Big Fish
Columbia Pictures | Release Date: December 10, 2003
8.5
USER SCORE
Universal acclaim based on 444 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
389
Mixed:
40
Negative:
15
Watch Now
Stream On
Stream On
Stream On
Buy on
Stream On
Stream On
Stream On
Expand
Review this movie
VOTE NOW
 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Check box if your review contains spoilers 0 characters (5000 max)

User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
10
AlonsoC.Jul 11, 2009
A You-Must-See Movie, one of my favorite movies of all time, it has a funny part and has it serious and lovely part, you always learn something about life in this movie. And as Sam F. Says, this is one of those movie where you can say that A You-Must-See Movie, one of my favorite movies of all time, it has a funny part and has it serious and lovely part, you always learn something about life in this movie. And as Sam F. Says, this is one of those movie where you can say that if don't liked it, it's because you didn't get it. One of the greatest movies of all time (in MY opinion).… Expand
3 of 3 users found this helpful
8
NedRyerson1Jul 16, 2012
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Big Fish is a peculiar movie, even for being a Tim Burton picture. It is about the life of a man whose father loves to tells stories from the time he was young, but the problem is that the anecdotes are hard to believe, because there are extremely rare and unlikely to happen; for example the story of the eye of a witch that can tell you when you are going to die, the one of a giant who is convinced to leave and stop terrifying a town, the circus that is managed by a werewolf or the scape from a war with two Siamese. All this produce constant fights between Edward and his son; and this is one of the topics that Tim Burton treats on his films. Although the other topics from this great director are less developed they are also noticeable: the gothic and expressionist characters (the witch, the giant and the circus manager) and environments (the forest and the witch house); and the contrast between two worlds represented graphically, the present in which Edward tells his stories (darker or opaque colors) and the past in which the stories take place (bright and attractive colors).
The thing is that does not matter if the anecdotes were real or not, you decide what you want to believe, you can live a boring life and had nothing interesting to tell, no dreams, no hope, no goals; or you can live an amazing life, with endless stories to tell and enjoy being a Big Fish.… Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
All this user's reviews
9
kyle20ellisMar 28, 2022
I will admit I like Tim Burton, and have enjoyed a vast majority of his films, Edward Scissorhands, Beetle Juice, Batman and Ed Wood. Big Fish is I think one of Burton's better movies in my personal opinion, maybe not his very best, but it isI will admit I like Tim Burton, and have enjoyed a vast majority of his films, Edward Scissorhands, Beetle Juice, Batman and Ed Wood. Big Fish is I think one of Burton's better movies in my personal opinion, maybe not his very best, but it is a very sweet, imaginative and moving film. Here Burton delves into familiar territory, a strange place between reality and fantasy, dream and nightmare. The story is really sweet, and while slow at times, does have a poignant ending. The visuals as pretty much always in a Tim Burton film are gorgeous, not Gothic here like in Sleepy Hollow and Edward Scissorhands but evergreen and picturesque. The scenery was beautiful and so was the cinematography, and Danny Elfman's score is stunning. His score for Edward Scissorhands blew me away, but the lyrical, sensitive and hypnotic themes used here make it a score that is truly special. The screenplay is well crafted, and has a bittersweet feel to it. Sentimental yes, but also bittersweet. The acting is remarkably good, with Ewan McGregor making for a handsome yet somewhat charming young Edward Bloom, and the wonderful Albert Finney a revelation as his older self. Billy Crudup is excellent as the son who is intent on exposing his father, and sets out to learn the truth, and Danny DeVito is great as the shape-changing circus ringmaster. Jessica Lange is beautiful and alluring as Sandra and Helena Bonham Carter is almost unrecognisable as the Witch. Then there is Alison Lohman, Marion Cottilard, Robert Guillaume and Matthew McGory(as Karl the Giant) and they are very good as well. Overall, I loved this film, it is moving and very imaginative. 9.5/10 Bethany Cox… Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
All this user's reviews
10
erixsMay 31, 2009
Very touching...!! My girlfriend cried after seeing this movie, TWICE !!!
1 of 1 users found this helpful
9
samfApr 17, 2009
