Parents' Guide to

Searching for Bobby Fischer

By Scott G. Mignola, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 8+

Young chess prodigy learns about sportsmanship.

Movie PG 2002 111 minutes
Searching for Bobby Fischer Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

See all
age 8+

Based on 9 parent reviews

Ken R.
Ken R. Adult
January 1, 2023
age 8+

Searching For Bobby Fischer – 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.

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models
gogo108
gogo108 Adult
July 10, 2021
age 7+

Searching for bobby ficsher review

I think this movie is very good. The characters are smart, the story was good from what I understood, and there was not much wrong with this movie. There is no violence but some charactors often smoke. But the story is kind of confusing and detailed, during some parts. In all this movie is a great, funny, smart, family movie.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
See all 9 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Based on a true story, SEARCHING FOR BOBBY FISCHER centers on young chess prodigy Josh. While chess tutor Bruce (Ben Kingsley) helps the boy hone his skills for competition, Josh's parents (Joe Mantegna and Joan Allen) are strong and supportive. Mom tells him, "You have a good heart. And that's the most important thing in the world." Josh struggles with slipping into arrogance over his amazing talents, and he heads to a major competition intent on proving he's the best. But in the end, he learns that winning isn't everything.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (9):
Kids say (4):

It takes confidence and loads of talent to make a movie about a boy who plays chess, and to make it riveting, but Steven Zaillian's directorial debut does just that. There are no clenched fists here, hardly a raised voice, and yet the movie is mesmerizing. There's a true sense of wonder in the scenes of Josh watching the chess players in the park, absorbing the intricacies of the game. That wonder is potent enough to spark an interest in young viewers, and encourage adults to take the board down from that dusty closet shelf. But an understanding of chess isn't vital to appreciating the movie, although a vague understanding does heighten the drama.

The characters, even the sideliners, are compelling, and a good streak of humor runs through the movie, especially in competition scenes when the nervous chess parents act less mature than their children.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about what good sportsmanship means. How is good and bad sportsmanship shown during the movie? What role do parents play as role models?

  • How does this movie address the theme of parents finding the room to cultivate and encourage their child's abundant gifts while also giving them the time and space to still be kids?

  • While Bobby Fischer is shown to be an icon of chess in much the same way as Michael Jordan is to basketball, he is also shown to be rude, temperamental, misanthropic, and someone who disappeared rather than defend his chess championship. In later years, living abroad and mostly hiding out from the public eye, Fischer often made vicious anti-Semitic remarks in the rare interviews he gave, in addition to anti-American remarks immediately after 9/11. Who are some other examples of geniuses in their fields who also had extreme dark sides to their personalities? How is the theme of "the troubled genius" addressed in the movie?

Movie Details

Inclusion information powered by

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

See all recommended movie lists

Related Topics

Want suggestions based on your streaming services? Get personalized recommendations

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate