Tim Burton is such a predictable director of films that even when, on the surface, he seems to be stretching himself, he's actually merely distorting art towards his own relentlessly immature aesthetic. In a sense he's the dark filmic counterpoint to Steven Spielberg's gauzey light pabulum. Neither has a fundamental grasp of what it is to be human, nor the essence of a good tale. Quirkiness does not equal interesting. If you doubt that you must find Tourette's sufferers fascinating rather than annoying.
Big Fish is TB's attempt to do `adult' drama, yet it so desperately tries to rip off the best in other films- even less successful ones like Forrest Gump, a tale similarly set in Alabama. Along with that film's everyman-ness Big Fish tries to channel the warmth of My Dog Skip, the father-son dynamic of October Sky, & the rites of passage feel of Stand By Me. While it does not succeed as well as the aforementioned trio this is a good movie. Yet, dammit, with another director this could have been a great movie, certainly alot better than Burton's previous bests- the flawed but interesting Ed Wood and Planet Of The Apes. Instead, it's maybe just a little better. It's like when you see the goddess of your dreams but she turns out to be an Anti-Semite, smoker, or lesbian.
Let me remove myself from despair & give you the capsule tale: an old talespinner- Edward Bloom (Albert Finney) is dying and his son, Will (Billy Crudup), wants to know the reality behind the stories that so charm everyone else- including Ed's wife Sandra (Jessica Lange) and Will's wife Josephine (Marion Cotillard). The last few days of Ed's life give way to flashbacks and fantasies. The young Ed (Ewan McGregor) has all sorts of adventures: he meets a giant named Karl (Matthew McGrory), discovers a Utopian town called Spectre, befriends a witch, catches an elusive legendary big fish, and joins a circus run by a werewolf named Amos Calloway (Danny DeVito). He joins the circus to get information on the girl of his dreams- the young Sandra (Alison Lohman) who's engaged to his childhood nemesis. Later, he becomes a military spy and rescues a pair of gorgeous Chinese Siamese twins named Ping and Jing from the Red Army.... Still, this is overall a good film- there is a wonderful sequence where young Ed 1st sees Sandra and time stops. He walks through hoops and juggler's balls fall to the ground as he walks by. This is a great sequence because it does simulate that feeling, but we've seen the time-stop before. What makes the scene a winner is that, to compensate for that momentary sensation, time has to speed up. Doing so causes Ed his opportunity to meet and woo Sandra for a few years.
This is truly unique, but- alack- the only instance of using fantasy to serve a narrative purpose, and not just be `ooh-ah' fantastical! That TB only does this once in the film confirms it was a happy accident, not an understood exercise of filmic control. Still, the acting of Finney and McGregor is superb, as are the other supporting performances.

This was very under-rated. Performances and story are great. SHould have been an acad nominee.

This is a wonderful story, already well-described by other reviewers. It is simply a fun movie to watch, and one that you can go back to and watch again. I disagree with one reviewer who said that it is not for children. I think children over 12 would easily understand and enjoy the movie.

This review is about the version with the brown cover with a leafless tree behind the black letters BIG FISH. It contains two things: the exact same movie you get for a dollar more than half the price of this version and a hardbound booklet. The booklet contains thirteen pages with one or two sentences on it, and ten pages with a drawing or picture. That's it. If you think such a booklet is worth collecting, go for it. I'd rather collect used tea bags. There are hundreds of reviews of the movie Big Fish. I'll just say that any flick that can make me laugh, cry, say "wow!", think "aw, that's sweet!", jump in surprise and watch again as soon as I've finished seeing the first time is a movie well worth buying. I just wish I'd bought the cheaper version, without the booklet. See a longer review for more details about the movie. Or rent it. Or wait for it to be shown on tv again. The internet movie database will tell you if it's on soon. Better yet, just buy it. It's a wonderful, delightful, very unusual movie.

Some encounters bathe your senses with ravishingly new waters that somehow leave you behind relishing a surprisingly familiar taste. Big Fish, for me, was one such encounter.

