Spellbound follows eight teenagers on their quest to win the 1999 National Spelling Bee.Spellbound follows eight teenagers on their quest to win the 1999 National Spelling Bee.Spellbound follows eight teenagers on their quest to win the 1999 National Spelling Bee.
- Nominated for 1 Oscar
- 17 wins & 19 nominations total
Ubaldo Arenivar
- Self - Angela's Father
- (as Ubaldo)
Jorge Arenivar
- Self - Angela's Brother
- (as Jorge)
Scott McGarraugh
- Self - Ranch Owner
- (as Mr. McGarraugh)
Lindy McGarraugh
- Self - Ranch Owner
- (as Mrs. McGarraugh)
Concepción Arenivar
- Self - Angela's Mother
- (as Concepción)
Neelima Marupudi
- Self - Potter County Champion
- (as Neelima)
Parag Lala
- Self - Nupur's Father
- (as Parag)
Meena Lala
- Self - Nupur's Mother
- (as Meena)
Kuna Lala
- Self - Nupur's Brother
- (as Kuna)
Tim Brigham
- Self - Ted's Brother
- (as Tim)
Earl Brigham
- Self - Ted's Father
- (as Earl)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaIn 2007, it was added to "IDA's Top 25 Documentaries" of all-time by the International Documentary Association ranked #4.
- GoofsWhile interviewing Harry in his room the boom mic is deliberately shown after Harry asks "Is that thing edible?"
- Quotes
Harry Altman - Spelling Bee Participant: Does this sound like a musical robot?
- Crazy creditsThere is no cast list; a cast member is considered credited if a subtitle or an item in the film prints the name (or partial name).
- ConnectionsFeatured in The 2003 IFP Independent Spirit Awards (2003)
Featured review
"Spellbound" is the acclaimed documentary that follows four young contestants in the 72nd Annual National Spelling Bee. One might think a spelling bee wouldn't be an even interesting enough to warrant a documentary. But this is the grand championship of spelling bees, the equivalent of the Super Bowl, the Academy Awards or the Presidential Election. Out of nine million schoolkids, only 249 make it to the finals. The young contestants and their families struggle to make it to the top. It's an exciting and stressful experience for those involved. "Spellbound" covers what these people are going through. You will feel for the young contestants, and want them to win it all. It's thrilling to see these children tackle the most overwhelming words in the English language. One young standout is Harry, the eccentric young boy from New Jersey. He lightens up the doc, and steals the show! You won't understand the prestige and daunting psychology of spelling bees until you see "Spellbound."
- EmperorNortonII
- Jan 15, 2005
- Permalink
Details
Box office
- Gross US & Canada
- $5,728,581
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $17,508
- May 4, 2003
- Gross worldwide
- $7,457,710
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