Little Fish (2005)
Strong drug references, Drug theme, Strong coarse language
Set in the Little Saigon district outside of Sydney, a woman tries to escape her past. After four years of treading water and redeeming herself in the eyes of her family, she has set herself the humble dream of owning her own business. Her dream soon becomes tangled with criminal boss, Bradley "The Jockey" Thompson with shattering consequences.
| Status: | QuickPick |
|---|---|
| Run time: | 114mins |
| Origin: | AUSTRALIA |
| Aspect Ratio: |
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Member Reviews (126)
126 Member
Reviews
Amelia of the North Shore
says
Bleak, depressing with no real storyline beyond the corrosive effect of junk upon an individual and everyone around them. The only redeeming feature in the film (apart from Blanchett's formidable acting abilities) are the cover versions of Flame Trees. Thank goodness for Sarah Blasko.
Teresa
says
This movie has an all start Aussie cast. Cate Blanchett is just wonderful in this role. She really captures the spirit of the character. Hugo Weaving is amazing. I was mesmerized by how well he depicted his character also. Great Aussie flick with a really deep, sincere message about life and its trials.
Anne
says
Could not make any sense of this..no apparent storyline and the extensive usage of offensive language was beyond reasonable bounds . Completely dominated by bad language and drug usage.
Tanya
says
Good movie and well acted. Enjoyed it more the second time around.
c roche
says
the power of the junk hits everyone in the family not just the users
Matthew B.
says
Not an "entertaining" film, but well acted and honest. Might be too real for some people!
Cass
says
If you are after a light-hearted, soft and fluffy movie then this isn't for you! Although the movie was slow at times it was certainly worth sticking with. A hard topic to deal with but I think they did it effectively.
Cate was brilliant, as always. And Noni Hazlehurst was a standout as the mother.
Don
says
A particularly poorly made, and to a large extent pretty tedious film. Some of the acting is quite good, that of Kate Blanchett herself, Hugo Weaving, and Martin Henderson. However, the rest of the cast is not particularly good, or perhaps I should say that they do not seem to get into the skin of their characters enough to make them seem real. A possible exception is Noni Hazlehurst, who plays the mother: but she gives more of a sense of simply not knowing what to do, than of actually taking part, more of a bewildered bystander than someone really disturbed or trying her best to intervene and solve the situation. The photography is not particularly good or particularly bad, sometimes the focus makes you wonder, though presumably it was supposed that it gave a particular feeling (which somehow eluded me). By and large, the story moves very slowly and does not seem to have any particular goal, despite the fact that some of its ingredients could have been used for a much better film. All in all, pretty much a waste of time.
MelM
says
Good little movie, worth a watch. Scary in parts as it really is a slice of life, and not a very pleasant one.
Tanya
says
Not our type of film.
Adele F.
says
This movie was unusual. At times very simple which can come across as slow but yet it was very compelling and gripping throughout. The final scenes are not obvious or self explanatory, you need to piece them together yourself to work out the ending of the story, which makes it all the more interesting.
Deion
says
A complex and intriguing glimpse into the lives of a damaged family. I commend the Australian cast for a performance befitting that which the badge of great acting can be worn; however, the script. as with most Australian movies failed to capture AND hold me. Slow, methodical...yet a good show of performance. Watchable....
Ray
says
The soundtrack was muffled and largely inaudible, even with the voiume on the TV turned up full. Moreover, there are no English subtitles for the 'hard of hearing', so it is impossible for me to give this film anything but my lowest rating, as I stopped it after about 15 minutes and am pretty much in the dark as to what it was all about.
Gerd
says
The drug underworld is never a pretty place in movies, nor one would guess in the real world, even in Sydney. A sad and depressing story to watch, but at least it is Australian and Cate Blanchett is brilliant as a former 'little fish' in the heroin trade. But it is all rather predictable.
Carolyn H.
says
If you family has been effected by drugs then you've lived it
Kerrin D.
says
I was disappointed. I just found the film to be really depressing with no real story line or substance. Was expecting better as the actors are known for much better things and I usually like Australian movies. Wouldn't recommend this film.
Laurene W.
says
Little fish was alright movie but it didnt make a lot of sense but I guess if drugs are involved then maybe it did. I liked the movie but I dont think I would go to the movies to see it
yeo44
says
despite the exellent cast, l found the story very difficult to follow, l felt it realy didn,t complement the Australian film Industry at all
Denise
says
Good Aussie movie with some high quality actors.
David O.
says
Kate is great, the other actors are flakey but is worth a look.