This is one of those movies where I can say that if you don't like it, it's because you don't get it.
1 of 1 users found this helpful
10
The3AcademySinsJan 26, 2020
Big Fish is Tim Burton's masterpiece. It's one of my favorite movies, and it makes me cry every time I watch it. It's beautiful, it's unique, its heartwarming, its moving, and it nails the aesthetic of an American Tall Tale. You will neverBig Fish is Tim Burton's masterpiece. It's one of my favorite movies, and it makes me cry every time I watch it. It's beautiful, it's unique, its heartwarming, its moving, and it nails the aesthetic of an American Tall Tale. You will never forget this movie. Go watch it!… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
All this user's reviews
0
jackshrackNov 2, 2010
This was a fairly trite and predictable story in my view. A real dissapoint after watching Edward scissorhandy. You get the feeling that burton has sold out. These kind of mythic, sweeping movies have the same feel as forest gump. TheyThis was a fairly trite and predictable story in my view. A real dissapoint after watching Edward scissorhandy. You get the feeling that burton has sold out. These kind of mythic, sweeping movies have the same feel as forest gump. They are all too transparent with their message and leave nothing to the imagination. The characters are not believable and it feels an hour too long.… Expand
2 of 12 users found this helpful210
All this user's reviews
5
BrechtS.Jan 1, 2008
Poor film - not a good story for a fim. Visually not captivating. No suspense. Mellow ending. No evolving characters (or characters with depth).
0 of 1 users found this helpful
5
J-ShapAug 27, 2011
Big Fish is a sad film, but not in the way it wants to be. It is a film of such tremendous imagination and such poignancy in its moments of genuine emotion, that when it betrays itself for a shallow and unfair resolution, you're astonished atBig Fish is a sad film, but not in the way it wants to be. It is a film of such tremendous imagination and such poignancy in its moments of genuine emotion, that when it betrays itself for a shallow and unfair resolution, you're astonished at how everything about it has gone to waste. The audience feels betrayed that everything they've come to enjoy takes a turn for something they would like to avoid, such as unresolved emotion disguised as closure, and selfish actions being accepted.… Expand
0 of 2 users found this helpful02
All this user's reviews
9
bfoore90Sep 4, 2015
Burtons best and brightest. Big Fish is really a delightful and touching movie, it truly is one of my favorite movies of all time. While i've often found Tim Burton movies to be a little on the odd side, this one was odd but also had a sweetBurtons best and brightest. Big Fish is really a delightful and touching movie, it truly is one of my favorite movies of all time. While i've often found Tim Burton movies to be a little on the odd side, this one was odd but also had a sweet and serious touch to it when you see beautifully done movie about a man whose life becomes a legend through the stories he told his kid growing up. No one film can be as amazing as this one, and with great performances all around as well, especially Albert Finney, Jessica Lange, Ewan McGregor, Billy Crudup and Alison Lohman, Big Fish is a masterpiece if there is a definition of one. It challenges the cynicism brought on by adulthood and brings us back to where our imagination begins and where our dreams can end, a place where everything and anything is possible.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
6
thomasljoguesNov 14, 2014
A most imaginative film, this movie shows some thought in plot construction. However, there is no sense of pacing or climax until the movie's end is 4 minutes away.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
0
BroyaxJan 11, 2017
Tim Burton fait souvent dans le burlesque plus ou moins gnangnan et c'est de ce fait rarement réussi. Ce gros poisson ne va pas nous contredire puisqu'il s'agit d"un condensé d'inepties à même de ravir éventuellement la marmaille peuTim Burton fait souvent dans le burlesque plus ou moins gnangnan et c'est de ce fait rarement réussi. Ce gros poisson ne va pas nous contredire puisqu'il s'agit d"un condensé d'inepties à même de ravir éventuellement la marmaille peu regardante ou les adultes un peu simples. En outre, pour ne rien arranger, ça dure des milions d'années (en temps subjectif) : un cinéma-tortue ramolli du fion qui avance comme un petit vieux, comme ce petit vieux dans le film qui claironne en boucle ses conneries de contes de fées à la mords-moi-le-noeud. Cette andouille d'Ewan McGregor n'arrange pas non plus les affaires de ce film décidément bien pitoyable.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
5
amheretojudgeNov 13, 2018
a stretch of an undercooked script..

