MovieChat Forums > Little Fish (2005) Discussion > Absolutely underrated. And another lesse...

Absolutely underrated. And another lesser known Blanchett gem....

posted 17 years ago by RobChenoweth
9 replies | jump to latest

This film is absolutely heartbreaking, and amazing. I would compare it slightly with Inarritu's '21 Grams.' Not in style as much as substance. It is 'gravitas film-making' to the nth degree, so if that's not your bilk, please stay away. But if you like cinema verite-style modern filmmaking, make sure to add this to your list of 'must-sees.'

Blanchett gives another absolute knockout performance, proving that she truly is one of the greatest actresses of this generation. Sam Neill is also stellar (playing slightly against type, unless you remember him in another Down Under gem 'Dead Calm') and the supporting characters are believable and provide a terrific backstory for the main characters.

The music is also well done, in particular with the use of a children's chorus version of the Cold Chisel song "Flame Trees." If your eyes don't well during this moment in the movie, then you're absolutely not human....or maybe this just isn't your type of movie. But don't say I didn't warn you.

I love that this is a lesser known film from the increasingly powerful and dynamic Australian film scene. Years from now I think it will be referenced by scads of new filmmakers as having inspired them. Definitely worth checking out.

"I wanna mean it from the back of my broken hand..." -The Killers

[–] fionapeters 17 years ago

I haven't seen it yet, but it looks really interesting. I love Blanchett she is an amazing actress.

[–] Miss_Alana 16 years ago

That was a great first post.
I found the 'Flame Trees' scene haunting to say the least.
This is a fantastic film, told so well, with world class performances. I like how it focussed on a character on the margins of society, someone who would normally be overlooked in mainstream cinema.

I thought Hugo Weaving was brilliant

[–] Breast_in_Pieces 16 years ago

I like how it focussed on a character on the margins of society, someone who would normally be overlooked in mainstream cinema.

true, it would seem movies "need to be" about larger than life characters.

"nobody" seems to want to ri$k telling a story about an average, every-day person. (probably because of moviegoers (like some on this board) who'd react with "BOOORRRIIINGGGG".)

KUDOS to the people responsible for this movie.

He was going for the Tim-Tams
FOOTBALL is *entertainment* - NOT a "results business".

[–] corazonlatido 10 years ago

I totally agree. The acting, especially by Cate and Hugo was brilliant. The movie was painful, raw and moving and I believe that the last scene was pure genius, especially with the addition of "Flame Trees" by the children's choir.

[–] rc-108 10 years ago

I agree with this.

[–] RavenDarkholm 16 years ago

Rob, your post made me watch it again, thanks.

[–] mark-1478 16 years ago

Yep great film

[–] deRider84 10 years ago

I liked it, but there's no doubt it's a severely flawed film. It's one of those annoying movies that continually threatens to take off but never really does. It did a good job of introducing us to the characters and the environment in the first half hour, but there's very little further development after that. I thought Johnny would turn out to have hidden depths and agendas, but no, he really was that bland and generic. I thought dark family secrets would float to the surface, but no, the car crash really was it. I hoped Brad would become a major player, but no, he barely features at all and doesn't even make all that much sense as a character. I thought Lionel would do something and become organically involved somehow, but no, he just kind of hangs around until the bitterly contrived end.

I did like the Sydney and Cabramatta vibe though. There's a palpable sense of place and a genuinely authentic atmosphere that pretty much rescues the entire movie from the doldrums. I also enjoyed the richly melancholic feel of the whole thing. It crossed over into mawkish nonsense right at the end, but mostly managed to stay on the right side of cloying.

[–] IAmLegend5 9 years ago

Absolutely agree. Love this movie and Blanchett's performance.