Gillian
says
Expected a lot from this movie, considering the big names involved. It was a bit try-hard and cliched. Even the awesome Cate Blanchett couldn't save it.
Sean D.
says
Slow in parts but overall another great performance by Blanchett with a strong supporting cast. Quite an interesting storyline that kept me interested throughout.
Alex H.
says
Cate Blanchets acting, as usual, is excellent, no matter what she represents. The story line is a bit challenging.
Steve L.
says
Ultimately boring and grinding, probably could have been a good story but it just dragged and went nowhere
stimpy
says
This film (like most Australian films) is based on a pathetic and boring storyline that traditionally goes nowhere and then just ends because time is up. Hopeless.
Deborah H.
says
Depressing and slow GARBAGE!
Elizabeth D.
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Ellen D.
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Benjamin H.
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Michael C.
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Christine L.
says
This was really a heartfelt film about a family surviving terrible circumstances in life. Not the perfect family at all but felt very attached to them throughout. Loved Noni Hazelhurst in this!
Alison M.
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Stephenie K.
says
This is another 'kitchen sink' Aussie drama with a happy (kinda) ending. Was enjoyable enough to watch, although pretty slow paced in the first half of the flick. The performances were great though and everyone perfectly cast.
Vivienne L.
says
everyone trying a bit too hard - and it was so depressing! love cate but not this time
Esperanza R.
says
Very Slow
Jennifer W.
says
A bit bleak but worth watching
Virginia O.
says
An amazing film with outstanding acting
Ursula S.
says
Harry M.
says
Brilliant, beautiful and very original Aussie drama. This is one of those films that really makes Aussie cinema one of the most thought provoking and exciting industries I've come across. From the director of The Boys it is more upbeat (hardly difficult) and slightly less cohesive as it is dealing with a more complex aray of characters and the situations they are in are very complex too. Brave , original and inspiring it looks at sides of life and people that almost never get a look in and has compassion for all the people involved. A really good film.
Mark C
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Sue B.
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Angela S.
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Jennie F.
says
Accurate, realistic, depressing
Nicholas F.
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Barbara C.
says
Worth watching for Cate's performance but the story line was lacking.
Julie S.
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Andre C.
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Stephanie C.
says
Quite depressing but well worth watching
Trevor T.
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Rachel W.
says
I guess a bit of a moral story on drug use and what it can lead to, a little depressing but I enjoyed it. Some great actors.
Bradley H.
says
Lisa T.
says
Great aussie cast. Cate Blanchett is exceptional in her portrayal of a clean junkie trying to move forward with her life. Her mannerisms, body language, accent and facial expressions are spot on for the character she plays. All in all, great acting, bleak, but realistic subject matter.
Natalie T.
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David H.
says
Could not understand the plot and it more than a bit sleazy.
Ann B.
says
could not be bothered finishing it
Marvyn F.
says
reccomended only for award winning performances, too depressing and left a sense of futility and hopelessness.
Kelly G.
says
This film is a great Aussie piece, extremely well acted and worth watching if you can stomach the world of the heroin addict.
Sam S.
says
Really slow movie couldn't really get into it. Not my cup of tea.
kidds
says
What a waste of time watching this one - even on fast forward it took too long to stumble to a poor ending. The story just rambled with no good moments and no obvious message other than "don't do drugs". Some good acting but not enough to encourage anyone to persist to the end.
Jose B.
says
Wendy H.
says
It's one to watch to make your own decisons. It was ok, wouldn't rave over it myself
smeggers
says
A terrific Aussie film about a rarely seen topic. Cate Blanchett never feels to blow me away, an amazing actress and a gorgeous human being.
Denise T.
says
A bit Confusing wont watch this again.More To Do With Dope.
Chris D.
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Steven F.
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David B.
says
Solid second outing for Rowan Woods - great performances - gripping story
Mema G.
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Dianne K.
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Judith C.
says
Good acting but too much swearing for us.Melancholy movie, not one to watch if you want to feel good.
Robert G.
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Ronald T.
says
Good gritty Aussie drama.
Craig E.
says
great australian movie with excellent aussie cast.
Alan L.
says
Maybe not the best Aussie film ever made, but it's along way from the worst.
Worth a watch.
Andrew L.
says
What a waste of a rental! Tedious characters, to whom I could not relate. Never has the fast-forward button on my DVD player received so much use.
William E.
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Wendy R.
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Andrew P.