Big Fish Burton's another avant-garde fictional bubble unfortunately backfires vigorously and the primary reason to that is his commitment to the practicality which he never fails to hold on toa stretch of an undercooked script..

Big Fish

Burton's another avant-garde fictional bubble unfortunately backfires vigorously and the primary reason to that is his commitment to the practicality which he never fails to hold on to completely. Wallace's novel has enough room for the tale to be both practical and fictional, his characters can fly and still be grounded. And frankly August's adaptation doesn't have that. And it itches the picture throughout the course and is why Burton keeps leaning on to practicality, he somehow feels obliged to keep it true and on track. As far as all the tactics that paints the fantasy world on screen, it is Burton's home ground.

That half of the tale is not only intriguing but exhilarating to encounter, it is also emotionally fueled. The emotions, in fact are real, the giant, the red car, the daffodils and the witch, these are the facts. And Burton never feels short handed in such genre. Ticking for two hours, the overkill sets in early. And that somehow fortunately follows up to be McGregor's strength. He gets enough time and range on screen for us to fall in love with him, when he does, and laugh at him when he is having fun. But personally, I prefer, Ed Bloom when Finney plays it.

He is more mature and overprotective as much as stubborn he is. His last act with his son is what the entire movie thrives on. The supporting cast like Cotillard, Crudup and Carter fails to live up to the lead ones. Burton emerges the emotions aptly on screen, it's the mechanism that it follows needs some polishing. Merely as a concept wise, it can be an intriguing discussion for a dinner table conversation but as far as major motion picture is concerned, Big Fish is frankly a stretch of an undercooked script that should have broken up a long time ago.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
All this user's reviews
10
MikeW.Oct 13, 2007
Tim Burton's masterpiece. A brilliant work of art that can greatly be felt as you lose yourself in this delightful fantasy. Great performances all around as well, especially Albert Finney.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
ScottDSep 3, 2008
There are few movies I would give a shameless perfect score, and this is one of them. Big Fish has been my number-one favorite movie ever since I saw it a few years ago. I have since watched it at least 15 more times, and every time I watch There are few movies I would give a shameless perfect score, and this is one of them. Big Fish has been my number-one favorite movie ever since I saw it a few years ago. I have since watched it at least 15 more times, and every time I watch it, I never fail to be amazed, touched, and interested. There are so many things to think about in this movie, and literally every time I watch it some new metaphor or parallel occurs to me. Do not listen to the critics, because obviously they are too heartless to understand how truly awe-inspiring and amazing this film is.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
JorisV.Aug 7, 2006
People who give this movie less then 6 doesn't understand it, and probably can't see past the archetypal clichés... This is one of my all-time favourite movies, visually magnificent and one of the best, moving and greatest People who give this movie less then 6 doesn't understand it, and probably can't see past the archetypal clichés... This is one of my all-time favourite movies, visually magnificent and one of the best, moving and greatest stories ever... This story is indeed "bigger than Life itself... Definitely Burton's best, his magnum opus!… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
JackL.Mar 25, 2007
It is a wonderful, heartfelt, lyrical story!!!! Just see it with a open mind.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
AnL.Mar 25, 2007
The movie is a delightful story to be seen and felt. It challenges our cynicism of adulthood and brings us back to where our imagination begins, where everything is possible, where the world full of magics and dreams. The movie is a touching The movie is a delightful story to be seen and felt. It challenges our cynicism of adulthood and brings us back to where our imagination begins, where everything is possible, where the world full of magics and dreams. The movie is a touching reminder to us: let imagination saturate our pragmatic, "scientific", factual lives.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
PaoloNov 14, 2005
This film is a test for your heart. Depending on your vote you can know if your heart is made of stone or not. If you are able to "understand" and "feel" what this film is trying to say then you can not give it less than 8. I'm glad to This film is a test for your heart. Depending on your vote you can know if your heart is made of stone or not. If you are able to "understand" and "feel" what this film is trying to say then you can not give it less than 8. I'm glad to see the vast majority of people does indeed have a heart :-)… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