Based on Daniel Wallace's book, "Big Fish - A Story of Mythic Proportions", this is the story of Will's quest to demystify the tales and the life and the very person of his enigmatic father, Edward Bloom. A wonderful fairy-story in its own right, this is essentially an allegory depicting the complex, sometimes funny and often mysterious relationship between a father and his son.

More than the allegorical function, however, what really arrested my attention was the character and portrayal of Edward Bloom. A look at Bloom and you instinctively know that there goes a happy fella, as if playing in his own `garden'. And it gives you a glimpse of how beautiful this world is, and how wonderful it is to be alive.

However, it is not the virtue of his `world' per se that gives this flavor to his persona. For his world is in essence little different from ours: a similar blend of things good and evil, of friendship, malice, love, hate, jealousy, escapism, courage, cowardice, honesty, thefts, wars, health and disease...

Rather, it is Bloom's sense of life that projects the enchantment onto his actions, his people and his country. A sense of life that wants to grow; that refuses to get stuck in comfort and convention; that exercises courage over caution; that pursues beauty...and the best within itself...

A quote that eloquently reveals this sense of life of Bloom: "There comes a point where a reasonable man will swallow his pride and admit he has made a terrible mistake. The truth is, I was never a reasonable man."

Ultimately, all of us aspire to lead good lives, although `good' spells different things for different people. I have aspired to attain a free spirit, have believed in never giving up, have hoped to find magic in little things of daily existence, have nurtured ambition and disregarded convention and have happily been a `fool' (more about Bloom's idea of a `fool' later). I have tried and I yet keep trying. Many times have I failed, not only in my concrete pursuits but also im my attempts to reach this ideal. Many times has the loss brought me to the brink of desperation. But I have found my footing, eventually.

Even before watching this film, I vaguely knew of this ideal, but had no visceral image in my mind of how it might turn out to be. Big Fish provided me with that image. In a sense, it was a very satisfying vindication of my unconscious dreams and beliefs. Yet, amazingly, it was a profoundly and refreshingly new experience.

And that it continues to be every time I watch it.

I'll sign off with another quote of Bloom's that is essentially similar to the previous one, yet has an enchanting quality about it:
"There's a time where a man needs to fight, and a time when he needs to accept that his destiny is lost, that the ship has sailed, and that only a fool would continue.
The truth is, I've always been a fool."

You'll either love it or hate it. I personally love it which makes this a movie you want to own. You'll pick up things each time you watch it. Great story, great message, but as I said it's a bit "quirky".

Visually and conceptually brilliant! A very well written, creative movie that is fun and touching!

Very touching movie! Some of the story is quite unbelievable and hard to follow, but if you follow till the end you won't be disappointed.

A very bizarre movie even for Tim Burton, Big Fish is one of my favorites.
Wonderful acting, Jessica Lang is particularly powerful in this movie.
The rest of the cast is equally talented, bringing some funny moments, some strange moments and some tear jerking moments.
I think this movie was compared to Forrest Gump a lot. I can see the reasons, but I believe this to be the superior film.
Both movies have incredulous story lines, but in Gump's case, they tried to make the impossible seem real. In Big Fish's case, you never know what is real and what isn't. You won't know the truth until the very touching end.
Brilliantly directed, and unbelievably overlooked by many film lovers.
I'd put Big Fish in my top twenty any day.
Brilliant, strange, touching and memorable, Big Fish achieves greatness on every level.
Another brilliant contribution from Tim Burton, do your self a favor and rent this.
I think you'll be amazed by just how original and innovative this movie is.

There is something extremely entertaining about Tim Burton's `Big Fish'; a mature fairy tale about a young man trying to understand the man his father truly is. Burton has a way of taking what could easily become syrupy or saccharine and turning it into something sweet yet honest; never overplaying his hand so-to-speak. `Big Fish' follows that formula, delivering to the audience an overload of mystical creatures and faraway lands and beautiful imagery wrapped up in a tender story about a father and son yet it never once comes across immature or childish.

This is a plus and a minus in this case, but I'll get to that in a minute.

