RATING★ TBA
WORTH IT? NO
Große Fische, kleine Fische backdrop
🏆

Expert Review & Ratings

See our full critical analysis and audience score for Große Fische, kleine Fische.

View Review →
WORTH WATCHING: MIXED
Editorial Verified

Is Große Fische, kleine Fische Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2015)

Long-time friends Paul and Fiete are two traditional fishermen in a rapidly changing world. Of the long-established seafarers in their small Baltic Sea village, which the overzealous mayor wants to turn into a tourist stronghold, they are the last ones who still go out to sea every day. However, when Paul finds out by chance one day that Fiete, not he, is the biological father of his son Piet, their close friendship suddenly seems to come to an abrupt end. From then on, the two of them come up with more and more nasty things to make life difficult for the other. Piet, who has returned to his home country and is completely unaware of the situation, ends up in the middle of this petty war.

Advertisement

✨ The Quick Verdict

SKIP IT

If you are a fan of Comedy cinema, then Große Fische, kleine Fische offers a standard experience that justifies its existence in the 2015 landscape.

Advertisement

👥 Target Audience

Fans of Comedy films
casual viewers seeking light entertainment

📔 Detailed Analysis

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 2015, Große Fische, kleine Fische represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Comedy category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Long-time friends Paul and Fiete are two traditional fishermen in a rapidly changing world. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Comedy are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Long-time friends Paul and Fiete are two traditional fishermen in a rapidly changing world. Of the long-established seafarers in their small Baltic Sea village, which the overzealous mayor wants to turn into a tourist stronghold, they are the last ones who still go out to sea every day. However, when Paul finds out by chance one day that Fiete, not he, is the biological father of his son Piet, their close friendship suddenly seems to come to an abrupt end. From then on, the two of them come up with more and more nasty things to make life difficult for the other. Piet, who has returned to his home country and is completely unaware of the situation, ends up in the middle of this petty war."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Despite the inherent talent of Dietmar Bär, the performance in Große Fische, kleine Fische feels somewhat constrained by a narrative framework that doesn't fully exploit their range. There are flashes of brilliance, but the overall impact is muted.

The direction by Jochen Alexander Freydank is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its N/A minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Große Fische, kleine Fische truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Comedy, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Große Fische, kleine Fische explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2015 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Jochen Alexander Freydank respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Große Fische, kleine Fische is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Dietmar Bär or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Große Fische, kleine Fische is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.

Official movieMx Verdict: INTERESTING - VIEW WITH CAUTION
Advertisement