The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou
Buena Vista Pictures | Release Date: December 10, 2004
7.7
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Generally favorable reviews based on 248 Ratings
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200
Mixed:
32
Negative:
16
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User scoreBy dateMost helpful
10
sandutterJan 29, 2014
Not everbodys cup of tea, but I love it. The film is as always with director Anderson semi-crazy, semi-funny and beautifully made. You simply don't have a clue were the story is going, you just ride with it and enjoy it. Actors Dafoe,Not everbodys cup of tea, but I love it. The film is as always with director Anderson semi-crazy, semi-funny and beautifully made. You simply don't have a clue were the story is going, you just ride with it and enjoy it. Actors Dafoe, Blanchett and Huston are great. The others are good. The music score is fantastic.… Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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8
JockM.Aug 3, 2006
I grew up watching Jaques Cousteau(sp?) films. I really enjoyed this film for the nostalgia value alone. It faithfully captures the atmosphere of the documentaries and then takes us behind the scenes to see the absurd, vain and I grew up watching Jaques Cousteau(sp?) films. I really enjoyed this film for the nostalgia value alone. It faithfully captures the atmosphere of the documentaries and then takes us behind the scenes to see the absurd, vain and scientifically bankrupt process by which they were produced. The plot is about as thin as tracing paper, but this is more than made up for by superbly sensitive portrails from the principal players. Top flick in my book!… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful
7
TokyochuchuJul 9, 2012
The Life Aquatic is colorful, poignant and very, very funny. It has a high level of random insanity that never fails to induce chuckles. The cast is magnificent, the script is awesome and stuffed full of quotable lines and the effects areThe Life Aquatic is colorful, poignant and very, very funny. It has a high level of random insanity that never fails to induce chuckles. The cast is magnificent, the script is awesome and stuffed full of quotable lines and the effects are hilariously charming. This is one of Anderson's best movies and a must see for Bill Murray fans.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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10
hootisJan 17, 2012
If you think the trailer is funny, then you will like this movie a lot. if not then you probably won't like the movie, its kinda funny because your not sure if its serious or not and follows a wierd niche of humor which i happen to like aIf you think the trailer is funny, then you will like this movie a lot. if not then you probably won't like the movie, its kinda funny because your not sure if its serious or not and follows a wierd niche of humor which i happen to like a lot. And it keeps finding ways to catch you off guard while still fitting with the consistent humor… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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8
FreeReviewerJan 4, 2014
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Wes Anderson's, The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou takes the audience into the world of an aging oceanographer and documentarian by the name of Steve Zissou, played by Bill Murray. He is at a point in his life where his once profound ego is shattering before him and he questions his life's work. His best friend is eaten alive by a supposed "Jaguar Shark" and Murray and his film team will embark on one final expedition to find and kill the shark in the name of revenge.

While the storytelling in this movie can be rather slow at times it allows the viewers to create a better understanding of the protagonist of the film and some of the supporting characters. Murray fantastically portrays his character, showing how he deals with his reality around him and his ego, and how he reacts rather apathetically to them, although aware of them. Owen Wilson plays as Murray's supposed son, Ned, and portrays him to be a very likable character who simply wishes to know the father he always wanted to. The two share a decent at worst chemistry. Cate Blanchett plays as Jane Winslett-Richardson, a journalist who masterfully plays her part and serves as a minor romantic interest for both Murray and Owens. Bud Cort plays a "Bond Company Stooge", but instantly shows his characters great character and is very likable.

The plot does sometimes loose its focus, but never should leave you bored as it simply devotes parts of the movie not about the search for the shark to Murray's character and that of his crew. The way in which the sea life are portrayed and the soundtrack give the film a somewhat 'whimsical' factor, and fits the atmosphere of the film very well. The final reveal of the shark is also extremely well shot and acted.

