Fish Tank
IFC Films | Release Date: January 15, 2010
7.4
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 82 Ratings
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58
Mixed:
20
Negative:
4
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User scoreBy dateMost helpful
8
MontezDec 14, 2012
A fine piece of British realism, Fish Tank offers more passiveness than attitude (the semi-opposite of it's moody lead) and that's what makes it such an enthralling movie. With a star turn performance by Katie Jarvis it's bound to leave youA fine piece of British realism, Fish Tank offers more passiveness than attitude (the semi-opposite of it's moody lead) and that's what makes it such an enthralling movie. With a star turn performance by Katie Jarvis it's bound to leave you emotionally resonated -- but to whom and what is the what makes this film special.… Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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9
tom1980ukNov 4, 2010
A very good, gritty, realistic drama, some great acting on show here from the main star (Katie Jarvis), a vivid insight into the lives of young people living in certain areas of Britain today.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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8
SindriFeb 20, 2011
Lyrical social drama - Andrea Arnold's second feature is a throbbing and turbulent contemporary drama from one of Britain's less appealing suburbs that tells the story about 15 year old Mia, a vital and somewhat bewildered girl living on aLyrical social drama - Andrea Arnold's second feature is a throbbing and turbulent contemporary drama from one of Britain's less appealing suburbs that tells the story about 15 year old Mia, a vital and somewhat bewildered girl living on a council estate in Essex, England with her mother and little sister Tyler, which she argues more than talks to. Mias rebellious personality has made her more or less friendless and the only thing that gives her confidence is her passion for dancing, but the day her mother introduces her daughters for her new boyfriend Connor life opens new doors for Mia. Andrea Arnold returns after her uncompromising debut "Red Road" (2006) and shows her talent for social realistic storytelling. With consistent hand-held camera movements and intimately focus on the main character Arnold creates an accomplished character study that feels like it takes place in real time. The most obvious change from Arnold's film style in "Red Road" is the use of color. Othervise the witted dialog, the long takes, the variations in pace, the frequent use of close-ups, the authentic depictions of milieu, the versatile perspectives and Andrea Arnold's characteristic fascination for town blocks are still present. Arnold is clearly inspired by Ken Loach and her story about the alienated teenage girl that discovers her sexuality while she's looking for foothold in a cynical world is reminiscent of films such as Lynne Ramsay's "Ratcatcher" (1999), Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne's "Rosetta" (1999), Catherine Hardwike's "Thirteen" (2003) and Cate Shortland's "Somersault" (2004).

