The Big Blue

This movie is the most fantastic contemplation of earth paradise in existence.

First it's imperative that we notice one major difference: the short version and the "version longue" are two completely different films. From tip to toe. I only knew this film previously in its short version. Yesterday I bought the "version longue" in my local FNAC store without subtitles (it's rare these days).

And.................... I fell in love with everything about it, stunned and mesmerized, being at the same time riddled by the way that the short version lost all sense, in comparison with the "longue" version. You can think of an integral version like a way to stuff a film with pictures, but in this movie we have the feeling that the movie was intended to have 164 minutes, and not nearly two.

And you can picture the transformation that occurred in my perception of this film, as I passed from that mutilated, full-screen, mono-sound version to a full, widescreen and hi-fi version. This is why "Le Grand Bleu" passed from just a movie by Luc Besson to the greatest movie of my greatest director.

My perception is that this is the great underwater epic he always wanted to make. And he achieves it in every way, specially letting the audience identify themselves with it.

Perhaps my favorite Besson movie was "The Fifth Element" (I like them all), but after having the privilege of experiencing this fantastic, beautiful, stunning, vivid and moving film, "The Big Blue" passed from one of the medium levels to definitely the top one. The characters all gained strength, the underwater scenes all made sense, the previous movie was completely backed up, and the feeling that this movie was a contemplative journey gained finally its place.

I gave it a 10 out of 10, not for the US version (how can they even think of erasing Eric Serra's score?!?!?) which, for its mutilations, deserved a 1, but for the version longue, which is the only way the movie shall be seen. What a masterpiece! After I saw this movie, I rewinded it thinking that my only wish is that one day I get to take part on such an experience, being there, dreaming and sharing my dream with everyone who would like to share it with me. Perhaps one day, a beautiful blue day...

This was my 3rd stop (2nd real stop, I have decided not to count Fifth Element)into the world of Luc Besson, and i have to say I was mightily impressed, Leon is still topping my list, I was absolutely blown away by that, but it is almost impossible to compare the two as they are completely different in mood and genre. For anyone wanting to watch a fantastic dream of a film, with absorbing characters, true love in all its forms and some awesome underwater photography then this is for you! The characters are all formed perfectly, almost exaggerated but not, Jean Reno is his usual astounding self, and Jean-Marc Barr really out does himself, with Rosanna Arquette in a superb supporting roll. the story ambles along at its own pace but never stops or gets dull keeping you interested along the way, I don't want to go too much into it as it was kind of spoiled for my by reading too much of these boards, needless to say I was crying at one point, and that doesn't happen often. The score compliments the film perfectly, Eric Serra has done a wonderfully emotive score that almost interacts with the scenes along the way.

Overall I'd give this film a 9/10, yet again awesome direction, acting and soundtrack, and definitely in my top films! just a shame i've borrowed it off a mate and have to give it back tomorrow, it's definitely something i could watch again and again!

The film starts with an island view in black and white Greece. Throughout the film I encounter wonderful scenes. Blue color is peaceful and watching the endless expanse of the Mediterranean is enjoyable. I was very happy for acting. I think that people who are interested in diving and the sea should not go on without watching. The final scene was very impressive. It is a very beautiful film that brings happiness and sadness together.

I thought the friendship was genuine and interesting and so was the romance. The movie wasn't about diving or competition.

Many critics get the 2 main male characters wrong. Interpreting them as unlikable. Reno's character is arrogant and conceited. Barr's character is withdrawn, aloof, and madly unresponsive to Arquette's obvious affection.

The magic of the movie is all about the characters imperfections and their respective bonds. It's about imperfect people and their perfect bond with each other.

I find all 3 characters genuine and likable. Their flaws are what make them genuine and interesting. The arrogant conceited Reno is pationate and deeply involved in his family and close relationships. Barr is an introverted self-contained personality, perhaps further withdrawn into himself by tragedy that leaves him without family other than dolphins and the sea. The unbreakable bond between Barr and Reno started with the tragic accident to Barr's father and witnessed by Reno.

I got this movie when it was released on VHS and watched it 20 times. I always liked the movie, but haven't seen it in around 30 years. My VHS is long gone, but I want to see this movie again. There are not many movies I watched 30 years ago and want to see again.

The critics run wild over this movie. They certainly did when it was released. I don't mind liking a movie more than the critics do, especially after reading their reviews. Diving is boring, they don't get it.

I was prompted to write this review after reading a review saying the movie was about undiagnosed mental illness. Well, only if everyone has an undiagnosed mental illness. Actually, maybe, everyone is a little mentally ill. Nobody is perfect and imperfect characters are the most interesting.

For me the grand bleu is something unique...i have never seen a movie were everybody has the same love for the sea,and for their sport... Even if the movie is from 1988...it is still one of a kind!!! Go and see it yourself!! When i lived in France in 1989..everybody was talking about Le Grand Bleu...I still have the music.. And a poster on the toilet..

It remindes me of the good old time.. I have also the movie version long on DVD...it is so beautiful!! You will laugh and cry during Le Grand Bleu. Find out for yourself what your impression is, and you wont be disappointed!