In the end this film is somewhat of an unappreciated piece of art, and it should be watched by all those interested in plot and characters more than action and suspense.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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8
Potarto72Dec 21, 2014
I think the level of enjoyment The Life Aquatic provides comes from an overabundance of typical Anderson charm and style, with an added layer of energy. The movie is just so energetic, something constantly seems to be moving along. AndersonI think the level of enjoyment The Life Aquatic provides comes from an overabundance of typical Anderson charm and style, with an added layer of energy. The movie is just so energetic, something constantly seems to be moving along. Anderson doesn't just apply his style; he lets it explode on screen. The titular Steve Zissou (Bill Murray) is easy to relate to, but also distant, in a good way. Like many of Anderson's characters, he has fallen into an abyss of loss and grief, but overcomes it by the end of the film. More so than Anderson's other films, The Life Aquatic flows like a dream. It's not even so much like a dream; more like a colorful cartoon. The visuals tend to be breathtaking, and when nothing grandiose is happening, the style still shines. This film isn't just fun, it's wondrous. It all works so well together, and has got to be the most thrilling, charming, and uplifting story Anderson has delivered to date.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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8
The3AcademySinsApr 20, 2018
Life Aquatic is one of Wes Anderson's more "out-there" films, but it's also one of his most beautiful and subtle. The story is a wild rollercoaster, the character's are very memorable, and all of the shots are beautiful. All staples of WesLife Aquatic is one of Wes Anderson's more "out-there" films, but it's also one of his most beautiful and subtle. The story is a wild rollercoaster, the character's are very memorable, and all of the shots are beautiful. All staples of Wes Anderson!

TheL Life Aquatic is really a tribute to sadness. It's about loss, heartbreak, and disappointment. None of these things are positive per se, but they are a part of the human condition. This sentiment is woven into the very fiber of this movie, and truly into Steve Zissou's current state.

Another thing the film discusses and explores quite well is the notion of value. What do we as humans value? The central conflict of The Life Aquatic boils down to what Steve thinks he values, what he wants to value, and what he actually values. These discoveries drive the plot and the hunt for the Jaguar shark. The first act of the film is quite puzzling, but if you stick through it, you will not be disappointed.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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7
TubieNov 2, 2010
This movie is fun specially if you like the cast and the style. It is not for everyone though. Many people, specially in these modern times, do not like slow movies and this one is pretty slow. I would recommend this movie to Wes AndersonThis movie is fun specially if you like the cast and the style. It is not for everyone though. Many people, specially in these modern times, do not like slow movies and this one is pretty slow. I would recommend this movie to Wes Anderson fans and fans of indie movies.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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10
JonB.Apr 10, 2006
The wry humour and suppresed pace of this movie may alienate or plain annoy some people. But the joy is in the detail, cell animation, soundtrack, cinematography - this is truly well crafted film, the nut's and bolts are often palpable The wry humour and suppresed pace of this movie may alienate or plain annoy some people. But the joy is in the detail, cell animation, soundtrack, cinematography - this is truly well crafted film, the nut's and bolts are often palpable - something lost on the majority of todays cinema goers.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
PeteySep 10, 2006
We watch Anderson deflate myths about heroes and hero-worship, and still arrive at a beautiful and heart-felt ending, one that affirms our quests, as absurd and ego-driven as they may often be. I agree that he's a filmmaker that too We watch Anderson deflate myths about heroes and hero-worship, and still arrive at a beautiful and heart-felt ending, one that affirms our quests, as absurd and ego-driven as they may often be. I agree that he's a filmmaker that too often chooses style over narrative (The Royal Tenenbaums is a perfect example, and my least favorite), but he's got a unique vision of our desires, nostalgia, and the images they attach themselves to. Noah Baumbach's insights into how our desires exceed our capabilities (making us look like real jerks, all too often) ground all of the work they've done together. I suspect most people couldn't appreciate the connection between the mannered aesthetics of the film, and the themes it addresses.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
JackW.Oct 11, 2006