AngelaHOct 9, 2006
This movie is a great tall tale. Tim Burton really catches the attention of audiences with his work of art in this film. It must have taken lots of planning to make this wondrous film. No one film will be as amazing as this one.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
RirenMar 3, 2007
An uncompromising compromise between morose reality and cartoonish fantasy. It reconciles the fairy tales of American youth, all the sweet things we enjoyed as children, with the cynicism and coldness with build up during maturity. In many An uncompromising compromise between morose reality and cartoonish fantasy. It reconciles the fairy tales of American youth, all the sweet things we enjoyed as children, with the cynicism and coldness with build up during maturity. In many senses, Big Fish is about the different kinds of love, and so many of the reasons we fall into them. Littered with over the top moments and brilliant visual art, it is probably Burton's best film.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
JordanJun 19, 2008
I absolutely adore this movie. Charming, beautiful, moving. A wonderful American fantasy.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
ColinD.Sep 11, 2008
Big Fish, though a bit wordy at the start, pulls together and will mesmerize any viewer that can recognize the contrasts between a creatively imaginative child and an adult that utilizes a standard, and sometimes dull worldview. I'm Big Fish, though a bit wordy at the start, pulls together and will mesmerize any viewer that can recognize the contrasts between a creatively imaginative child and an adult that utilizes a standard, and sometimes dull worldview. I'm starting to believe the critics aren't worthy of their role.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
ShaunMar 28, 2009
I am not easily moved by movies, mostly because most of them don't attempt to reach an emotional nerve without throwing on the cheese. This movie does it perfectly - a beautiful and moving story, well told.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
ArmandoA.Feb 19, 2006
Along with "Edward Scissorhands", this movie is just one of the best love stories ever told. Very original, very touching.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
JulienkaB.Feb 24, 2006
big fish is a beautiful movie, very sensitive, great characters, a diferent burton's movie, his best movie
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
DrewG.Aug 14, 2006
incredible, burton is a genius, his dramas r the best,big fish is epic,one of the best movies i've seen ever.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
CKAug 15, 2006
This is honeslty one of my favorite movies. I do not understand why it got mixed reviews. It is right up there with Lord of the Rings as the best movie of '03.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
DevonSApr 27, 2008
While to me it resembles no Burton qualities, Tim is the perfect storyteller to tell a story about the perfect storyteller.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
ChadSNov 25, 2008
Big Fish I Love You and I Will Cherish You! enough said.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
KandraaOct 8, 2010
One of my favorite movies. It is a fantastic story full of imagination and creativity. It really has a way of making you think. Not many people get the movie or think about it long enough to understand it fully. People who tend to not thinkOne of my favorite movies. It is a fantastic story full of imagination and creativity. It really has a way of making you think. Not many people get the movie or think about it long enough to understand it fully. People who tend to not think about it see it as a bad movie with crude and rude humor. But if you actually use your mind while watching you'll discover so much. It's a movie where you can't just turn off your brain for a couple hours. That's is what is so brilliant about it. Amazing cast and writers. MUST SEE MOVIE.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
10
luiscperOct 23, 2011
The adventures of a father, narrated by himself, that captivates the senses of any spectator except his son. It's brilliant how Tim draw this adventures, full of bizarre facts, details and characters and show us in a lyrical way that maybeThe adventures of a father, narrated by himself, that captivates the senses of any spectator except his son. It's brilliant how Tim draw this adventures, full of bizarre facts, details and characters and show us in a lyrical way that maybe when our parents are narrating their adventures, we should imagine them like Tim does.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
10
j30Nov 9, 2011
This is a great movie and one of the most underrated films by Tim Burton. The film takes all of Burton's strengths and puts them into one. I can't recommend this enough.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
8
Spielberg00Nov 14, 2011
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Bottom Line: Comparable to The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and Forrest Gump. Questions life and death in a fantastical manner.

