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Bobby Fischer Against the World traces the Grand Master from child prodigy to Cold War hero to controversial recluse. Cutting interviews with Bobby and the people who knew him, with footage and news reports, Bobby Fisher Against the World is a mesmerising portrait of the rise and bizarre fall of one of the great American icons.
In 1958, 14-year old Robert James Bobby Fischer stunned the chess world by becoming the youngest Grand Master in history, launching a career that would make him a legend. Raised by his mother in Brooklyn he taught himself to play chess at the age of six and started beating seasoned adult chess players at eight. Throughout the sixties, as his star rose Bobby would appear regularly on TV and tour the world resounding beating all. His career highlight came in 1972 when he played the Russian Grand Master and reigning champion Boris Spassky - a series that was equally tied in with the Cold War as it was with chess. After his victory Bobby became the most famous person on the planet, and his already erratic behaviour began spiralling out of control, turning this genius into an unrecognisable recluse and pariah.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
9 of 10 people found the following review helpful
A beautiful film and I totally agree with the other reviewer that you do not need to have an interest in Chess in order to enjoy this wonderful film. The film starts from the early moments of Bobby Fischer's career to the sad ending. To some people he came across as a strong-minded genius, whilst to others he came across as an arrogant, selfish egotistical individual. Whatever your views on Bobby, there is no denying that he loved his craft and dedicated every moment of his life to becoming the best Chess player of his era.
Ultimately, he lived the way he wanted too and made his own decisions, he did not conform to how society wanted him to act or behave. Whether that was his ultimate downfall, you will have to make up your own mind.
Finally, in an era where celebrity and fame are easily accessed, be prepared to watch a man live his passion and achieve success using his own determination, focus and drive.
Ultimately, he lived the way he wanted too and made his own decisions, he did not conform to how society wanted him to act or behave. Whether that was his ultimate downfall, you will have to make up your own mind.
Finally, in an era where celebrity and fame are easily accessed, be prepared to watch a man live his passion and achieve success using his own determination, focus and drive.
15 of 18 people found the following review helpful
This film had me wondering whether some documentaries are just intended to provide people with information about the past that used to be common knowledge to anyone who was vaguely aware of the news. I think the answer has to be 'no' and documentaries really should aspire to a little more. This is a pretty pedestrian plod through Bobby Fischer's life with very little by way of real insight into his character and no insight whatever on what made him a great chess player. Despite having numerous grandmasters among those interviewed on screen - including Garry Kasparov for goodness sake - the comment on Fischer's actual play (and what made him uniquely dangerous as an opponent) is exasperatingly trivial. The only thing about Fischer that I learnt from watching this was the information about his peculiar upbringing at the hands of a similarly eccentric and singleminded mother. For me this fell between too many stools and I resent having paid money for it.
5 of 6 people found the following review helpful
There is a lot to be said for Gareth Wood's question in his review when he asked; are documentaries just intended to provide people with information about the past that used to be common knowledge to anyone who was vaguely aware of the news?
If you are already aware of Fischer the man or are a fan of his chess, then I suspect this film is not going to offer you much in the way of additional insight. That said, those paying a first visit into his world should be delighted as it paints (albeit in the broadest brushstrokes possible) a compelling picture of a brilliant but ultimately broken individual.
Although the technical elements of his chess are largely sacrificed in the interests of producing a commercially viable film, it vividly communicates many elements of Fischer's unique physical attributes; the often commented upon swagger as he walked and the changing look in his eyes over the years from alert intelligence to a kind of tired pleading at the end are successfully rendered in film for all to see.
The documentary tries hard to not judge its subject although ultimately, it seems to arrive at the same conclusion that many who knew him also came to i.e. Bobby Fischer was a very troubled individual but in the end, his incredible chess talent acted as a portal into the game for an entire generation of devotees and for that we do owe him a huge debt of thanks. Respect for Fischer himself might be another matter entirely.
If you are already aware of Fischer the man or are a fan of his chess, then I suspect this film is not going to offer you much in the way of additional insight. That said, those paying a first visit into his world should be delighted as it paints (albeit in the broadest brushstrokes possible) a compelling picture of a brilliant but ultimately broken individual.
Although the technical elements of his chess are largely sacrificed in the interests of producing a commercially viable film, it vividly communicates many elements of Fischer's unique physical attributes; the often commented upon swagger as he walked and the changing look in his eyes over the years from alert intelligence to a kind of tired pleading at the end are successfully rendered in film for all to see.
The documentary tries hard to not judge its subject although ultimately, it seems to arrive at the same conclusion that many who knew him also came to i.e. Bobby Fischer was a very troubled individual but in the end, his incredible chess talent acted as a portal into the game for an entire generation of devotees and for that we do owe him a huge debt of thanks. Respect for Fischer himself might be another matter entirely.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Not enough chess !
I was a keen chess player of 9 at the time of the Reykjavik 1972 World Chess Championship between Fischer and Spassky, and even at this age was drawn to the "Cold War' clash... Read more
Published 7 days ago by dan S
Very great documentary!
Bobby Fischer Against the World [DVD]
Can just recommend this movie, even you are not playing chess. It is a drama being so highly talented ... and so highly isolated.
Can just recommend this movie, even you are not playing chess. It is a drama being so highly talented ... and so highly isolated.
Published 7 days ago by Andrea
Good film
It's a good film about a great player. I still remember the big match in 1972. Nice Special Features. I just wish that the DVD had some subtitles. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Mirko Mihaljevic
You are in check
An interesting and informative insight into the troubled mind of a chess playing genius and the rocky road he travelled.Life is not all black and white.
Published 4 months ago by J.D.Spinks
Relevant in so many ways...
The story of Bobby Fischer is a relatively simple one; a youth spent mastering chess to an almost unfathomable level so that he could take on an empire of trained chess... Read more
Published 6 months ago by ChrisG
A must have Video for all Chess Players.
This is something I think every Chess Player should watch, a great video which goes a long way to understanding something about the man who was perhaps the greatest chess player... Read more
Published 6 months ago by Mrs J V Bettis
The Downside of Genius
In respect of sporting downfalls, Fischer's story alone is as near Biblical in its descent, as also schizophrenic in its madness. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Anthony Nesbitt
A perspective on Bobby and his "sad story"
First of all it is wonderful to be able to take a glimpse into Bobby Fischer's life however it is also sad to note that such a "national hero" - or even a "global hero" - as Bobby... Read more
Published 7 months ago by Janne
It's not easy being green...
This is a very entertaining and informative documentary. I was surprised when it arrived that it is not packaged in a standard dvd case, but in a cardboard tri-fold about the size... Read more
Published 8 months ago by Dibbs Martin
Fame and madness
You need to know nothing about chess to enjoy this film; a fascinating insight into the life of a most remarkable and most difficult man. Read more
Published 9 months ago by Brummy D
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