Searching for Bobby Fischer is a 1993 film based on the life of prodigy chess player Joshua Waitzkin, played by Max Pomeranc. Adapted from the book of the same name by Joshua's father Fred, the film was written and directed by Steven Zaillian. In the United Kingdom the film was released under the title Innocent Moves. In the film, Josh Waitzkin's family discovers that he possesses a gift for chess and they seek to nurture it. They hire a strict instructor, Bruce Pandolfini who aims to teach the boy to be as aggressive as Bobby Fischer. The title of the film is a metaphor about the... character's quest to adopt the ideal of Fischer and his determination to win at any price. Josh is also heavily influenced by Vinnie, a "speed chess" hustler whom he met in Washington Square Park. The two instructors differ greatly in their strategies, and Pandolfini is upset that Josh continues to learn from Vinnie. The main conflict in the film arises when Josh refuses to adopt Fischer's misanthropic frame of reference. Josh then goes on to win on his own terms with the kind of gracious sportsmanship that Fischer rejects.
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| Release date: | August 11, 1993 |
| Directed by: | Steven Zaillian |
| Rated: |  |
| Runtime: | 110 Minutes |
| Producer: | William Horberg |
| Music by: | James Horner |
| Cinematography: | Conrad L. Hall |