Fable of the Fish (2011)
A quietly surreal Filipino drama about poverty, miracles, and the price of sudden fame in a garbage dump community.
Fable of the Fish - Movie Information
- Original Title: Isda
- Release Year: 2011
- Directed by: Adolfo Alix Jr.
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 25m
- Original Language: Tagalog
- Spoken Languages: Tagalog
- Release Date (Theatrical): July 16, 2011 (Philippines)
- Production Companies: Phoenix Films, Cinemalaya Foundation
- Production Countries: Philippines
Fable of the Fish - Plot
Impoverished, childless and living in a garbage dump, Miguel and Lina become instant celebrities when Lina miraculously becomes pregnant. But Lina gives birth to a fish, which increases her celebrity but leaves Miguel humiliated and the couple at odds. What follows is an illuminating examination of how this unusual family copes and compromises in the face of a modern-day miracle.
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Fable of the Fish - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Adolfo Alix Jr.
Main Cast
- Cherry Pie Picache
- Bembol Roco
- Anita Linda
- Rosanna Roces
- Angel Aquino
- Allan Paule
- Arnold Reyes
- Evelyn Vargas
Writers
- Jerry Gracio
Fable of the Fish - FAQs
What is Fable of the Fish about?
Fable of the Fish follows Miguel and Lina, a childless couple scraping by in a garbage dump in the Philippines. When Lina miraculously gives birth to a fish, they become instant celebrities. The film explores how this bizarre miracle strains their marriage and forces them to navigate fame, shame, and survival.
Where can you stream Fable of the Fish?
You can watch Fable of the Fish for free on Kanopy, Hoopla, and Fawesome. It's also available on Tubi TV with ads. These platforms make it easy to catch this acclaimed Filipino drama without a paid subscription.
Who are the lead actors in Fable of the Fish?
The film stars Cherry Pie Picache as Lina and Bembol Roco as Miguel, the couple at the heart of the story. They're joined by a strong ensemble including Anita Linda, Rosanna Roces, Angel Aquino, Allan Paule, Arnold Reyes, and Evelyn Vargas.
Is Fable of the Fish based on a true story?
No, Fable of the Fish is not based on a true story. It's an original work of magical realism written by Jerry Gracio. The fantastical premise — a woman giving birth to a fish — serves as a metaphor for poverty, social spectacle, and the resilience of marginalized communities in the Philippines.
What is the significance of the fish in the film?
The fish functions as a powerful symbol throughout the film. It represents the absurdity of how society treats the poor, the commodification of miracles, and the tension between public fascination and private suffering. Rather than being a blessing, the fish becomes a source of both celebrity and deep personal shame for Miguel.
When and where was Fable of the Fish released?
Fable of the Fish premiered on July 16, 2011, in the Philippines. It was part of the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival, one of the country's most prestigious platforms for independent Filipino cinema, where it gained significant critical attention.
What genre is Fable of the Fish?
Fable of the Fish is a drama rooted in magical realism. It blends a fantastical premise with a grounded, socially conscious portrait of poverty in the Philippines, making it both a thought-provoking character study and a quietly surreal fable about human dignity and resilience.
How long is Fable of the Fish?
Fable of the Fish runs for 85 minutes, making it a compact and focused watch. Director Adolfo Alix Jr. uses that tight runtime to deliver a lean, emotionally resonant story without overstaying its welcome.
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