"Fish Tank" is social realism in it's purest form and a powerful coming-of-age tale about a fierce stubborn girl that persistently keeps alive her dream of becoming a professional dancer despite the fact the her reality makes her dream look like an illusion. Andrea Arnolds heroine is emotionally distant, covers her feelings behind a rouge image and articulates in a disrespectful and hostile way. The pitiless reality she lives in has hardened her and placed at dark cloud over her prospects. Debutant Katie Jarvis gives everything she's got in the role as Mia, goes the distance and creates a multifaceted character portrayal that's full of attitude. Many of the films finest, most honest and most intense moments manifests in the scenes between Jarvis and Michael Fassbender "The Hunger" (2008). "Fish Tank" is a gritty depiction of society that explores strong topics, but in-between all this gravity Arnold turns the camera towards natures gracefulness and gives the viewer a little breathing space from the concentrated realism that makes the few rays of hope seem like utopia. This is a lyrical film about breaking free from ones own limitations and find ones own identity.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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8
jessetaylor25Apr 9, 2011
This great British film, winner of the Cannes Jury Prize, combines the likes of "Precious" and "An Education" to give us one of the grittiest and most candid looks at a teen's life since "The Basketball Diaries". Director Andrea Arnold (whoThis great British film, winner of the Cannes Jury Prize, combines the likes of "Precious" and "An Education" to give us one of the grittiest and most candid looks at a teen's life since "The Basketball Diaries". Director Andrea Arnold (who brought us the indie hit "Red Road") presents a world that is so honest and real, one we normally don't see on the screen. The film's candor, however, ultimately comes from the refreshingly flawless performances by Michael Fassbender and newcomer Katie Jarvis. Well shot and well performed, "Fish Tank" has become a staple in recent British cinema.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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10
mattscieszkaMay 17, 2011
The British film Fish Tank is a rare movie-going experience, in that we the viewer move from simple voyeurs to the feeling that we are participating in the story to, finally, the feeling that we are the main character, somehow trapped in theThe British film Fish Tank is a rare movie-going experience, in that we the viewer move from simple voyeurs to the feeling that we are participating in the story to, finally, the feeling that we are the main character, somehow trapped in the same existence and the same feelings of hopelessness and despair that permeate her life. The her I refer to is Mia (Katie Jarvis), a 15 year old teen living a pretty lousy life in Essex with her little sister Tyler (Rebecca Griffiths) and her single, party-going mother (Kierston Wareing). The three of them co-exist in a flat that is always dirty and they speak to each other with no hint that they are a family â… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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10
PersonWithAHatNov 22, 2011
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. There is a three reasons that this film apparently works. 1) It is completely unexpected, such as Mia bumping uglies with Connor, little Tyler literally swearing and giving herself health problems when we see her and her friend smoking and drinking, or when Connor's little daughter falling into the river and or ten seconds, all that Mia can do is look in horror how she'll survive the icy water. 2) Katie Jarvis. That **** can definitely act for sure, it almost looks like that Mia isn't a character, but rather Katie Jarvis' persona. 3) Michael Fassbender. Around this period of his life, he really was blossoming into his acting, after proving he is very good in Hunger, that it's scary. Plus, he is so good-looking and sexual, that he sizzles to Mia to the point where he has sex with her. Plus, with this particular scene, it proves that Michael Fassbender will do anything to get particularly noticed by the big awards, like Oscars, Golden Globes, etc, even if it means that he has to have sex with a girl half his age (Fish Tank), show off his genitalia and anus (Hunger), get a silly mustache (A Dangerous Method), or even have sex with a hundred girls and his character's sister (Shame), or so I've heard.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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8
mrniceSep 27, 2013
Both entertaining, touching, deep, truthful etc. I've known people from all corners of society and can say that this was a realistic account (also of the clashes), and that I walked away a little bit more enlightened about the structures, andBoth entertaining, touching, deep, truthful etc. I've known people from all corners of society and can say that this was a realistic account (also of the clashes), and that I walked away a little bit more enlightened about the structures, and reminded that the mechanisms are important to keep in mind.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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8
worleyjamersFeb 24, 2013
I stumbled across Fish Tank simply because Michael Fassbender is in it; I had never really heard much about it because it's a low-budget British indie film. I'm glad I came across it because it's a really good little film. Extremely realisticI stumbled across Fish Tank simply because Michael Fassbender is in it; I had never really heard much about it because it's a low-budget British indie film. I'm glad I came across it because it's a really good little film. Extremely realistic portrayal of a troubled family, great characters, perfect pace, and excellent performances from Fassbender and Jarvis. I completely recommend this film!… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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10
cameronmorewoodAug 3, 2013
I love this movie. Watching these slummy British people living their lives is so real it's devastating. It's also bitingly funny, naturally tender, and sometimes exhilarating.
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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0
mrplutoJan 18, 2014
two girls, that haven't any clue what they're doing. One, a mother, the other, a daughter, and a guy that's a rapist, who also has no clue what he's doing... Are undelightfully brought together by a writer, that also doesn't know what he'stwo girls, that haven't any clue what they're doing. One, a mother, the other, a daughter, and a guy that's a rapist, who also has no clue what he's doing... Are undelightfully brought together by a writer, that also doesn't know what he's doing. Exciting plot elements like rape, and child abuse, are about to ensue in this otherwise plot-less movie. If you didn't want to see anything of substance, you've made a good choice having this movie in your queue! Enjoy!!!… Expand
0 of 3 users found this helpful03
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7
ypomoniJul 5, 2013
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is a beautiful realistic film of the life of a 15 year olf girl living in a council estate area of Essex. Mia has no guiding figure in her life and she is basically left alone to do as she pleases. Having been kicked out of school and obviously just come to blows with her best and, most likely, only friend, she is easily intrigued by her mother's charming new boyfriend Conner, even more so as he appears to acknowledge her presence in ways that she is not accustomed to ways that do not include put-me-downs and insults. He is tenderly caring with all the woman in Mia's family and appears to be an excellent, much needed father figure to Mia, trying to talk to her, being the first person to notice she has a passion for dancing, and also encourages her by telling her she is good at it, he lifts her spirits and gives her hope. Katie Jarvis is excellent in the role of Mia, giving a very realistic performance of a young teen who feels like an outcast, always on guard, aggressive and yet confused when feeling emotions she is not familiar with. Michael Fassbender is brilliant as Conner, the charming, supportive boyfriend of Mia's mother, a man who appears to genuinely care for Mia. As the film progresses, so do the circumstances the lines between who was right and who was wrong are blurred, the initial intentions of some peoples actions are unclear. Mia is just a kid, but is forced into a grown-ups world and has rotten examples surrounding her. Maybe if she were to escape this fish tank, she could have a chance just maybe...if only the pace of the film was not so slow, the rating would have been higher, but overall a solid piece of realism.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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4
CameraBounceGodDec 18, 2015
exact opposite of a porn.....shows how sex is poor and terrible for young girls...i found the kicking little girl to be strangely offputting as well as the poorness of the end.....so fassbend just fizzles after he **** to say that I didn'texact opposite of a porn.....shows how sex is poor and terrible for young girls...i found the kicking little girl to be strangely offputting as well as the poorness of the end.....so fassbend just fizzles after he **** to say that I didn't want more in the movie would be a lie.....i don't really enjoy following people around especially when so poor but its ture that you get to be this retarded little girl and you dont feel that shes really retarded except for the kicking scene...the fact that its called fish tank made me wonder if fassbender had other moments in his life that were similar to the fish river scene....once again a movie solely about the attractiveness of the lead......not that I care.but One and Two is the same..also it could be just how fassbender is a robot who is also only there to be attractive....and all the sudden its ok to bang a fifteenyearold in a movie ....lol again not that I care...the horse Idea and kid who doesn't get banged is heartwarming but still.....retarded how she cries there but headbutts in beginning....this might be my best review.....as far as being more tolerable than honey and all those other ones.....its actually better then 4 when that is taken in to consideration.....its hard to tell but yeah this doesn't fully seem British ...not that I care… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
JLuis_001Jul 24, 2021
An interesting but excessive portrait of an isolated 15-year-old girl who only seems to be looking for problem after problem without really finding a reason that feels not only rational but more edifying.