This was one of the funniest movies I've seen in a long time. It doesn't surprise me that so many people didn't 'get it' ... the mixing of stories; the esoteric humor and heavy irony make the movie unreachable to This was one of the funniest movies I've seen in a long time. It doesn't surprise me that so many people didn't 'get it' ... the mixing of stories; the esoteric humor and heavy irony make the movie unreachable to some. As an ex-zoologist who grew up watching the efforts of countless nature documentarian wanna-be's I was able to connect with the movie on an entirely different level. (Of course knowing that the over the top species in the film were done in stop action animation - with a tip of the hat to Ray Harryhausen, no less - certainly didn't hurt either!) This is one of those stories where we the viewers are left to fill in many blanks. And that, to me, is often what can make a movie truly engaging. Not only that, but the entire way that he movie is shot, the dialogue, the flow of the story, the images makes one feel not that they are watching a story unfold, but rather that they are looking into the imagination of someone who is hearing the tale as told by someone else. A brilliant flick, but not surprisingly not for everyone as you have to work and think to get the full value here.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
DavidB.Feb 22, 2006
This is one of my favorite movies. If this is a failure, I'll take a Wes Anderson failure over 97% of the successes out there. Makes you feel good for two hours, though it doesn't make you laugh like an idiot. But really, who This is one of my favorite movies. If this is a failure, I'll take a Wes Anderson failure over 97% of the successes out there. Makes you feel good for two hours, though it doesn't make you laugh like an idiot. But really, who belly-laughs anyways? If you sit there with a checklist as to what comprises a good film, of course you'll be lost. But what classic movie doesn't depart from convention? This movie, to me, is like two hours of that delicious tension you feel right before a punchline is delivered. On repeated viewings, you begin to realise that exploring the setup can be as fulfilling as racing to the gag. Having said that, there is a lot of traditional laughs here. "Be still, Cody," for example. But come on, every single line here is gold. Watch it fifteen times. So true, in its way.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
MikeG.Apr 15, 2006
My favorite movie. The irony kills in this movie.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
OLucJul 27, 2006
Though this movie isn't exactly the masterpiece that "Lost in Translation" was, the movie is still a very smart Bill Murray comedy that has the nice whimsical feel of Wes Anderson's previous films. Though it has been considered a Though this movie isn't exactly the masterpiece that "Lost in Translation" was, the movie is still a very smart Bill Murray comedy that has the nice whimsical feel of Wes Anderson's previous films. Though it has been considered a flop by most critics, I still fully enjoy the film, and always find something new to admire everytime I watch it. A favourite from the year 2004.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
MikeCFeb 29, 2008
One of Wes Anderson's finest films. It's a shame that the critics and most viewers just don't seem to "get it". But then again, its the same with all his movies, if one has the sense of humor as I do, his films are among your One of Wes Anderson's finest films. It's a shame that the critics and most viewers just don't seem to "get it". But then again, its the same with all his movies, if one has the sense of humor as I do, his films are among your favorites.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
DanielR.Feb 29, 2008
This perfectly captures what makes Wes Anderson so great; deadpan humor, absurd plots, eye candy, and genuine emotion underneath.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
KevinMMar 7, 2009
This to me is the funniest and most heart warming of Wes Anderson's films.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
AJCASTDec 30, 2005
From the begining, this movie created multiple levels of intrigue and delight. The ocean is full creatures, ideas, and images that defy reason, astound our sensiblities, and destroy any terrestrial notions of order. I enjoyed watching this From the begining, this movie created multiple levels of intrigue and delight. The ocean is full creatures, ideas, and images that defy reason, astound our sensiblities, and destroy any terrestrial notions of order. I enjoyed watching this movie as much as I enjoy snorkeling a reef. Drift along and enjoy each new scene for its own stunning visual beauty, or borrow from whatever literary nautical myths to reveal something monsterous under the surface of every-mans soul. In my case, the good ship 'Belafonte' may as well been named 'Serendipity'.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
RyanTNov 5, 2007
A beautiful movie about coming to terms with who you are.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
SueC.Sep 19, 2008
