Big Fish (2003)
Tim Burton's enchanting fable about a son unraveling the tall tales of his larger-than-life father — a journey of myth, memory, and love.
Big Fish - Movie Information
- Original Title: Big Fish
- Release Year: 2003
- Directed by: Tim Burton
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Drama
- Runtime: 2h 5m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): December 31, 2003 (Italy - T), January 9, 2004 (United States), January 30, 2004 (United Kingdom - PG), April 8, 2004 (Germany - 6), March 3, 2004 (France - TP), March 26, 2004 (India), March 4, 2004 (New Zealand), February 5, 2004 (Australia - PG), February 20, 2004 (Brazil - L), March 5, 2004 (Spain - APTA), March 5, 2004 (South Korea - 12)
- Alternative Titles: Apíthanes istoríes (GR), El gran pez (AR), 빅 피쉬 (KR), 大智若魚 (TW), El gran pez (MX), Big Fish - An adventure as big as life itself (NL), Peixe Grande (BR), Big Fish (DE)
- Production Companies: Columbia Pictures, The Zanuck Company, Jinks/Cohen Company, Tim Burton Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America
Big Fish - Plot
Throughout his life Edward Bloom has always been a man of big appetites, enormous passions and tall tales. In his later years, he remains a huge mystery to his son, William. Now, to get to know the real man, Will begins piecing together a true picture of his father from flashbacks of his amazing adventures.
Big Fish - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and step into Edward Bloom's extraordinary world of myth and wonder.
An adventure as big as life itself.
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Big Fish - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Tim Burton
Main Cast
- Ewan McGregor
- Albert Finney
- Billy Crudup
- Jessica Lange
- Helena Bonham Carter
- Alison Lohman
- Robert Guillaume
- Marion Cotillard
- Matthew McGrory
- David Denman
Writers
- John August
Producers
- Richard D. Zanuck
- Bruce Cohen
- Dan Jinks
Big Fish - FAQs
What is Big Fish about?
Big Fish follows Will Bloom as he tries to uncover the real man behind his father Edward's legendary tall tales. Blending magical flashbacks with emotional reality, the film explores love, legacy, and the stories we tell to make sense of our lives. It's a deeply moving fable about fathers and sons.
Is Big Fish based on a true story?
Not exactly. Big Fish is based on Daniel Wallace's 1998 novel of the same name, which is a work of fiction. That said, the film's emotional core — a son struggling to truly know his father — resonates with a universal truth that feels deeply personal to many viewers.
Where can you stream Big Fish right now?
Big Fish is available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. It's not currently on a major subscription streaming service, but it's widely accessible for a digital rental at a low cost.
Does Big Fish have a happy or sad ending?
Big Fish has a bittersweet ending that most viewers find profoundly moving. Without giving too much away, Will finally understands his father's gift for storytelling — and in doing so, finds peace. It's the kind of ending that leaves you smiling through tears. Bring tissues.
Who are the main actors in Big Fish?
The film boasts a remarkable cast. Ewan McGregor plays the young Edward Bloom, with Albert Finney as his older self. Billy Crudup is his skeptical son Will, while Jessica Lange, Helena Bonham Carter, Marion Cotillard, and Alison Lohman round out a truly stellar ensemble.
What does the giant catfish symbolize in Big Fish?
The uncatchable catfish in the river is widely interpreted as Edward Bloom himself — elusive, larger than life, impossible to fully grasp. It also represents death approached on one's own terms, and the idea that some people are simply too big for ordinary life to contain.
Did Big Fish win any awards?
Big Fish earned a Golden Globe nomination for Best Original Score (Danny Elfman) and received widespread critical praise. While it didn't sweep major awards, it has grown into a beloved cult classic celebrated for its imaginative storytelling, emotional depth, and Tim Burton's visually stunning direction.
Is Big Fish worth watching in 2024?
Absolutely. Big Fish holds an 80% on Rotten Tomatoes and remains one of Tim Burton's most heartfelt films. Its blend of whimsical fantasy and genuine emotional weight makes it timeless. If you enjoy magical realism or stories about family and legacy, this one is essential viewing.
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