The film revolves around Will and Ed Bloom. Will has never really understood his father; in fact he appears to have a deep seeded contempt for him and the fact that he feels he was never allowed to get to know him. This is because of all the `tall tales' Ed proceeded to tell Will his whole life. When Will hears that his father is on his deathbed he travels home, hoping to finally hear some truth regarding his fathers life.

What he gets is...

Like I mentioned, `Big Fish' is visually beautiful to witness. The sets and the costumes and the vivid use of colors are classic Burton all the way and manage to draw the audience into the fanciful world. The stories told are all cohesive and fun to entertain. This has a lot to do (or should I say everything to do) with the script, adapted from Daniel Wallace's novel. Watching the stories unfold we can see clearly their truths amidst all the colorful exaggerations and this adds to the beauty of the story `outside' the stories that is unfolding between Ed and his son.

The performances by the entire cast are wonderful as well, especially that of the two Ed's, Albert Finney and Ewan McGregor. Albert Finney is truly one of our finest actors that ever has graced the big screen (his relentless Oscar losses are crimes against humanity) and he brings so much of his natural charm to this performance you can't help but adore it. Ewan McGregor likewise captures the fire still burning in Finney's eyes and exemplifies it as the younger, fantasy version of Ed Bloom. I adore McGregor as an actor and feel he has a wealth of talent under his belt. In `Big Fish' he is as magnetic as usual and delivers a top notch performance. Jessica Lange is marvelous and touching as Sandra, Ed's wife, and Billy Crudup manages to make Will believable and relatable. Recent Oscar Winner Marion Cotillard does a fine job with what little she is given and makes a lasting impression; albeit because she is stunning and possesses such unforgettable beauty.

The immense cast of `fantasy' characters are all brought to life vividly as well thanks to strong performances by everyone from Helena Bonham Carter to Danny DeVito and Steve Buscemi. Alison Lohman does a fine job as the younger Sandra as well.

In the end `Big Fish' is highly entertaining. It is a fantasy tale that the whole family can enjoy and it manages to teach a beautiful lesson about family relationships. This is also where that whole `anti-saccharine' element can be a minus. What is great about `Big Fish' is that it feels honest and `adult' throughout, yet what I miss is that uncontrollable emotional connection that is supposed to overwhelm the viewer as the film draws to a climax. If Burton had only kicked up the `syrup' for the ending, then I could feel this film was perfect. There is a balance needed when doing anything, and while one does not want a film that is one big mushy mess we should never underestimate the value of some well positioned waterworks.

I sat down to watch this movie, with high expectations. But, was disappointed. After the movie, I felt I had wasted my time.

I like Burton's stop animation work, creative. This story is just a lot of rambling non-sense that's disjointed and boring. Oh yeh, the stories might be true in the end? Revelationary. Nothing interesting happens in this story, and the yarns aren't touching or comical. It's all a silly dance that doesn't work on any level. I'm sorry, but don't waste your time!

Based on a book by author Daniel Wallace, Tim Burton's Big Fish embodies many components of a typical Burton film--fantasy, odd characters, imagery, mystical settings--yet, in this instance, it does it with a Southern flavor. The film's main crux is a father-son struggle, and we see them struggle between what is a tall tale and what is truth, what is fact and what is fiction, and what is reality and what is exaggerated. The son, Will (Billy Crudup), has had to listen to his father's tall tales for years, and he believes that this has created a rift between he and his father for years, and that he doesn't know who his "real" father is behind all these fantastical tales. Edward Bloom, who reminisces into the past with tall tales, has many imaginative adventures, including a walk through supposedly haunted woods, an encounter with a witch and a giant man, joining a traveling circus, and trying to get the girl of his dreams.

Tim Burton's capacity to create symbolism, eccentric characters, colorful scenery and depth in this story help to make it an exceptional film. One of the more telling points of the film is when Bloom, as a youngster, goes through a dark path to find the town of Spector, a sort of Utopia, where everyone stays because they never want to leave. Bloom decides that it isn't right for him to be there, and, while leaving, he promises a young girl that he will come back to the town sometime in the future when he's "meant to" come back. While here, he also meets a struggling poet (Steve Buschemi), who he later winds up helping rob a bank. Later in the story, he realizes why he must come back to this town.

