Watch Big Fish

Big Fish is an American fantasy drama film directed by Tim Burton and released in 2003. The movie stars Ewan McGregor, Albert Finney, and Billy Crudup in the lead roles. It is based on the novel of the same name by Daniel Wallace. The story is about a young man named William Bloom (played by Billy Crudup) and his estranged father Edward Bloom (played by Albert Finney). Edward is a charming raconteur who tells fantastical stories about his past, which his son has always dismissed as fanciful and exaggerated. However, when Edward becomes ill and reaches the end of his life, William decides to try to understand his father better by piecing together the real stories behind his tall tales.

The narrative shifts back and forth between the present-day scenes of William trying to reconcile with his father and the magical flashbacks of Edward's life. As a young man, Edward (played by Ewan McGregor) leaves his small hometown of Ashton, Alabama, in search of adventure. He ends up in a surreal world filled with strange and wondrous characters, including a mermaid, werewolves, and a giant.

Throughout his journey, he falls in love with a woman named Sandra (played by Alison Lohman and later by Jessica Lange). He eventually marries her and starts a family. However, he continues to distance himself from his son William as he becomes more engrossed in his grandiose stories.

The movie explores themes of father-son relationships, reconciliation, and storytelling. It shows how the power of stories can shape our lives and become a legacy that we pass down to the next generation.

The performances in the movie are exceptional. Albert Finney and Ewan McGregor both shine as the older and younger versions of Edward. Billy Crudup portrays the frustration of William Bloom with his father's storytelling in a sympathetic manner, making the audience empathize with the character. The supporting cast, including Helena Bonham Carter as a young witch and Steve Buscemi as a werewolf, also contribute to making the movie a memorable experience.

The film's visuals are stunning, as is typical of Tim Burton's movies. The vibrant colors, imaginative creatures, and unique settings make the movie feel like a living fairy tale. The use of CGI and practical effects blend seamlessly, making the movie a feast for the eyes.

The music by Danny Elfman, who has collaborated with Tim Burton on many of his films, is also noteworthy. The score elevates the emotional impact of the scenes and adds to the overall magical feel of the film.

Big Fish is a heartwarming and magical movie that appeals to adults and children alike. The film's exploration of the power of storytelling and its impact on family relationships is both thought-provoking and moving. The performances, visuals, and music all come together to make it a memorable experience.

Big Fish is a 2004 adventure movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 5 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.0 and a MetaScore of 58.