Will Bloom: â… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
10
csw12Dec 29, 2014
Big Fish is a touching, moving, heartwarming and breathtaking film that will appeal to everyone. It is very creative and Tim Burton brings to life all the characters. One of the best movies of the year.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
10
Trev29Feb 23, 2013
This is a film for anybody that has some concept of what it means to believe in imagination, magic, and stories. It is so enriching and emotionally powerful. Tim Burton may be different than other directors, but that is only because heThis is a film for anybody that has some concept of what it means to believe in imagination, magic, and stories. It is so enriching and emotionally powerful. Tim Burton may be different than other directors, but that is only because he understands what it takes to create a film that is worth watching no matter how unusual they can be.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
9
AutiTakahashiJul 13, 2012
What a magical movie this is. "Big Fish" challenges our faith and imagination with tales that sound too marvelous to be true, too extraordinary to be believable. But the strongest emotions are found between the broken relationship of a dyingWhat a magical movie this is. "Big Fish" challenges our faith and imagination with tales that sound too marvelous to be true, too extraordinary to be believable. But the strongest emotions are found between the broken relationship of a dying father and his doubtful son. After years of no communication, they are reunited when human age reaches its fragile state. The son sits on a chair as he observes his weak father, who lies in what could be his deathbed.

Old Edward Bloom (Albert Finney) is a devoted storyteller who believes that true stories could use a little fiction for entertainment purposes. On the day his only son, Will, was born, he was out of town selling home appliances. Not a very exciting story for such a very momentous event. When Will is set to be married, his father shares with everyone the false account of how he caught a really big fish with his wedding ring the same day Will was born. This draws smiles from his listeners, but not from Will, who has heard the same lie repeatedly throughout his life. He walks away. And he doesn't return until old Edward becomes confined to his bedroom/