What I also enjoyed about this film is that there wasn't just an emphasis on plot and imagery; there is also some depth. Some life lessons that the son must learn are to appreciate those close to you and to have faith in something that seems far-fetched or implausible. When learning of his father's decline in health, the son attempts to tie those bonds that have kept them at a distance. He learns that truth and fantasy are closer than he thinks.

This is a unique film, with some beautiful scenery, exceptional casting, and interesting storytelling.

This is a really wonderful story about a larger than life man, and his son's struggles to know who his father really is.

I really recomend this film - It has great acting, beautiful costumes and is such a fantastical inspring story.

Maybe I like the movie because I come from a family that values telling a good story. Sometimes the fun is seeing how far you can go with it before the listener catches on. And yes, I've heard some stories about family members that I'm not sure are true or not. But enough about me. I really enjoyed the movie. I don't have complaints about any of it, and at the end I cried sentimental tears for a lot longer than I can remember about any other movie I've seen. I especially like how at the end the son came up with a good story to tell his Dad.

I am a big Tim Burton fan, but couldn't really get into this movie. It had spectacular imagery and the acting was wonderful, but story-wise, it didn't really grab my attention and turned out to be dissapointing. Some of the characters were interesting, some annoying and pointless. I definitely liked the 'stories' parts of the film more enjoyable than the present times scenes. I think those dragged the film down. Its sort of a depressing movie when you think about it. I guess you could categorize this as a fantastical drama. At least that is the closest thing that I could think of.

This movie doesn't have the spanish subtitles as stated in the product detail.

I've sent emails to customer service saying this but the only thing they do is send me a replacement (which doesn't have the subtitles either).

So, if you need them, don't buy this one.

Edit your post:
This movie doesn't have the spanish subtitles as stated in the product detail.

I've sent emails to customer service saying this but the only thing they do is send me a replacement (which doesn't have the subtitles either).

So, if you need them, don't buy this one. Guidelines

Another fantastic movie from Tim Burton!!!
Ewan McGregor does such a wonderful job at these types of movies!!!!

This was a gift to us. It is a very peculiar movie. I saw it a while ago & if I grasped the movie right, it's about living your life the way you want to. In other words, see your life the way you want it to be. It has fun special effects. It's a clean up-lifting movie. I'm sorry I'm not giving you a better review than this. Rent it before you buy & see what you think!

This movie is spectacular. Tim Burton outdoes his past efforts in this adaptation of the book. The imagery is amazing and you get lost in this tale of love, life and redemption. Ewan MacGregor, Jessica Lange and Albert Finney each give a wonderful performance as your disbelief is suspended and the tall tales run rampant. A must see and a must own.

I first heard this movie was boring, but I honestly think this is because people are so watered-down nowadays with easy-come entertainment that they miss real literature. Now it takes a little thinking; this movie is absolutely saturated with symbolism. It is originally a book, good sign, but it's also Tim Burton's portrayal that really makes this movie shine. Coupled with Danny Elfman's score, and excellent performances by McGregor (I used to not like him because of Star Wars but now I love him) and Bonham-Carter, this is not only a must-see but a must-keep.

This story comes from the perspective of a son who has become absolutely sick of his father's "tall tales." Most of the movie consists of the father's "flashbacks," but unlike most movies who tried pulling this type of thing off, meshes it very nicely with the present day so that themes, contrasts, etc. can match nicely.

Now, at the end of the movie, what we realize is not the intrinsic value of tall tales but that it is really your perception of your own life, rather than incidents that happen, that truly define it. Course, I could just say that, but it is so much more effective in the unique, beautiful manner that Ewan McGregor's story tells it. Each of the "tall tales" that annoy(ed) the son (see, you have to watch the movie to find out if the son ever gets over it) tell a specific story or message, and through the exaggerations the points of these stories are seen more clearly.

