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
Charming, C-H-A-R-M-I-N-G
A fascinating look at spelling bees that manages to be entertaining and exciting at the same time. You really feel sorry for the poor kids who have to try and spell out words that you've never heard of, while their parents urge them on.
The kids themselves are an interesting mix as well. Every single one looks like every nerd cliché ever put on film, and the children portrayed in the film seem very stereotypical. Obviously, this is a choice made by the makers of the film, but I hope they haven't made them more stereotypical than they really are. Because in the end, what makes this film good is the chance to hear from people that otherwise would never get to tell their stories. [8/10]
The kids themselves are an interesting mix as well. Every single one looks like every nerd cliché ever put on film, and the children portrayed in the film seem very stereotypical. Obviously, this is a choice made by the makers of the film, but I hope they haven't made them more stereotypical than they really are. Because in the end, what makes this film good is the chance to hear from people that otherwise would never get to tell their stories. [8/10]
helpful•52
- Jexxon
- Dec 19, 2004
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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