The Fisher King

TriStar Pictures | Release Date: September 20, 1991

8.3	USER SCORE Universal acclaim based on 115 Ratings

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User Reviews

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parallaxedMar 18, 2011

A true Gilliam film. Wonderful to watch. Among the best surreal comedy drama flicks of the 90s. A thoroughly emotional, wild tour of the darkest and funniest sides of existential spectra.

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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LegotwinJul 30, 2011

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A great movie! Terry Giliam does a very good job at the directing. The acting is at it's finest and tells a really great story. The scene were Perry's Wife dies is heart-breaking and leaves you in shock and awe. I really recommend this movie to anyone who loves movies!… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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StaticSpineFeb 15, 2014

A rather smart, deep and complex movie by Terry Gilliam with his exemplary touch of craziness in a good way. A lot of good ideas and outstanding actors make the movie very enjoyable.

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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BradySmithJun 6, 2014

A touching, and sad, but ultimately uplifting movie, The Fisher King is definitely Terry Gilliam's most accessible film. The performances are all pretty much perfect, especially Robin Williams as a lunatic homeless man. There are some funnyA touching, and sad, but ultimately uplifting movie, The Fisher King is definitely Terry Gilliam's most accessible film. The performances are all pretty much perfect, especially Robin Williams as a lunatic homeless man. There are some funny parts in here, but it's also a poignant examination of the tragedy people face in life and how we must overcome those obstacles. It's not quite perfect. At the beginning Gilliam goes crazy with his bizarre visual fancies. It's an original style yes, but it can also be very annoying. However, this technique works greatly when it's showing us the world from Perry's distorted point of view. Overall it's well written and deeply affecting, with the added bonus of a solid emotional payoff towards the end. I think most people will enjoy it.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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ChrisLydiateAug 29, 2020

A meandering aimless daydream of a movie which lacks enough direction or purpose and tests the patience of even the most dedicated Terry Gilliam fan. Even fine performances from the main protagonists, especially Jeff Bridges, aren't enough toA meandering aimless daydream of a movie which lacks enough direction or purpose and tests the patience of even the most dedicated Terry Gilliam fan. Even fine performances from the main protagonists, especially Jeff Bridges, aren't enough to fully rescue it from running away at unresolved tangents and losing it's way. A rather self indulgent Gilliam effirt… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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Carol_reviewsApr 22, 2019

Often disregarded or overlooked, The Fisher King is probably Gilliam’s best work to date. Restrained in all the typical Gilliam flourishes it’s the closest to a real life fairytale fantasy as one can get.

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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SpangleAug 7, 2014

Overall, this one is very Terry Gilliam. It is weird in a Gilliam kind of way and is really effectively weird. As such, the direction here is strong as expected. It is not perfect, but is good as usual. In terms of the acting, Robin WilliamsOverall, this one is very Terry Gilliam. It is weird in a Gilliam kind of way and is really effectively weird. As such, the direction here is strong as expected. It is not perfect, but is good as usual. In terms of the acting, Robin Williams hits a grand slam and absolutely kills it here. He really steals the show, even though Jeff Bridges is awesome as well in this one. Ultimately, their acting is what makes this film what it is, but the film itself is a weird, oddly effecting, and charming, little flick that really covers all of its bases. On top of this, the script is pretty strong and it has a really nice combination of comedy and drama that go together very well in this one and the transititions between the serious and the comedic moments are almost seemless. In addition, the characters are very well developed in such a short time frame and it really lets you know their motivations well and why they act the way that they do. As a whole, The Fisher King is a solid film that works very well for what it is.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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HealedDogDec 10, 2020

A cringe 2hour meme-experience. Feels like 80s-Trash although it is from the 90s. The misuse of symbolism and dialog are only two of then countless vulnerabilities of this insult to what the human race accomplished in film. Acting might be aA cringe 2hour meme-experience. Feels like 80s-Trash although it is from the 90s. The misuse of symbolism and dialog are only two of then countless vulnerabilities of this insult to what the human race accomplished in film. Acting might be a foreign word to the producer, the cast (although including Robin Williams (might have killed himself over this movie)(still the best actor/role in the movie R.I.P), either must have suffered from the screen directors terrible approach to scenery, requisite and lack of understanding of the characters in the movie or the books lack of any evidence to underline the awkwardly written characters and especially the love/sex scenes. Nothing in the movie makes any sense or has a connection to reality nor to the logic used within the movies world. The proportion of tension is simply hilarious. It takes a rocket launch at the start then crashes after 10-minute mark and never recovers from there, withdrawing in the sewers like the sidekick. I can not believe I payed 10 bucks for this ****… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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JayHOct 18, 2009

An unusual story, very well handled. It does go off the deep end a little to much, but it still works. The acting is excellent - Robin Williams, Amanda Plummer and Jeff Bridges are great, Mercedes Ruehl is amazing.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

