Big Fish
Big Fish

Big Fish

2003Movie125 minEnglish

Throughout his life Edward Bloom has always been a man of big appetites, enormous passions and tall tales. In his later years, he remains a huge mystery to his son, William. Now, to get to know the real man, Will begins piecing together a true picture of his father from flashbacks of his amazing adventures.

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Insights

IMDb8.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes75%
Metacritic70/100
Google Users87%
Director: Tim BurtonGenres: Fantasy, Drama, Adventure

Plot Summary

Edward Bloom, a dying father, recounts his larger-than-life, fantastical stories to his estranged son, William, in an attempt to reconnect before his passing. As William tries to separate the man from the myth, he embarks on a journey to understand his father's extraordinary past and the true meaning behind his tales. The film blends magical realism with poignant family drama, exploring themes of love, loss, and the power of storytelling.

Critical Reception

Big Fish was met with generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its imaginative storytelling, Tim Burton's unique visual style, and the strong performances from its cast, particularly Albert Finney and Ewan McGregor. While some found the narrative a bit overly sentimental, the film was widely regarded as a heartwarming and visually stunning cinematic experience that resonated with audiences.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its whimsical and magical storytelling.
  • Commended for its strong performances, especially from Albert Finney and Ewan McGregor.
  • Appreciated for Tim Burton's signature visual flair and direction.

Google audience: Google users largely loved the film's imaginative and heartwarming story, with many appreciating its emotional depth and beautiful cinematography. The fantastical elements combined with the father-son relationship resonated strongly with audiences.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for one Academy Award (Best Original Score) and two Golden Globe Awards (Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy, Best Original Score).

Fun Fact

Tim Burton initially considered Steven Spielberg to direct Big Fish before deciding to direct it himself.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

2 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

I must admit I did struggle a little to wonder how Ewan McGregor could ever age into Albert Finley, but then as the whole principle of this story is to stretch the truth, then I suppose why not! It’s those very far-fetched sort of scenarios...
JPV852

JPV852

First time seeing this since probably 2003 in theaters and it's absolutely heartfelt and charming, probably one of Tim Burton's best films, or at least one of my personal favorites of his. Great performances all around but especially Ewan M...