It's absolutely understandable thatAn interesting but excessive portrait of an isolated 15-year-old girl who only seems to be looking for problem after problem without really finding a reason that feels not only rational but more edifying.

It's absolutely understandable that a teenager would act in such an impulsive way, but Fish Tank goes so far as to make me say. Enough.

This is mostly because the main character is a mix of cliches waiting to explode.
From being shown as weirdo, an outcast with no friends. She doesn't study, she lives in a disastrous home where she, her sister and her mother can only communicate with screams.
Her mother is in a relationship with a dude who evidently ends up abusing her trust and loneliness to end up having sex with her despite being a minor.
Like I said, it's a mix of a lot of cliches that come to feel disproportionate.

That's not to say the film doesn't have its merits, especially in terms of acting and how its director Andrea Arnold manages to sustain its plot by keeping you focused on the lead character, because after all, everything we see on screen is through her and only her.

I had different expectations of Fish Tank because it was considered a great movie, but to me it didn't seem like anything out of the ordinary, but it's a long way from being called a bad one.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
amheretojudgeSep 4, 2018
you cannot not believe it..

Fish Tank Fish Tank is a character driven drama about a girl whose perspective changes as his mother starts dating a new man. The feature excels on wisely using its props and surrounding of a scene where theyou cannot not believe it..

Fish Tank

Fish Tank is a character driven drama about a girl whose perspective changes as his mother starts dating a new man. The feature excels on wisely using its props and surrounding of a scene where the maker speaks volume through it. The music plays a vital role in here that is not only metaphorically foliated but celebrated on mellow terms. If background score is non-existent, its up beating and rhythmic songs are more than enough to satisfy the music goers. The cinematography is metaphorical and the camera work is manually handled which offers a more personal experience to the viewers that easily communicates. The bonding between Fassbender and Jarvis is of tease and cheat nature that is depicted from scratch in here. And since the journey of it is fueled with uncertainty that leaves a crispiness in the air that helps keep the audience tangled in its pathos bubble. All the dance based sequences are beautifully shot and each represents different emotion that runs like a poem across the entire feature. The conversations are pragmatic, the characters are three-dimensional and the writing is smart and mature with a knack for drawing out the emotion from the audience and leave no barr, for the feelings you are left in here after the curtain drops, isn't easy to explain. It is unflinchingly bold and justifying to the core, no matter where the plot track might end. As much as visually alluring it is, there are few shots that are inedible and may make you cringe on your seat. Jarvis's portrayal of a teenager is apt whilst Fassbender is cunningly reserved. Visual aesthetic on storytelling, stellar performances and a poetic tone are the high points of the feature. Fish Tank is a rare art that is no cinema but a gut-wrenching fictitious tale told with such panache that you cannot not believe it.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
DawdlingPoetJul 24, 2022
This is a somewhat bleak depiction of a teen girls life on an estate, with few people looking out for her, trying to get by in her less than ideal home life. She's quite lairy and anti-social but I don't entirely blame her. I thought the filmThis is a somewhat bleak depiction of a teen girls life on an estate, with few people looking out for her, trying to get by in her less than ideal home life. She's quite lairy and anti-social but I don't entirely blame her. I thought the film featured good performances and some thoughtful moments - the best part of it is when we see the main character, Mia, escape her surroundings via dance. Her concentration and determination to give her all during the choreographed sequences shown. I thought Katie Jarvis did well in this role and yes, its a film I'd recommend.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
hamidgoodarziJul 6, 2023
A brilliant movie The beginning of the movie had an amateurish decoupage for me and the actor's acting is artificial, but except for this sequence, all the moments of the movie accompanied me so strongly that I forgot that opening sceneA brilliant movie The beginning of the movie had an amateurish decoupage for me and the actor's acting is artificial, but except for this sequence, all the moments of the movie accompanied me so strongly that I forgot that opening scene and only a sigh of regret remained.
The actor is excellent in the rest of the movie. This movie is exactly an example of a brilliant movie. This is a movie that you will never feel guilty or tired of watching twice or more.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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