Saw an edited for tv version last night. Brilliant, funny, understated, great cast chemistry, loved the orca acting like a pet dog begging for attention, very interesting plot/sub-plots with a surprise twist or two. I could watch it again Saw an edited for tv version last night. Brilliant, funny, understated, great cast chemistry, loved the orca acting like a pet dog begging for attention, very interesting plot/sub-plots with a surprise twist or two. I could watch it again immediately. Enjoyed the closing credits and music, but kept expecting 'Ned' to make a final appearance. Bill Murray, again, hits the mark. One of the most underrated actors in my opinion. I will watch anything he's in. Goldblum, as ever, pulls off his role with tongue in cheek. And Bud Cort had me doubled over. Great depth. Lots of life and truth in rather improbable situations. Piracy, the high seas, romance - and no Johnny Depp or ghost ships. A slice of yummy life pie. A high-brow movie with heartwarming appeal. And the dedication at the end is in line with what I had been reminded of all throughout the movie. I would have rated 10 stars, but didn't get the whole movie version.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
RickAucoinMar 9, 2016
This is, like all of Wes Anderson's movies, an acquired taste and just about everyone is going to either immediately hate it or immediately love it.
I found it charming and fun, especially as I love the whole retro mid-century modern thingThis is, like all of Wes Anderson's movies, an acquired taste and just about everyone is going to either immediately hate it or immediately love it.
I found it charming and fun, especially as I love the whole retro mid-century modern thing and what's more mid-century than the Jacques Coustau-style films and the "underwater habitat" thing?
I give it an 8/10 and it's certainly the Wes Anderson movie I enjoyed the most, by far.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
RoosterCogburnJul 25, 2014
Tragically misunderstood. Like many great films, destined to be rediscovered and reevaluated. The humor, like the drama, is subtle but not inaccessible or unrewarding. Expect a bittersweet tone, hilarious if slightly subtle laughs, andTragically misunderstood. Like many great films, destined to be rediscovered and reevaluated. The humor, like the drama, is subtle but not inaccessible or unrewarding. Expect a bittersweet tone, hilarious if slightly subtle laughs, and earnest, almost stern, examination of flawed but likable people. Two-dimensional characters need not apply. The humor and visuals are very self-aware and detailed, with special effects that are intentionally stylistic rather than realistic.

Quote: "I'm going to fight it, but I'll let it live. What about my dynamite?"… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
SpangleJul 22, 2014
I am surprised to see this one get the critical shunning it got of all Wes Anderson films, but nonetheless, I really liked it. This film is the blending of both Anderson worlds: family drama and comedy. The drama is touching, important, andI am surprised to see this one get the critical shunning it got of all Wes Anderson films, but nonetheless, I really liked it. This film is the blending of both Anderson worlds: family drama and comedy. The drama is touching, important, and well done. The comedy is hilarious and leaves you laughing for much of the film, whether through the intended jokes or the sheer quirkiness of the characters, as in all Anderson films. Bill Murray, Owen Wilson, Jeff Goldblum, Cate Blanchett, Anjelica Huston, and Willem Defoe (especially him), turn in great performances here. The production design is also brilliant as in all Anderson films. The exterior shots at the same time look real and at others look as if it they are all just toys in some child's bedroom with miniature people walking around, which is always the cool part about his films. This one, with the boat's exterior having this look, is no exception. In addition, the shots underwater in the submarine and very well done and extremely cool to look at. As a whole though, the film is beautifully shot as expected and brilliantly put together. Not much is going wrong with this one, the story is lacking a bit, but to me, it is just a jumping off point to get us into the wacky world of Steve Zissou and his crew.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
Compi24Oct 31, 2017
While certainly not Wes Anderson's best work, "The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou" is still an enjoyable ride almost all throughout. I think the main issue for me with the film is the tonal inconsistencies therein. Films like "The RoyalWhile certainly not Wes Anderson's best work, "The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou" is still an enjoyable ride almost all throughout. I think the main issue for me with the film is the tonal inconsistencies therein. Films like "The Royal Tenenbaums," "The Grand Budapest Hotel," and "Moonrise Kingdom" definitely handle the more higher-tier, comedy-to-drama tonal shifts better than this one does, but - make no mistake - when this movie's emotional atmosphere is "on," it's really "on," particularly in the third act. Anderson's trademark humor is there, but in smaller and more minute doses than in some of his other works. The cooky characters are present too, but don't expect all of them to be as well fleshed out as in Anderson's other works. Things are just a bit more complicated here, but it's still not a regrettable watch at all.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
foowombatsApr 15, 2014
My personal favourite Wes Anderson - hilarious, but sad, melancholy but colourful. Quite a slow film and yet very beautiful. Brilliantly directed, as always. And fantastically acted, particularly from Wilson and Murray.