PaulEDec 8, 2007

The Fisher King is actually one of the most beautiful and effecting movies I've ever seen. The acting is great (most notably Jeff Bridges did a fantastic work!), the story is interesting and sows the seeds for a the expressive directing The Fisher King is actually one of the most beautiful and effecting movies I've ever seen. The acting is great (most notably Jeff Bridges did a fantastic work!), the story is interesting and sows the seeds for a the expressive directing and visualisation of director Terry Gilliam.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful

buddhalouFeb 4, 2019

Gilliam, as a member of the Python troupe, has always been great at funny and quirky, of which this film certainly has its moments. In the Fisher King though, Gilliam shows that he can handle other emotions with equal adeptness and with moreGilliam, as a member of the Python troupe, has always been great at funny and quirky, of which this film certainly has its moments. In the Fisher King though, Gilliam shows that he can handle other emotions with equal adeptness and with more subtlety than his previous films. The first 9 min. and 2 secs. of this film are a brilliant setup for what follows and Gilliam doesn't disappoint with the rest of the film. He still manages to get some of his trademark visuals in, but has really seemed to refine his film-making skills with this flick and continues to do so to this day (12 Monkeys, Fear and Loathing, Tideland) There are some extraordinary sequences (like the waltz in Grand Central Station) that amaze me when I think about Gilliam's beginnings as the animator and token American of Python (and clapping together those freaking coconuts in The Holy Grail.) As for Williams performance, I have to say that this is one of my favorites. I've always liked him better in the roles where he gets to show some depth in his acting abilities. The comedy is subtle, and the performances have depth, particularly Jeff Bridges - one of the greats, in my opinion.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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DawdlingPoetNov 24, 2021

This is a quirky, once contemporary (it was released in 1991) telling of an old tale as explained in the film, which is where the title comes from. It does feature themes relating to morality and so some people might feel it to be a littleThis is a quirky, once contemporary (it was released in 1991) telling of an old tale as explained in the film, which is where the title comes from. It does feature themes relating to morality and so some people might feel it to be a little high and mighty, looking down on people who belittle those who are different, as well as the perhaps more obvious theme of the aftermath of failure. I enjoyed Robin Williams character, the rather eccentric Parry, who introduces Jack to a different way of thinking and regarding others. There is a sense of both naivety and innocence present in his character some times and at other times, the opposite applies.

The fantasy elements made it seem more dated - nowadays better special effects would likely be used but then thats a given of course. It is an analogy of sorts I suppose. The performances by Jeff Bridges and Robin Williams are quite solid and overall I found it a good watch.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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MunknjetMar 22, 2021

Bridges and Williams have a star struck performance headline this somewhat Shakespearean movie. The Fisher King is a movie about paying your dues, helping, and getting a second chance at life, fighting your inner demons, and many more. One ofBridges and Williams have a star struck performance headline this somewhat Shakespearean movie. The Fisher King is a movie about paying your dues, helping, and getting a second chance at life, fighting your inner demons, and many more. One of the deepest films ever, having comedy-which yes could have been better, and a great story, and most importantly a strong and emotional performance from the cast. However, it does have a lot of wasted potential, my main complaint is how it could have ended a lot better, maybe a time skip or something like that. Nevertheless, The Fisher King is a great watch and worth your money and time. RIP Robin Williams.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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BoxleitnerApr 27, 2023

Originally an allegory of how humanity is waiting for its savior, “The Fisher King” is a story about a man so driven by fame and power, that he can’t look past his own nose. The protagonist, Jack, is unable to consider the thoughts orOriginally an allegory of how humanity is waiting for its savior, “The Fisher King” is a story about a man so driven by fame and power, that he can’t look past his own nose. The protagonist, Jack, is unable to consider the thoughts or feelings of others, until an un-empowered man (the Fisher King is a representation of those of us who are “castrated” and unable to produce or fend for ourselves) enters his life, giving him the opportunity of redemption. The movie is, in itself, a creative and meaningful adaptation of the mythological tale, but is very poorly scripted, often leading the viewer into frustration, annoyance, apathy and disregard.
Robin Williams was an incredible talent; his mind was constantly creating in an incessant unease; possibly brought on by a feverous need for acceptance and meaning. Like for many of us, comedy was a mandatory survival tactic for Robin, but he went further, eventually thriving upon it. Sadly, “The Fisher King” fails to tread the delicate balance between drama and comedy, and understandably, since the two are incredibly different. Robin’s relentless energy is misplaced and poorly directed, often presented at pivotal points of emotion or danger, instead of properly and timely at appropriate moments in the plot. Terry Gilliam fails to temper Robin’s antics, shape a proper homeless lunatic, or present believable social interactions. This movie definitely did not merit award, but was still able to pull off many, including the Oscar, eventually becoming the only so honored movie in Gilliam’s repertoire (how did his movie “Brazil” not get noticed?).
Despite the intriguing premise and exceptional cast, “The Fisher King” is unable to rise above mediocrity, weighed down heavily by its horrendously wordy and meaningless script. Writer Richard LaGravenese either allowed the actors free reign or butchered the dialogue. Other aspects of the film are basically flawless, such as Roger Pratt’s unique cinematography, as well as sound, music and editing. Depth and meaning are also presented correctly in the film. For example, the fact that Jack wears Parry’s clothing in order to retrieve the grail is symbolic of his triumph of being able to walk in Parry’s shoes. A massive achievement for Jack, who was unable to respect or understand others before this friendship. In conclusion, “The Fisher King” is probably a movie worth watching in the background, while doing something else.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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