Read more here: http://localmoviereview.com/big-fish/… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
10
thatsmyrainbowMay 26, 2012
This movie is for daydreamers. This movie is so perfectly done that I dont know how people dont like it. Tim Burton, a genius. The whole analiysis you can make about this movie is incredible. How everything has a etymological meaning. IThis movie is for daydreamers. This movie is so perfectly done that I dont know how people dont like it. Tim Burton, a genius. The whole analiysis you can make about this movie is incredible. How everything has a etymological meaning. I enjoyed it so much.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
7
moonman1994Dec 23, 2013
A very interesting film. It's beautiful and unique. It's very entertaining and it is great because it causes you to question the boundary between fact and fiction.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
8
SpangleJan 12, 2015
I watched this for the first time a year and a half ago and I am not entirely sure what I missed. I hated it initially, but this time, it was marvelous. Maybe my tastes have simply just changed in that time, but wow, this was awesome. BillyI watched this for the first time a year and a half ago and I am not entirely sure what I missed. I hated it initially, but this time, it was marvelous. Maybe my tastes have simply just changed in that time, but wow, this was awesome. Billy Crudup is stellar, as are Ewan McGregor, Albert Finney, Marion Cotillard, and Jessica Lange. A fantastical adventure through the stories told to a man by his now dying father, Big Fish is a touching film that should strike a chord with every man in some way, in terms of his relationship with his father. This film is very much imperfect. The story could have told better for sure and the film can be a bit distant at times, but none of that matters because Big Fish touches you in a way that many films cannot. An imaginative film that is very much about the men it concerns more so than the stories told here, Big Fish is a winner because of the heart at its core, more so than the stories it told that may not make much sense and could have been told better. After a while, the tall tales told here become entirely endearing, which is just too darn appropriate.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
10
catkiller182Aug 2, 2012
One of my all time favorite movies an amazing story heart warming a must watch recommend to all great family adventure first time I watched it went straight out & bought it its that kinda good
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
8
OutATimeJul 26, 2016
I enjoy this tale to be honest. I like to think of it as a look into the life of a film maker, always telling tall tales, about different things. I like the imagery and the characterizations and the little stories woven together andI enjoy this tale to be honest. I like to think of it as a look into the life of a film maker, always telling tall tales, about different things. I like the imagery and the characterizations and the little stories woven together and in-universe 'fact' blending with 'fiction'.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
7
Compi24Feb 13, 2013
Some of the fantasy elements are decidedly hammy, but overall "Big Fish" still manages to entertain the audience with charming visuals, rich sentimentality, and a fine performances from Albert Finney and Ewan McGregor.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
9
BrianMcCriticJun 30, 2013
An incredibly well acted film combines the style of Tim Burton with a story that works emotionally and visually. This is one of Tim Burton's best films.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
10
MovieOranJun 15, 2013
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This movie is simply not a movie...it's a tall tale of an old dieing mans life and the magic that bestows him, the places he goes the people he meets, and how he became what he always was a BIG FISH IN A SMALL RIVER....and there's no doubt that didnt make me cry… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
8
gracjanskiNov 19, 2021
A nice fairy tale that mixes fiction and reality. Some of the fantasy episodes are even great and lovely, a strength by Tim Burton.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
9
SamSkJun 30, 2013
I loved Big Fish. It was very uplifting and had a Forrest Gump feel to it. All the fairy tales told were engaging and heartwarming. I experienced a variety of emotions during this film and it almost drove me to tears. If you did not enjoy itI loved Big Fish. It was very uplifting and had a Forrest Gump feel to it. All the fairy tales told were engaging and heartwarming. I experienced a variety of emotions during this film and it almost drove me to tears. If you did not enjoy it then it is possible you did not understand it. I certainly did understand it and I still continue to love it.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
6
Voodoo123May 30, 2021
Melancholic adventure with its story told through narration, packed to the brim with visual effects and over the top sequences. Sadly the pacing is off and we never spend long enough with any of the characters to form any meaningfulMelancholic adventure with its story told through narration, packed to the brim with visual effects and over the top sequences. Sadly the pacing is off and we never spend long enough with any of the characters to form any meaningful connection between them. Whats clearly meant to serve as a metaphor for paternal discourse ends up as a flat and meaningless whimsey.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
10
HarmonicAug 6, 2014
The Tim Burton's masterpiece, as good as Sleepy Hollow, in a different way... I loved this relation father/son and the lesson that we can learn : yes, maybe the stories told by your parents were not true... But it's not the most important.The Tim Burton's masterpiece, as good as Sleepy Hollow, in a different way... I loved this relation father/son and the lesson that we can learn : yes, maybe the stories told by your parents were not true... But it's not the most important. The most important is having a free-imagination ! And I love Ewan McGregor's acting !! And I love Danny Elfman's soundtrack ! In short, I love the atmosphere of this movie.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
10
SeanollyApr 24, 2016
This movie is amazing. It has a believable conflict, the story is beautiful. You may get confused along the way, but if you can stick with it you will be surprised on how much you liked it. My favorite part was the ending it was very bitter-sweet.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
9
CalibMcBoltsMay 30, 2016
Tim Burton's ''Big Fish'' is by far Tim Burton's second best movie he has made in his career running close second behind ''Batman (1989)''.
This is before Burton's crazy mind and love for make-up, big sets, special effects and otherTim Burton's ''Big Fish'' is by far Tim Burton's second best movie he has made in his career running close second behind ''Batman (1989)''.
This is before Burton's crazy mind and love for make-up, big sets, special effects and other shenanigans got the better of him, because in this movie his crazy mind and love for make-up, big sets, special effects and other shenanigans still worked very effectively. Tim Burton may be the biggest name attached to Big Fish, but its really screenwriter John Augusts' movie, as he masterfully adapts a book about storytelling into a movie about storytelling with ease.

''Big Fish'' is simply put a great film, it has everything to succeed as a heartwarming and charming, emotional yet funny, family film. Great acting from an impressive cast including late and great Albert Finney and up and coming Ewan McGregor both playing the same character. The story is absolutely brilliant and fun, it's original and special, i absolutely love it.