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Lesley E.
says
This movie was difficult to get into but once you work out the story it's ok
Andrew H.
says
One of the better Aussie films of recent times. The acting is the standout, and it is no surprise when the cast features Cate Blanchett, Hugo Weaving and Sam Neill. Hugo Weaving plays a junkie to perfection and Sam Neill is a little to real as the crime boss with a particular "bent". But far and away, Noni Hazlehurst is the best performer in this movie. Very realistic performances.
W Roger K.
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Cathy A.
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Catherine G.
says
Great Australian cast. Watch the extras too.
Catherine G.
says
Great Australian cast. Watch the extras too.
Marie M.
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Kevman
says
Cate Blanchett is as endearing as ever.
Philip H.
says
Excellent cast but what were they thinking when they rolled up to perform in this drivel
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Melanie C.
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Debra W.
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Martin B.
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Joanna P.
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Colin K.
says
Bit depressing and slow.
Anthony B.
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Colleen R.
says
very boring
Kerrie B.
says
It was gripping in that you wondered how such a bunch of people coped with the everyday. Cate Blanchett & Hugo Weaving were outstanding!
Catherine W.
says
Love Cate Blanchett, but a depressing movie. Great acting.
John B.
says
Rob
says
I realise it is sacrilege to knock Australian icons like Cate Blanchett & Sam Neill, but I found this movie pretentious & dreary. Yes, yes, the story is all very uplifting & noble, girl goes off rails, girl struggles with "life", girl comes good, but the whole thing was a muddle from the start. Hugo Weaving couldn't make up his mind how he wanted to play the so-called "gay" character, which role was never clearly defined, & Sam Neill obviously wished he was somewhere else, far, far away, & just walked through the part. Cate Blanchett was frankly wasted in her part, she has done far superior work in many far better movies. And surely it's about time writers realised that using the "F" word does not shock any more - it seemed every second word was "f..." & it was boring.
Susan D.
says
was ok, a little slow for my liking
Susan D.
says
very hard to make up my mind, on the one hand, enjoyable but hard to follow and the storyline had an unsatisfying ending.
Raylea W.
says
Very vague and hard to keep up with who was who and why. Wouldn't recommend it, though I loooove Cate Blanchett.
Suzannah E.
says
Interesting concept, however too little information is given to engage the viewer.
Lorene J.
says
If you like Aussie movies you'll enjoy this.
June C.
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Pip S.
says
Slow with a terrible ending
Naomi O.
says
Fantastic acting, insightful storyline.
Karen M.
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Peter S.
says
Outstanding local production, amazing ensemble cast being uncomfortably believable. Gritty.
Christine M.
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pt
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Nathan C.
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martyjoe67
says
Stellar Aussie cast could not make up for the dreary plot - nothing new to offer on done to death themes about how drugs seriously mess with your lives. Could not recommend. Disappointing.
Peter L.
says
Heidi K.
says
As a counselling student this movie really hits home the plight of many clean addicts who are just wanting a break and trying to stay clean and productive. Great movie.
Kirsty B.
says
SSSlllooowww, plot was everywhere. There's an hour and a half of my life I won't get back!
goldsy47
says
At first we were a bit disappointed but then we really started to get what was happening and we were disappointed when it had finished- there was definitely too much of the "f" word for us but i guess this portrays the real druggies life.
Marg O.
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Maureen E.
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Darren W.
says
Great performances from a great cast. The rest of the movie was rubbish. This movie tries too hard - it's slow and takes you nowhere.
russell1981
says
Incredibly powerful film from Woods, his first since "The Boys", and Blanchett's first Australian film since "Thank God He Met Lizzie". And while Blanchett is very good in the lead role, her role is fairly straight, at least relative to Weaving?s and Hazlehurst's. Both latter actors are at their very best; Weaving in particular has probably never been better, in his portrayal of an ex-sporting hero-turned-heroin junkie. The film's least convincing moments are the crime scenes, but thankfully they don't overtake the film's main focus, which is the lives of a small sample of the Parramatta population. Brilliant.
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Carrie M.
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Eddie M.
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This is rubbish. The film is slow, the story line goes nowhere. It's a real waste of Cate Blanchett's ability to even walk onto this set! It's a pity that Australia continues to produce such rubbish.
Dale
says
Obviously the competition for the AFI awards was pretty thin this year if Little Fish scooped the pool. Really disappointing. Not even the big stars can save it from cliche and grating Ockerdom.
Lynda G.
says
Excellent, real life protrayal with superb cast and characters (except perhaps Sam Neill who was not so believable in the role). Very confronting!