I feel like changing things up today. I want to talk about one of my favorite movies in the entire world: Searching for Bobby Fischer. I sincerely hope you all have seen this film, but if you haven't let me tell you a little bit about it and why I love it so much.
The movie came out in 1993 but I don't think I saw it
then. I recall renting this film a year or so later but not knowing one thing about it. Sure it had Ben Kingsley and Joe Montegna in it. I knew who they were, of course. But I had no idea who Bobby Fischer was, and once I discovered this was about chess, I really wasn't sure a film about it would appeal to me. Why? Well, I don't play chess. I tried a few times but it just isn't my game. Trust me.
Nonetheless, I watched the film and sat that there in awe throughout the entire movie and beyond. It turned out to be one of the most inspirational movies I have ever seen. The movie is based on the book by New York Times writer, Fred Waitzkin. It's the true story about his son Josh Waitzkin, a 6 year-old boy, who turns out to be a chess phenom. Still doesn't sound appealing - well, wait!
The story isn't so much about how great this little boy is at chess but what great character he possesses. Most stories about a person's unexplained ability usually begs the question: How does someone, at the age of 6, become one of the best chess players in the world? Searching for Bobby Fischer doesn't answer that but asks: How does a 6 year-old have so much compassion for people that he doesn't want anyone to feel bad especially when he beats them in chess. I know, some of you out there are thinking - but it's a competition. You have to WANT to win and get over the fact that your opponent will feel bad if you win. It's the nature of the game (of life), right?
Well, I for one do not like making anyone feel bad and go out of my way to make sure I never do. I don't like playing games because of that. I prefer things like solitaire or other types of time consuming activities where there is no winning or losing - no killer instinct here. So I reveled in the moral of this story - you can be the best or even just good at something but you don't have to hate your opponent or even dislike them in order to beat them. But if you disagree with me - that's fine. There is so much more to this film that you must see.
Another aspect of Searching for Bobby Fischer that keeps this movie in my top 10 - learn when to have fun and not let the competition control your life. Sometimes we all let goals and dreams consume us and forget there is more to life. This film shows that there needs to be a good balance between work and play or you will go insane. Throughout the film, Josh narrates facts about Bobby Fischer and it really makes you think he may be on to something with this "not hating your opponent" mode of thought.
I can't tell you how many times I have watched this film. In fact, I watched it a few months ago with my children, who by the way are both really good at chess, and they enjoyed the film. This is a good tale for all ages. It doesn't talk down the the audience - especially the young ones. I believe showing a real story about a young boy who struggles with a quality he has is a great way to show your kids, and maybe a few adults, that somethings shouldn't be altered - no matter how much others want you to change.
My favorite part: The final scene with the last line that Josh says to his friend. It makes me choke up and smile all at the same time - at every single viewing.
January 13, 2012
Top Critic