In the end you'll just have to experience this one of a kind movie, and i guarantee you'll love it. It's a movie for young and old.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
8
alejandro970Mar 8, 2019
The most personal opus of Tim Burton. Long life for Albert Finney who cast an aging, dying modern Baron Munchausen who narrates tales which himself (Ewan Mc Gregor) is the hero; tales where the boundaries of reality and fantasy are blurred,The most personal opus of Tim Burton. Long life for Albert Finney who cast an aging, dying modern Baron Munchausen who narrates tales which himself (Ewan Mc Gregor) is the hero; tales where the boundaries of reality and fantasy are blurred, with colorful and outlandish characters. The farewell sequence is heart-crushing and makes it worth.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
10
antoniomitFeb 11, 2021
Es una obra de arte, no entiendo a los que trabajan para las revistas y puntuan con malas notas. Debes verla y al final es imposible no llorar
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
7
FilipeNetoFeb 13, 2018
The truth can be relative.

In this film we see Will Bloom's efforts (Billy Crudup) to know the true life story of his father, Ed (Albert Finney / Ewan McGregor), who's dying and that is reputed to be a great storyteller, but never tell theThe truth can be relative.

In this film we see Will Bloom's efforts (Billy Crudup) to know the true life story of his father, Ed (Albert Finney / Ewan McGregor), who's dying and that is reputed to be a great storyteller, but never tell the truth about his own past.

The family and family ties are very present in this film, which seeks to show how important its to know and understand our family. What is the barrier that separates truth from falsehood? Can a man, telling the truth, be lying? Can what seems a lie to be the truth? The truth can seem like a lie? Who Is Ed Bloom, what's his past? That's what Will try to understand, feel frustrated that he does not know his own father, and fearing being unable to speak to his son, who will be born soon and will naturally want to know who was his grandfather. On his trip, Ed will be confronted with the lies and stories thought to be invented by Ed. A magical film, touching, that shows us how relative (and irrelevant) may be the truth when there is love and understanding.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
10
LivingTribunalJul 11, 2020
This is why Tim Burton does Fantasy. Fantasy isn't something about lies, it is more about adding hope and dream to the truth.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
7
jonslowJan 11, 2019
ก็ดีอยู่นะ ซึ้งดี ก็ดีอยู่นะ ซึ้งดี ก็ดีอยู่นะ ซึ้งดี ก็ดีอยู่นะ ซึ้งดี ก็ดีอยู่นะ ซึ้งดี
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
10
MahmusSep 25, 2020
This movie is sad, but it's also happy.
It's hertwarming, but also heartbreaking.
It's mature, but also childish.

It's amazing, and it makes me tear up everytime.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
8
DawdlingPoetNov 21, 2021
This is a fantasy drama, covering themes including parental love and reconciliation. It starts off with narration that comes across as very matter-of-fact - that was one of the first things I noticed about it. The narration is done in aThis is a fantasy drama, covering themes including parental love and reconciliation. It starts off with narration that comes across as very matter-of-fact - that was one of the first things I noticed about it. The narration is done in a somewhat heavy Southern American accent, so if you struggle to understand Southern American dialects then this may put you off it. I found myself wondering how likely it would be for Ewan McGregor to be American - his American accent is reasonable but I suppose he just looks particularly British to my eyes, that I found it a bit of a strech to believe he could have been the character he plays (Edward Bloom).

I found the film to be relatively diverting, quite quirky in some of the plot twists, the imaginative nature of the sub-plots and there were some funny moments. I think it'd be fair to say that this film is quite charming, although more critical people who aren't keen on family friendly fantasy style films may think of this, alternatively, as quite cheesy and boring possibly, although the main word to come to my mind was silly rather than boring but silly in an eye-roll and walk away kind of a way. I definitely did enjoy watching it, so I'm not in the more negative camp (if you know what I mean). I felt the film was somehow quite immersive - there's a good use of musical score, along with a nice use of visual effects including characters being seen to grow substantially taller in a very short space of time, plus some mythical creatures which appear to be brought to life, presumably via CGI and also there are scenes which accentuate the colours present in a strong way, where grass appears to be almost neon green. That all adds to the fantastical sense of it. I'd say that this film does quite well at creating a sort of magical atmosphere - something which isn't always present in such family films. Some scenes feature quite soft lighting, making it look almost as if we're watching the film through a very thin film of smoke . It gives a kind of dreamy feel to it, I suppose.

