Jun 04, 2008 06:52 PM
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The father-son relationship is one that matures over time & is greatly treasured in the hearts of every little boy who grows up to become a man.But if any one of the parties feel that the relationship is a fake one,it can soon become a heavy burden.
This is exactly how Will Burns(Billy Crudup) feels.Ever since Will's been a little boy,his father,Edward Burns(Albert Finney) has been telling him the same tale of a big fish he had caught in the nearby pond.He also used to explain to Will the significance of catching that fish since it had a deep meaning-that fish was caught the same day Will was born.As a child,Will enjoyed listening to this story among many other of his father's tales.But as Will grew older,he began to realise that all his dad's stories including the 'big fish' one were all tall tales.Will finds the love of his life,Josephine(Marion Coutillard) & is all set for his wedding day.He gets vexed when his dad narrates the 'big fish' story on his special day & even more vexed when he learns that Josephine & all the wedding guests actually believe this tale to be true.As time goes on,Will breaks off ties with his dad & calls home only to speak with his mother.Josephine feels hurt that Will isn't taking pains to understand his dad,while Will is wondering why his father never understood him.When Josephine gets pregnant,Will wants to be a good father to his child.To achieve this,he realises he should discover his father first.He gets an oppurtunity for that when his mother informs him that Edward is on his death bed.On reaching home,Edward again begins narrating his stories to Josephine.Impressed,she asks Will why he never told her these tales.Will explains that he's sick & tired of these 'kiddish' tales & wants to know how his dad really was & what really went on in his mind other than these silly fairytale adventures.With his dad's condition growing worse from time to time,the memories of each & every of his father's story come to his mind.Will realises that as Josephine said,not all of them might be true,but they sure do lighten up your spirits.
The casting is excellent for this film.After 'Moulin Rouge' this is second film in which Ewan McGregor has captivated your wildest imagination with his acting.Marion Coutillard as the sweet daughter-in-law is drips with honey.Anyone would want an understanding family member like her.Albert Finney & Jessica Lange show how strong one must be to hold love even in old age.Billy Crudup as the frustrated son signifies all our hidden emotions.Another masterpiece by Tim Burton.
