The Big Blue (1988)

Waste of time

Very disappointing...

A story that's too fascinating to pass by...

Ok... Let's be honest. It cannot be the best movie but is quite enjoyable. The movie has the potential to develop a great plot for future movies

I wasn't aware of a sporting competition known as free diving until I saw this movie. I'm still a bit perplexed, because 'free diving' looked like anything but. The men who entered the ocean were transported into the depths via a device which I couldn't tell whether it was operated mechanically or by gravity. And then, it seemed like an awful lot of time was wasted by the divers at the varying checkpoints. Granted, the 'lot of time' may have only been seconds, but when you're holding your breath and not making distance, those moments would potentially translate into additional footage. So I didn't get that at all. I also didn't get the competition between the principals once it reached the stage of becoming life threatening. Jacques Mayol (Jean-Marc Barr) appeared to be the better adjusted of the two; his long time friend Enzo Molinari (Jean Reno) at a certain point appeared to exhibit a degree of mental instability with his need to be the best. I even hesitate to call the men friends, as it seemed to me that Enzo's only interest in the Frenchman was in beating him at the diving game. That early scene when they were kids suggested Enzo to be a bully for forcing Jacques to step aside for the coin. I did like the way the Padre rewarded Jacques with his own coin after all the onlookers left, that was a virtuous gesture.The relationship between Johana (Rosanna Arquette) and Jacques was another head scratcher for me. While Johana was head over heels, it seemed like Jacques couldn't care less most of the time. In the variously configured love scenes between them, check them out, they seem to be occupying positions at odds with genuine love-making. And then, for Jacques to turn his attention to a dolphin for the rest of the night, well, one might get the wrong idea.I don't know, the enthusiasm for this film from the true believers is to be admired but the picture just didn't do it for me. I really didn't get a sense of romance with the sea that Enzo and Jacques experienced, particularly when both their fates were decided by a relationship with the water. In Enzo's case, he pushed himself beyond human endurance, but with Jacques' final descent, there was an element of finality that the average person would consider irrational. And so, I did.

I had always winced at the idea of watching The Big Blue - the title, on release, put me off. Anyway, for my 48th birthday I puckered up and watched it; and what a relief I have. It's a great film...very mildly directed, but actually puts a bit of magic back into film (are you listening, Hollywood?) The acting is first-rate; and there is a great number of stars, which is good for people of a certain age (yes, I do mean me).Technically and Production Value-wise it is a peerless. Luc Besson sure knows how to place the camera for the maximum reward; and the music is faint, yet pleasing, courtesy of Eric Serra.Lovely to watch, it has put a spring in my step all day.

This movie has become part of my psyche. With very few words from the protagonists, the film manages to leave the viewer with a philosophy to challenge every day norms of thinking about existence and the meaning and value of life.There are pictorial essays about nature, the environment and man's place in the world. There are subtle hints at the possibility of returning to simpler modes of life style and alternative/counter-culture.There is a very clear theme of respect for others and respect for nature.There is also a wonderfully gentle reminder that not every editorial of the mind is worthy of publishing. Sometimes that which is left unsaid has a greater impact than the spoken word.I truly love this film and I am grateful to its makers for bringing it to life.

Wow! The reviews really do vary here and I notice that the best reviews seem to start at the beginning of this thread, the worse at the end. This explains a lot, and having watched yesterday what is one of my favourite films, I think I can answer why: for someone watching this film today, you'll find that the acting (particularly Arquette's shocking performance) is over the top and dated. It's a shame that this film has not lasted as well as it could have with a better female lead (however you could say it was down to bad directing). Anyway, that's the bad part.The good part is that this is a special film, in places it's very moving and anyone with a connection to the sea will immediately understand this film, and where the director is taking us. I myself grew up as a child on a Greek Island and spent every day of my childhood diving and fishing - each time I watch this film it takes me back to a special time and place and I can relate to the two main characters.If you're looking for a fast-paced action or comedy then this isn't for you. If you want to shut yourself off from the world, and immerse yourself in an underwater paradise with a touching and humorous storyline then you'll love it.The beginning part of the film is shot on the small Greek Island of Amorgos. It's a stunning Island and if you ever visit you can go to the Monastery built into the mountain, visit the shipwreck and there's also a small bar called 'The Big Blue' which also plays this film EVERY night!