition. The team, that includes his mother, Bonnie, (Joan Allen), who reminds her husband that their son is a good natured boy, who has a gift that he should appreciate and never take for granted. In the end every character in the film helps Josh win his first major championship and still be a little boy who who loves his siblings and friends and has a normal life.

Fun Fact: Fred Waitzkin covered the New York Mets, among other New York sports teams.