Cubussoli Very very predictable, including the post credit scene !!!

Evengyny Thanks for the memories!

Bergorks If you like to be scared, if you like to laugh, and if you like to learn a thing or two at the movies, this absolutely cannot be missed.

Nicole I enjoyed watching this film and would recommend other to give it a try , (as I am) but this movie, although enjoyable to watch due to the better than average acting fails to add anything new to its storyline that is all too familiar to these types of movies.

horaceblacktree Love love this anime! I recommend you all watch this and share it with someone who doesnt like anime. This is a game changer!

rannynm An emotional masterpiece, Big Fish & Begonia is an artistically magical and thought provoking piece of anime. The animation is beautiful. I felt as if I was watching a classic painting come to life. The story is unforgettable. Each scene left my heart yearning for the characters to succeed. The story follows a humble, brave girl name Chun who dedicates her life to help a kind boy, Kun, who gives his life to save hers after she travels from her magical to his human world. She goes to great lengths to bring him back and gives him all her love and care. However, when a variety of obstacles threaten Kun's survival, Chun risks everything to save him. The animation is mystical and brings Chun's fantastical land to life. The characters from Chun's world are unique and their strange characteristics bring a special quality that is unlike other films. Many characters have a quirky addition such as antlers or a completely other-worldly face with multiple eyes. These subtle additions enhance the fresh and original elements the film specializes in. The backgrounds and scenery take the animation to the next level. The water and ocean play a huge role in the film and the animation transforms the water, displaying its beauty and importance. At night the ocean reflects the sky, its stars and the sublime hues present; while during the day it is almost invisible and many objects look like they are floating through air. One of the most notable animation feats is the scenery. In many favorite parts we see Chun running across landscapes and the camera captures her world in the most artistic way.The emotions of this film left me in awe, showing the friendship and love these characters are capable of. In every scene, I was either smiling or in tears because of the sacrifices they make for each other and for each others' happiness. The music enhances the mood of these scenes with a mysterious and peaceful quality. The messages of Big Fish and Begonia are: 1. If your conscience is clear, it doesn't matter what others think and 2. Follow your heart. I give this film 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 14 to 18. Reviewed by Sahiba K., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic. For more reviews by youth, visit kidsfirst dot org.

David Ferguson Greetings again from the darkness. Animated films from Asia will likely always draw comparisons to the films of Oscar winner Hayao Miyazaki, the Japanese master storyteller behind Studio Ghibli and such animated classics as SPIRITED AWAY, PRINCESS MONOKE, and THE WIND RISES. Some may find it curious to mention Miyazaki when discussing a project from two first time Chinese filmmakers, but their work here is so impressive, the comparison is justified. Not only that, it's quite clear Xuan Liang and Chun Zhang have studied the master's work and are believers in his style.As with any animated film, success can only be had when both the look and the story hold our attention. Supposedly the film took 12 years to complete, and with its intricate weaving of Chinese culture and tradition, and the dreamy visuals, we understand why. While I don't begin to understand the many references to Chinese mythologies and legends, and most of the classic Chinese literary characters are new to me, the movie has a spellbinding effect that draws us in and leaves us fascinated.On her 16th birthday, Chun partakes in a rite of passage that involves spending 7 days in the land of humans. See, Chun is from a magical parallel world where "the others" control the human world seasons and tides. And we all know that if one is going to have control over another world, it only makes sense to have a basic understanding of that world and its inhabitants! Chun is transformed into a red dolphin and shoots through a portal into the land of humans. It's there that she is saved by a boy, whose courageous act costs him his own life when he is caught in a vortex. Chun is determined to deliver his life back to him ... remember, she is from a magical world.The story really takes off from here and becomes an adventure filled with love and sacrifice. We are told "Some fish aren't meant to be caged, because they are meant for the sky", and it's not until the conclusion that we fully understand. Chun's mission has her crossing paths with both the Keeper of Good Souls who lives with more cats than anyone should, and a creepy Rat Lady who is the Keeper of less fortunate souls and commands an army of rats for her dirty work. This game of cat and mouse between the two factions of soul-keepers is but one of the many webs of intrigue presented in the story. As you would expect, these two parallel worlds collide and Chun, her friend Qui, and the hero human who is resurrected as a small fish named Kun are all at the center. Chun must protect Kun for his soul to survive, and this puts her in conflict with her own family who prefer the tradition of keeping the two worlds separate. "Without happiness, what's the meaning of longevity?" This quote is at the heart of Chun's passion, and in fact, also drives her friend Qui to go above and beyond. A debt to be paid sprinkled with love and attraction adds a personal touch to the otherwise fantastical proceedings. Though the visuals are splendid and enough to keep us engaged, it's the convergence of sky and sea - and Begonia flower power - that move this from a fancy cartoon into a story with depth and meaning. Remarkably, it's the first film for these two filmmakers, though I do hope we mustn't wait a dozen years for their next.

azure_833-1 The comparison with Ghibli is inevitable here. This movie is simply not on par with Ghibli. But the visual and the music score were both close! The story is good, but the script falls a little short. A bit exposition heavy, a few too many plot devices, eg. the bit with the 2 headed snake served purely as a plot device. The design of the fish Kun is tonally inconsistent with the rest of the world. It was never explained why the fish caused apocalypse. The characters, they live in a magical world. But some of them are wise, and timeless but some of them are as prejudiced and fearful as the humans whose lives they govern.Now, on to the good points: Great visual! one of the best looking anime, of course not as organic and detail rich as Ghibli, but beautifully put together, brilliant colours. 3D and 2D elements are seamless. The music score is not as memorable as, again, Ghibli, but fits the tone very well. Tonally, the story is very sincere, like the best Ghibli movies, and innocent.The dialogue is a bit stilted at times, but quite good overall.I don't think this movie is being released in the West anytime soon. But when it does, I hope they get some proper translators.Overall, great first attempt from the studio, recommended.