Me & Bobby Fischer (2009): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 2009, Me & Bobby Fischer is a documentary film directed by Fridrik Gudmundsson, running about 83 minutes. “A rock is a real friend you can depend on in times of trouble.” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. In this documentary viewers get to know Sæmi Rock Palsson´s struggle for the liberation of Bobby from prison in Japan and how he managed to provide his friend Icelandic citizenship. The story of an unlikely friendship between the notorious chess grandmaster Bobby Fischer imprisoned in a Japanese jail and his Icelandic bodyguard Sæmi Rock Palsson who fought the wrath of the United States government to free his friend The phone rang in the middle of the night, waking Saemi up. “There is a collect call for you Sir; from Bobby Fischer. Will you accept it?” His friend, the former world champion of chess, the American hero, was in trouble. Bobby Fischer called “collect” from a public phone in prison in Japan. Sæmundur did not hesitate one moment – this man must be rescued. It does not matter if he has not met his friend for three decades and only heard his voice over phone just few times all this time. His friend was in trouble and Sæmi is a friend indeed.

Who’s in it. Me & Bobby Fischer stars Bobby Fischer as Bobby Fischer and Saemundur Palsson as Saemi Rock Palsson.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Me & Bobby Fischer page.

If you liked it. Fans of Me & Bobby Fischer tend to enjoy One Direction: This Is Us, Burn the Stage: The Movie, BTS World Tour: Love Yourself - Japan Edition and Senna.