I noticed when the film started that it was directed by Tim Burton, which surprised me, given that its a family film and thus doesn't have an element of horror or gothic presence. Having said that, I can certainly say that his quirks come across in the content of the film. His films do tend to be quite immersive in general, as is this film, if you can get over Ewan McGregor being a 'yank' with his southern drawl.

Cast wise, apart from Ewan McGregor, Albert Finney and Billy Crudup both appear, giving good, solid performances. Steve Buscemi also appears, as does Danny DeVito - the various characters are, of course, quite quirky and interesting, although some are more memorable than others, including Buscemi's character, entitled 'Norther Winslow' and DeVito's, 'Amos Calloway' a circus manager. Female actors include Jessica Lange, Alison Loman, Marian Cotillard and (of course, given its directed by Tim Burton) Helena Bonham Carter.

The music is quite dreamy, fairly upbeat, not thumping dance tracks but light pieces, some sounding quite Southern American (not south American, more sort of hillbilly-ish, though I honestly don't mean that in a derrogatory sense), think along the lines of banjos and acoustic guitars.

Content wise, this film contains a few mild obscenities, some potentially frightening scenes for particularly young viewers (such as one where a character realises that someone has turned in to a wolf which attempts to attack them), although no extreme, or graphic, detail is shown and next to no graphic injuries are depicted. There are one or two mild sex references, with mentions of affairs being made. This film is unlikely to greatly scare children over the age of about maybe 10 or so, I'd have thought. It carries a PG rating to reflect this.

The families depicted in this film seem quite Hollywood, in that the individual people seem to get along really well and there's definitely this feeling of idealism present, which may unnerve some people, thats ignoring the main character, who (obviously) has his strained relationship with his dad to contend with. I did feel that this film was trying to be quite sort of moralistic and im not sure im especially keen on family films that perhaps attempt to, in a sense, preach to kids as such but I'm not sure its meant (or, alternatively, ought) to be taken entirely seriously. I admit I don't tend to watch a great deal of family fantasy style films but something about this one did definitely appeal to me and I did enjoy watching it. Its very much quirky, imaginative and perhaps eccentric (what do you expect from Tim Burton?!). I can think of worse ways to while away a couple of hours (as is this films running time).

Yes I'd recommend this film as an entertaining family fantasy film for children of about 10 years plus. Its got good visual effects, memorable characters, a good musical score and I found it both quirky and charming.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
10
juand12345Sep 22, 2019
why the critics of this movie are so bad. its a really good movie and well maded
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
9
wekselaga1Jun 5, 2020
very good movie. one of best movies
I liked that it was interesting and I wasn't bored.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
9
kubek1098Jun 5, 2020
Great video! One of the best i have ever seen. Music in this movie is 100% great.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
7
geewahJan 15, 2021
A heartwarming, whimsical tale of the relationship between father & son.
This movie shows there is more in the kit bag of Tim Burton than being the master of gothic storytelling.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
10
Depose570May 16, 2021
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,hiihihibjbjbjbvyrsesestdycychiihonojonigyvtdrstdyfyfughiihihihihihihhiihhi................
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
10
Atrium89May 25, 2021
hihigihihhiihhihiihhyreqrhvnmkoplkjhhgfsasdfhmkopiyretjmmvcsrhioojgrfygugugughfyytyfygujbbiigyftsdygubjjbjbjbguu
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
9
HoundguyJul 6, 2021
This is a movie about story telling. How they are created, their importance, how they connect us.

Secondary its about how sons and father's connect. Some beautiful visuals as well.This isn't a great movie but when it works its a greatThis is a movie about story telling. How they are created, their importance, how they connect us.

Secondary its about how sons and father's connect. Some beautiful visuals as well.This isn't a great movie but when it works its a great accomplishment.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
All this user's reviews
More From This Movie

58 Critic Reviews

8.5 User Reviews

Details & Credits|Trailers

Current Movie Releases
By MetascoreBy User Score
1 81 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple
2 77 Project Hail Mary
3 75 Send Help
4 73 Hoppers
5 72 The Sheep Detectives
SEE ALL
Essential Links
New on Amazon Prime Video
New on Netflix
Coming Soon to DVD/Blu-ray
SEE ALL