by AaronR1074 on 9/10/1999
 
Probably one of the most emotionally stirring and uplifting "buddy" films of all time, Searching for Bobby Fischer is about a young child prodigy chess player, who works himself up to becoming one of the best players in the nation. Along his journey, he attempts to unravel the mystery of the disappearance of former fellow prodigy Bobby Fischer. Though the mystery is never truly solved, he meets two very influential people who teach him the ways of becoming one of the greatest chess players in the country. His first influence is a middle-aged homeless black man played very enthusiastically by Lawrence Fisburne. His second is a private chess instructor portrayed by Ben Kingsley of Schindler’s List fame. The story moves smoothly and without a beat. It keeps you crying as events unravel the relationship between the three main characters. It keeps you on the edge of your seat as you watch the young child whip though chess game after chess game, quickly becoming the international junior chess champion.

Highlighting this touching little film is one of the greatest dramatic scores I’ve ever heard. James Horner's masterpiece is post Legends of the Fall, and is the major turning point in the composers 90s style. For those of you who have wondered how he went from a swashbuckler/sci-fi/action composer to one of the most sought-after drama composers of all time, here is the reason. Searching for Bobby Fischer features beautiful sweeping strings, flawless wind instruments and beautiful piano accompaniment. Track after track is a relaxing treat enhanced by everything that a Horner fan could come to expect when purchasing one of his CDs. When listening to this score you can almost clearly make out pieces of music from Titanic, Legends of the Fall, Braveheart, and just about every other dramatic score he’s composed. I strongly believe that next to Krull, this is Horner’s most prolific accomplishment. Searching For Bobby Fischer is a score that no Horner or film score fan should be without!