Recommend to all.
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10
ValttuxdMay 9, 2014
This is an odd one. At least according to Metacritic it's the worst movie. But it isn't! It has the perfect story, the perfect actors, the perfect shots. This is actually the only movie that all of my fellow Wes Anderson fans love.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
supertallAug 11, 2014
This is my favorite film by Wes Anderson, and one of my all-time favorite films period. It's colorful, witty, well shot and just a delight to watch. Bill Murray plays an egotistical prick that you empathize with more and more. Willem DafoeThis is my favorite film by Wes Anderson, and one of my all-time favorite films period. It's colorful, witty, well shot and just a delight to watch. Bill Murray plays an egotistical prick that you empathize with more and more. Willem Dafoe is just brilliant here in my opinion, showing his comedic side to great effect. Little cinematic gems are peppered throughout the film. I want to be on team Zissou.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
Benkoko11Feb 23, 2017
Bill Murrey and Owen Wilson shine in this seafaring adventure that is very much an Andersonian classic; showcasing colorful and beautifully designed sets, methodical camera choreography and a melancholic story of family redemption.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
Luxas_9000Jul 1, 2020
It's not his best film but Wes Anderson impressed me with this. It's really laid out compared to his other films. Characters were quirky and likeable and their interactions were fun. Humor was very good. Directing and cinemaptography were topIt's not his best film but Wes Anderson impressed me with this. It's really laid out compared to his other films. Characters were quirky and likeable and their interactions were fun. Humor was very good. Directing and cinemaptography were top notch as usual with him. Actors did a good job with standouts being Murray and Dafoe. Main character was great and everything about his arc was beautiful and theme of growing up worked for his character. Score was touching. Even though his style doesn't fit this film that much, he does it in the laid out way so it doesn't feel pretentious. Film was slow but rewarding. It kinda drag in the middle and it rushes through some characters' subplots and some emotional scenes were manipulative. But still very fun and different Wes Anderson film and it worked out very well.… Expand
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9
geewahMay 8, 2021
Funny, heartfelt, original. Wes Anderson's fantastic follow up to The Royal Tenenbaum's has all his usual tropes and is backed up by an excellent cast.
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9
HabibiehakimJun 3, 2022
The only problem that i have with this movie is that i didn't really care about Cate Blanchett character until one of the last scene of the film and because of that i also didn't care about her character relationship with Ned (Owen Wilson) atThe only problem that i have with this movie is that i didn't really care about Cate Blanchett character until one of the last scene of the film and because of that i also didn't care about her character relationship with Ned (Owen Wilson) at all, i did like her performance i just didn't care about her character, for the rest, from Steve (Bill Murray) to even Anne-Marie (Robyn Cohen), i loved them all, The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou is another entertaining Wes Anderson movie with an enjoyable style, a very entertaining story, likeable and fun characters (at least for the most part), great performances, and great cast, it is a fun journey from the beginning till a surprisingly touching ending, it is one of the best Wes Anderson film, and i really like it.… Expand
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