Big Fish

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Big Fish

PG-13

Released Jan 9, 2004

2h 5m

Drama

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Popcornmeter

76%

Tomatometer

220 Reviews

89%

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250,000+ Ratings

When Edward Bloom (Albert Finney) becomes ill, his son, William (Billy Crudup), travels to be with him. William has a strained relationship with Edward because his father has always told exaggerated stories about his life, and William thinks he's never really told the truth. Even on his deathbed, Edward recounts fantastical anecdotes. When William, who is a journalist, starts to investigate his father's tales, he begins to understand the man and his penchant for storytelling.

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Critics Consensus

A charming father-and-son tale filled with typical Tim Burton flourishes, Big Fish is an impressive catch.

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David Ansen

Newsweek

When it catches fire, this great-looking movie offers hilarious diversions. And as father and son struggle toward a hard-won reconciliation, Big Fish reveals its beating heart.

Mar 12, 2018

Full Review

Will Self

London Evening Standard

Big Fish really belongs to Albert Finney, who proves that when it comes to large performances there is no one who can quite match a British Shakespearean with good camera sense.

Jan 9, 2018

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Nell Minow

Common Sense Media

Delightful, sad father-son story for teens and up.

Rated: 4/5

Dec 22, 2010

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Cory Woodroof

For the Win (USA Today)

This is perhaps Burton’s most soulful film besides Edward Scissorhands, a lovely fable weaved with tall tales and a grand heart.

Sep 5, 2024

Full Review

Paul Klein

FILMHOUNDS Magazine

That melancholy mutes much of it so as the film goes to an idyllic town, a bank robbery, dances, and a circus, it never actually turns into something like Batman Returns or Beetlejuice

Rated: 4/5

Jul 4, 2024

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Christopher Lloyd

The Film Yap

Tim Burton's lone outstanding, heartfelt film of the last two decades may not seem like a natural fit with his horror-tinged oeuvre. But in some ways it's his most intimate, personal movie.

Rated: 4.5/5

Sep 20, 2021

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James M

Easily Tim Burton's best movie

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/06/24

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Fernando B

Simplemente mi película favorita.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/17/24

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Fernando B

Simplemente mi película favorita.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/17/24

Full Review

Nicoletta M

I tried to like it but found it a bit inane and overrated.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

08/11/24

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Don B

The cast is fantastic and the story is just so creative. I understand that this movie was Tim Burtons tribute to his fathers and, if your like me, all of our dads. The ending always has me in tears (spoiler alert) that means a lot of different things to all of us. I still have a dvd that is just important to me to have on the shelf like a great book.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/10/24

Full Review

Kathy D

This one's for the saps of the world. It is a fantastical love story complete with the magic of Tim Burton. I've watched it at least six times and cry during the last 5 minutes every time!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/22/24

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Tim Burton

Director

Ewan McGregor

Young Edward Bloom

Albert Finney

Edward Bloom

Billy Crudup

Will Bloom

Jessica Lange

Sandra Bloom

Helena Bonham Carter

Jenny

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Big Fish: Official Clip - Gigantificationism

2:13

Big Fish: Official Clip - Leaving Spectre

2:13

Big Fish: Official Clip - The Story of My Life

2:13

Big Fish: Official Clip - Always Been a Fool

2:11

Big Fish: Official Clip - Field of Daffodils

2:13

Big Fish: Official Clip - Giant Ambition

2:13

Big Fish: Official Clip - The Witch's Eye

2:12

Big Fish: Official Clip - Time Stands Still

2:08

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Synopsis

When Edward Bloom (Albert Finney) becomes ill, his son, William (Billy Crudup), travels to be with him. William has a strained relationship with Edward because his father has always told exaggerated stories about his life, and William thinks he's never really told the truth. Even on his deathbed, Edward recounts fantastical anecdotes. When William, who is a journalist, starts to investigate his father's tales, he begins to understand the man and his penchant for storytelling.

Director: Tim Burton
Producer: Richard D. Zanuck, Bruce Cohen, Dan Jinks
Screenwriter: John August
Distributor: Columbia Pictures, Sony Pictures Entertainment
Production Co: Zanuck Company, Jinks/Cohen Company, Columbia Pictures Corporation
Rating: PG-13 (Some Nudity|Fight|Suggestive Reference)
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 9, 2004, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 16, 2012
Box Office (Gross USA): $66.3M
Runtime: 2h 5m
Sound Mix: Surround, Dolby SR, Dolby Digital, Dolby A, Dolby Stereo

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