So, watch this movie carefully. Far from boring, it will captivate you, entertain you, and possibly make you think about your own life. What if it really is your perception rather than what actually happens that defines your life? Think about it.

I loved this movie so much I bought it again blu-ray. I was (sadly) disappointed. While the colors were more vivid, the picture was not as sharp as it could have been. My wife could barely tell the difference. Still, it is better than the dvd version. If you can find it for a decent price, get it. Just don't break the bank over this one.

This was another hit in my collection, this was to me "The Feel Good Movie of 2003" Tim Burton directed a Masterpiece. Everything in this movie had a positive constant flow. Strong Story, Music to match the mood, everything was perfect.

This movie lacks a plot, and moves so slowly toward its conclusion, which is very easy to guess, that it had us all yawning -- we range in age from 9 to 79. Can't recommend it.

Burton's brilliant film Big Fish is a clever and entertaining. More importantly, it manages to invoke real emotions as the audience connects with the multi-dimensional and true portrayals of the characters on screen.

This has been one of my favorites from the first time I watched it. It's not your typical creepy, trippy Tim Burton movie. It's carnival-esque, colorful, funny, and well-written. It follows a son as he's trying to confirm the veracity of his father's tall tales throughout the years. It moves quickly and keeps you entertained from start to finish. I'm not a crier, but this movie always has me in tears. This was one of my Christmas presents to myself, and it's definitely one I won't regret!

Great movie for anyone who loves a good fantasy/Tim Burton film, looked AMAZING compared to the dvd version that I also own, I'm only giving the blu-ray 4 stars due to lack of special features

Maybe not for everyone, but I think this is one of the best movies ever made. High definition transfer may not be reference quality, but better than what I remember in the theater and better than the standard def DVD.

I read a review on another website that the picture quality on this disc was top notch. Aside from this being a great movie, the picture quality on my set didn't look much better than an upconverted SD DVD. If you're expecting really good PQ be cautious before buying.

Do NOT buy this product if you have a Dual LG player. It will not play. I have purchased two copies of this title, and NEITHER of them will play on this player. All my other Blu-ray titles play fine, however. Very disappointed.

This is a must for many reasons. It's has one of the BEST endings of all

Big Fish is an utterly exceptional movie. The cast and director could not have done better. Recommended to absolutely anyone and everyone.

I liked this movie a lot. True to the book, but smartly changed when it served the visual medium of film. One bit in the book I was hoping Tim Burton would discuss why he didn't take was the thing that really kept people in Spector, the imaginary town. In the book, there's a fierce dog that bites people's fingers off if they try to leave. Very Burton-esque. Couldn't figure out why in the film it was about the shoes.

However, I loved the relationship between Edward and Sandra Bloom - both as young people and as older folks. The simplicity of their love and complete acceptance of the other was touching. I thought William struck exactly the right tone, trying to come to terms with his father before the latter's death. All in all, the movie was an interesting juxtaposition of 'real life' and fantasy.

I did enjoy this movie quite a bit, and the tall tale sequences made me chuckle more than I normally would while watching a movie. However, when I read the reviews which absolutely slaughter this film, I am inclined to agree with the criticisms. As it approaches its climax, it too often slides into maudlin sentimentality. It also leaves much to be desired when exploring the relationships of sons & fathers. It is probably best not to try and seek deeper truths from this movie.

Nonetheless, it is quite entertaining, by and large. As Edward Bloom understood, the deeper truths of a story really pale in comparison with how good of a story it is in the first place. For this reviewer at least, a really good story about a bunch of really good stories is justification for liking it. My four-star rating comes with the qualification that at times, it promises to deliver more than it really can, and tries to be more than it really is, and stumbles as a result. When it did become a bad thing to be a really good yarn? Sometimes that really is enough.

If you see this film for no other reason, watch it for the dazzling cinematography. You can't help but be swept up into this magical world and wondering how such a fantasy could possibly be real. If you enjoyed The Princess Bride, Secondhand Lions, The Wizard of Oz, and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory you are sure to enjoy Big Fish.