Based on the true story of Bobby Fischer (b: 1943 – d: 2008) and portrayed by Tobey Maguire, who is compelling as the American chess Grandmaster and World Chess Champion. The film unfolds against the backdrop of when McCarthyism (early ’50s) is rampant and a young Bobby Fischer is already showing signs of seeing advanced strategies play out on the chess board.
The story takes us from the beginning of Fischer’s display of genius in chess to becoming a worldwide sensation in the early ’70s, during the height of the Cold War. This was when the chess match for world championship between Fischer and his then-Soviet counterpart, Boris Spassky (well played by Liev Schreiber) face off in a chess championship taking place in Iceland and televised globally. The two prodigies are themselves the pawns of their respective sponsors, America and the Soviet Union, both also vying for the world power title. The match between the two men has become a representation of which nation, and which government, is supposedly superior.
An exciting movie that shows off Maguire’s excellent acting skills, his character also reveals the dark side of Fischer’s genius. Fischer’s genius is paired with a madness manifested by paranoia and magnified senses that distract him—like insisting on playing the opening matches with Spassky in the ping pong room where he says it’s quiet. Another real life American chess Grandmaster featured in the movie is Bill Lombardy, Fischer’s on again/off again halfway confidante, played by Peter Sarsgaard. Lombardy, then a Catholic priest, accompanies Fischer to tournaments, including the 1972 World Chess Championship held in Iceland.
Karina Pinella 
Great review! I loved the movie, the acting and the political facet of the game. It’s interesting to see chess as a playfield to claim a power status. It’s quite common to see it between America and Russia during that period too. Maguire’s portrayal of the slowly growing madness in Bobby Fischer was epic too! Quite astonished by it, but I would’ve loved to see more story put into the movie. It felt like we only got a glimpse into the man’s life.
– Lashaan
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You’re right. I ended up looking for more material to read about Fischer.
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I haven’t played chess in a long time, but always have fun when I do. I’ll have to drag out the chess board next time we are stuck in our RV camping during a rainstorm. 🙂
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Great idea!
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Sounds interesting! It’s funny how America and Russia use chess as a measuring contest.
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I believe it turned out that way because of the extraordinary geniuses that happened to have captured the awe of the people at the time. They inspired others to play chess also. I like the game myself. I could play more, only if I had more people to play with me!
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Same, I love playing chess but being good at playing chess is another thing aha yeah I don’t really know that many people who know how to play.
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Perhaps this movie will revitalize the game.
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