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Directed by
Tim Burton Written by
Daniel Wallace, John August Cast
Ewan McGregor, Albert Finney, Billy Crudup, Jessica Lange, Helena Bonham Carter [more]
Release Date
• USA: Jan 9, 2004
• UK: 23 Jan 2004
DVD Release Date
• R1: Apr 27, 2004
• R2: 7 Jun 2004
Budget USD 70,000,000
Official Website:
Big Fish Website
MPAA Rating
Rated PG-13 for a fight scene, some images of nudity and a suggestive reference.
Running Time
2 hours, 5 minutes
Country USA
Studio A Jinks, A Tim Burton Film, A Zanuck Company Production, Cohen Company Production, Jinks/Cohen Co., The Zanuck Company
More info on IMDb.com
Other Titles
• Big Fish
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Big Fish Reviews |
When Burton gives himself the guidance and anchor of a story, he can be quite remarkable. When he doesn't, we admire his visual imagination and skillful techniques, but isn't this doodling of a very high order, while he waits for a purpose to reveal itself? [read review] 2.2/4
--ROGER EBERT (Chicago Sun-Times)
With hit-and-miss success, fantasy maestro Tim Burton fuses live-action cartoon and father-son drama in "Big Fish." Chief among the pic's delights is Albert Finney in the central role, a man whose life has been defined by amazing adventures--or a rich imagination. The high-sheen adaptation of the novel by Daniel Wallace, however choppy, delivers a lovely payoff. [read review] 
-- (ReelViews)
But its real flaw -- this turns it into an ordeal -- is the almost total lack of suspense. Nothing is ever at stake; there's no reason to go on watching; no audience expectation is met. It's more like random scenes from life than it is a coherently imagined story. [read review]
But its real flaw -- this turns it into an ordeal -- is the almost total lack of suspense. Nothing is ever at stake; there's no reason to go on watching; no audience expectation is met. It's more like random scenes from life than it is a coherently imagined story. [read review]
--Stephen Hunter (Washington Post)
Unlike “Scissorhands,” the mythmaking in “Fish” doesn’t find a dreamlike balance with reality in the end, and the lack of a focal point for the story ends up taking the sting out of the climatic catharsis. “Big Fish” is better as a toned down, return to form Tim Burton film than a regular feature, and should be appreciated just as such. [read review] B+
--Brian Orndorf (FilmJerk.com)
Big Fish is a little too uneven to attain the same level as something like The Wizard of Oz or The Princess Bride, but it's in the same general vicinity. There's a sense that a few dead spots could have been eliminated and the whole project tightened up,but those are relatively minor quibbles. Big Fish is a clever, smart fantasy that targets the child inside every adult, without insulting the intelligence of either. [read review]
-- (ReelViews)
As is usually the case with Burton films, the visuals are meticulously realized, and that in itself is a kind of treat. The colors are vivid and saturated, from the reds and earth tones of the circus world to the unreal blue of the sky. [read review]
--Mick LaSalle (San Francisco Chronicle)
Big Fish is an imaginative, heartfelt, whimsical tale that marks a return to personal projects for director Tim Burton – however, despite some lovely ideas and a terrific cast, it doesn’t quite work and falls short of greatness. [read review] 
--Matthew Turner (ViewLondon)
In a lesser director’s hands, "Big Fish" could have played as a cross between an after school special and a made-for-TV movie. Instead, we get Oscar-worthy material that should resonate in viewer’s minds for a long time to come. [read review]
--Edward Havens (FilmJerk.com)
It is rare to find a film that not only improves upon the book of its origin, but somehow seems to complete it, as if the short novella by Daniel Wallace which first began Big Fish was only the smallest part of its intention. [read review] 
--Christopher Monfette (MovieWeb)
Big Fish” is definitely entertaining and well crafted, and there are a few killer moments, but not as many a one would hope for. Still, warts and all, this shows us a Tim Burton who remains an original. [read review]
--Kevin N. Laforest (Montreal Film Journal)
A highly original story--part fantasy, part family drama--and very high production values, courtesy of one of cinema's most original directors and his team, makes Tim Burton's Big Fish a good catch. [read review]
--Leigh Johnson (Hollywood.com)
Big Fish is a big-screen entertainment that has its extraordinary quirks and offbeat elements, but features accessible themes that wide audiences will be able to relate to and get involved in. [read review]
--Dustin Putman (The Movie Insider)
There are quirks aplenty in "Big Fish," but spirited performances from a talented cast, led by a standout Finney as the slippery-fish raconteur, help domesticate the wall-to-wall weirdness. [read review] 
--Megan Lehmann (New York Post)
A whimsical masterpiece of imagination that taps into our long forgotten love of the surreal. An emotionally resonating realistic fantasy sure to be one of the years best films. [read review] 
--Derek May (MovieWeb)
The movie has a great deal of charm and several good performances, but it is the son's judgmental doggedness that sets the story in motion and leads to its mawkish conclusion. [read review] 
--Jack Mathews (New York Daily News)
Proof that a top-notch cast can do little to help a poorly written and unorganized script, this is one of the biggest disappointments among the major 2003 releases. [read review] 60/100
--Derek Smith (Apollo Guide)
“Big Fish” is a rare gem that challenges the boundaries of storytelling. It is not for everyone. Only for the unforgiving conjurers of the unbarring imagination. [read review] 9/10
--Oktay Ege Kozak (Movie-Vault.com)
The film didn't move or surprise me per se, but it's definitely a solid addition to Mr. Burton's impressive resume and should fulfill all those who adore him. [read review] 7/10
--'JoBlo' (JoBlo.com)
Tim Burton's latest whimsical holiday treacle features Albert Finney and Ewan McGregor in a saga of a tall-tale-spinnin' Southerner who won't shut up. [read review]
-- (Salon)
Though it's not quite his best work, Big Fish does mark Tim Burton's most accomplished and (for lack of a better word) adult movie to date. [read review]
--David Nusair (Reel Film Reviews)
I was pleased that Burton had taken what could’ve essentially just been a chick flick and turned it into a universally attractive fable. [read review] B
--Lee Tistaert (Lee's Movie Info)
The fantasy aspect of the story was very nearly perfect, unfortunately the constant interruptions end up dragging the film down. [read review]
--Carl Lazarevic (MovieWeb)
"Big Fish" moves with great beauty and almost relies on some unknown magical force to hold its fragile foundations together. [read review]
--Jeffrey M. Anderson (San Francisco Examiner)
"Big Fish" is indeed a fish story worth telling -- and pardon the pun, but this movie has Oscar bait written all over it. [read review]
--Paul Clinton (CNN Showbiz)
This is already looking like a strong contender for best film of 2004. [read review] 9/10
--Gary Panton (Movie Gazette)
Storytelling doesn't match cinematography in Tim Burton's latest [read review]
--Ron Weiskind (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
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