Big Fish Reviews

Real life and fantasy in one great movie

Tim Burton is well known for his amazing directorial skills, and all of his movies are extremely visual. From Edward Scissorhands to Nightmare Before Christmas, he stamps his mark of 'oddness' on everything he is involved with.

Big Fish is no different, though it may surprise some of his fans. Although fantastical in places (giants, witches, hidden villiages, siamese twins, and floods of biblical proportions), the story is essentially very human, very emotional, and very true-to-life.

The acting is commendable all around, Ewen McGregor's trademark grin flashing through his lines with delight, while Finney (playing the same character, older) lends a heaviness of years and illness to the part without ever becoming depressing - the tearful portions of the film WILL have you reaching for a hankie, but are never overstretched.

While not completely mystifying, Big Fish does leave you with some questions, and your interpretation may not be the same as the people you watch it with.

Well acted, beautifully shot, and masterfully directed. An utterly joyful movie to immerse yourself in.

What a great, original film! Bizarre, funny, tear jerking, thought provoking.This explores the relationship of a father and son, a son who believes he doesn't know his father because Dad has been hiding behind made up stories of his life. But has he?! The fathersstories are fantastic, the characters are built in seconds and will be remembered for years, and Ewan Mcgregors acting is oscar winning. Normally not my cup of tea, I would be suprised if anyone wouldn't enjoy this.

Burton lands a prize catch

'Big Fish’ marks a return to the fairytale leanings of his earlier films for Burton. However, whilst his other films are dark and brooding, ‘Big Fish’ is quite the opposite colourful, extravagant and vibrant. The dual story of Edward Bloom’s life allows Burton to go wild with his fantastical imagery, while grounding its other side in reality.

On his death bed, Edward Bloom is trying to reconcile his relationship with his son who claims not to know his father because of all the outlandish stories he has told him about his life. This gives Burton licence to show us giants, Siamese twins, circus freaks and all manner of oddities.

Burton is often seen simply as a brilliant visual auteur, who is unable to tell a story, but here is able to tell a heart warming tale that deals with an issue everyone can relate to; our own mortality and whether we are living a fulfilling life or not.

Wonderful

I make no bones about the fact I'm no Tim Burton fan. Don't ask me why, he just doesn't float my boat... until Big Fish anyway. This is a film that really does remind you (after so many unfulfilling Hollywood 'blockbuster stories') just what real story-telling is about: Imagination, embroidering, fun and laughs. Maybe we should all be told when we're going to die if it gives us this kind of outlook on life.

A JOY TO WATCH

A film that left you feeling great.

Good story & many thanks to Tim Burton for directing it so brilliantly. Must not forget: Albert Finney, Ewen McGregor, Jessica Lange, Danny DeVito, Helena Bonham-Carter etc. the acting, well, were they acting? Highly recommended.

I thought it was lovely

I was very wary going into this movie as I had heard both negative and postive reviews of this movie and I can only say it must therefore be one of those movies you love or hate. I loved it, great great stories, cinematography, and a great cast, a very simple story of a father/son relationship and how they communicate and understood each other, heart touching and tender.

[Highly rated reviewer]

Charming fantasy

This is Tim Burton's masterpiece. A lovely film, entertaining, funny and well acted. Highly recommended, not least for the scene with Danny de Vito where a horror film convention gets turned on its head (you'll recognise the scene when you see it:-) A film greater than the sum of its parts.

[Highly rated reviewer]

MOVING

WONDERFULY MOVING. CAST IS SUPERB, ESPECIALY THE ALWAYS SPECTACULAR STEVE BUSCEMI.

It concerns the life of a boy turned man who has always had trouble connecting with his father as he seems to hide behind his fantasy stories. When his dad is diagnosed with cancer the boy travels over to attempt once more to fit in with his father but he learns that a fantasy there, a dream everyonce in a while is what keeps life worth doing, the dads last scene is fantasmigorical!!!

Draw the curtains, close the door and take the phone of the hook.

My goodness, what a wonderfull, enchanting and memorible film this is. This film has a great story about how a man greatly exagerates his life through the most amazing storytelling. Ewan MacGreggor and Albert Finney are as always spectacular

Easily one of Burton's best

After this movie Tim Burton is definitely in my top 5 list. I liked many of his other movies, but this one is, in my opinion, his best. Big Fish caught my full attention for it's entire duration and left me with a feeling I had just watched something special when it ended. Everything about it was great.

Great direction and editing. Beautiful images, some very powerful and emotional scenes and fantastic use of flashbacks. Great acting. Every actor in the film delivers a solid and balanced performance. Great story. A beautiful and entertaining story and a very good script to support it. Great effects. Very well done special effects that fitted perfectly with the story.

This movie is interesting, thought provoking, funny and touching at the same time. Not many movies can claim that. I can't recommend it strongly enough. Go watch it now. Or watch it again, I know I will. I give it 4 out 0f 5.