We really enjoyed this movie for its striking animation, fantastic and beautiful worlds, and likable characters. Although the original language and mythological themes are Chinese, the animation was done by Studio Mir, based in South Korea, which also worked on the Legend of Korra. Almost all of the Chinese animated epics deal with how the characters (often gods, spirits, or demigods) relate to heaven; in Big Fish & Begonia, the alternative universe is under the earth, or, more precisely, under the sea. We also noticed a lot of allusions to Studio Ghibli, above all Spirited Away, especially in some of the characters (for example the steward of souls was like a male version of the witch who runs the bathhouse). Plus the strong female lead character whose story is nevertheless closely tied to a romantic interest.
41 Reviews
A Milestone of Chinese Animation
Riley-H20 July 2016
I have not watched a film made in China for quite a long time even if I am Chinese myself. Our film industry still has a long way to go. However, I am deeply impressed by the creative story and the perfect combination of 2D and 3D animation of DaYuHaiTang, and I personally consider the film as a revolutionary art piece.
Through the story, the film emphasize the relationship of our life and our dreams. It encourages us to stick to what we eager for, to what we believe, even when the environment is against us. In the movie, Kun is the symbol of our dreams. It grows, it flies, and its life is tightly related to the one who raises it. We are born to achieve something, if the goal in our life isn't achieved eventually, our life is meaningless. Be brave and go ahead, that's what the film wants to teach us.
The movie contains many Chinese traditional elements, which has seldom been seen before. I am also glad to see that Chinese animation has finally started to focus on how to move audience emotionally. However, there are many shortcomings as well. The film has a good story, but it failed to tell it well. The plot goes too fast at the beginning, and too slow at the end. Besides, a lot of redundant words can be found during conversations. Maybe the film crew should do something about that in their next movie.
The film did a great job, but it's the audience in the cinema that let me down. I was shocked to see many people laughing mockingly at the characters at some meaningful scenes just because it seems funny to them. Some people are even insulting the film and the characters on the Internet as well. In my opinion, whether a film is good or not, it is an art piece, and it is the result of the film crew's diligence and creativity. We should talk about the strong points and drawbacks of the film objectively, not insulting it without thinking deeply. The poor moral quality of the audience can be seen in those rude remarks. The Chinese animation industry is developing rapidly, it's the audience ability to appreciate films that failed to keep up.
Through the story, the film emphasize the relationship of our life and our dreams. It encourages us to stick to what we eager for, to what we believe, even when the environment is against us. In the movie, Kun is the symbol of our dreams. It grows, it flies, and its life is tightly related to the one who raises it. We are born to achieve something, if the goal in our life isn't achieved eventually, our life is meaningless. Be brave and go ahead, that's what the film wants to teach us.
The movie contains many Chinese traditional elements, which has seldom been seen before. I am also glad to see that Chinese animation has finally started to focus on how to move audience emotionally. However, there are many shortcomings as well. The film has a good story, but it failed to tell it well. The plot goes too fast at the beginning, and too slow at the end. Besides, a lot of redundant words can be found during conversations. Maybe the film crew should do something about that in their next movie.
The film did a great job, but it's the audience in the cinema that let me down. I was shocked to see many people laughing mockingly at the characters at some meaningful scenes just because it seems funny to them. Some people are even insulting the film and the characters on the Internet as well. In my opinion, whether a film is good or not, it is an art piece, and it is the result of the film crew's diligence and creativity. We should talk about the strong points and drawbacks of the film objectively, not insulting it without thinking deeply. The poor moral quality of the audience can be seen in those rude remarks. The Chinese animation industry is developing rapidly, it's the audience ability to appreciate films that failed to keep up.
Unfortunately a Narrative Mess 😞
charles-limcw4 November 2018
Visually pleasing and technically well executed enough, this Chinese animation started off with loads of promises but very soon fall into a narrative mess with no meaningful nor discernible plot flow, with characters introduced from nowhere then uncerimoniously dropped for no reason.
Character motivation is at best flimsy and perplexing to the point the viewer no longer has any motivation to stay engaged.
Very unfortunate this animation was decimated by the egoistic desire to show off the visual technicalities with scan attention paid to a meaningful plot with characters who can engage viewers ... instead what we have is a pointless rainbow of visuals and memes which go nowhere.
And to then get the usual bunch of paid 10* hustler-reviewers to put in their cheap adoration ... just salt into wound :(
What a missed opportunity! 😭😭😰😡😠🙁
Character motivation is at best flimsy and perplexing to the point the viewer no longer has any motivation to stay engaged.
Very unfortunate this animation was decimated by the egoistic desire to show off the visual technicalities with scan attention paid to a meaningful plot with characters who can engage viewers ... instead what we have is a pointless rainbow of visuals and memes which go nowhere.
And to then get the usual bunch of paid 10* hustler-reviewers to put in their cheap adoration ... just salt into wound :(
What a missed opportunity! 😭😭😰😡😠🙁
Less Miyazaki, more Chinese please
gollerandreas11 July 2016
I had the chance to see "Big Fish and Begonia" in the cinema yesterday. I was a little bit disappointed. Liang created a beautiful fantasy world and quite an original story background. Also the animations look fantastic. There are indeed many things to like about this movie. So it's all the more of a shame that the story is not very well told. Cuts between scenes always seems to come at the wrong moment and a lot of the characters and dialogues are redundant in regard to the main story. A lot of the movie is just a chain of depictions of cute little details in Liang's fantasy world. It feels a little bit like he tries so hard to be Miyazaki that he forgets all about the plot. Because of this, it's hard to get a feel for the movie. Which is a shame because it had a lot of potential. I hope that Liang's future works will try less to be Miyazaki and dare to be more Chinese. Although this movie may not be great, it might well be the start of a new age in Chinese animation cinema. I recommend this movie to people who are hugely into Chinese cinema and/or animation films. Otherwise, wait for something more worthwhile.
Great technical achievement with some uneasy narrative problems
max4movie6 December 2017
Full Review on my blog max4movies: The art direction and quality of Da Yu Hai Tang (international title: "Big Fish & Begonia") really help to present a fantastic view on some classic Chinese folktales. The overall narrative possibilities are amazing and could provide for so much more plot, however some key moments fall short because of mediocre pacing and/or editing, and sub-par character writing.
Characters so stupid I wanted them to die
audreyladocki29 August 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Oh my gosh. What a terrible film! Where do I even start? Ok warning, spoilers ahead. The characters control the human world and send their children there for a week as giant red dolphins. So they put the portal they have to return through next to an enormous fishing net. In the human world. That they control. What could possibly go wrong??? Begonia has to pick the human soul she's saving from identical fish which, we are told, bear no resemblance to their human selves. Oh except for this rather handy identical scar roll eyes. And her life will end when he returns, they just don't tell her that. And her friend is completely in love with her, he just doesn't tell her that. And her mum bins the fish she trades half her life for, she just doesn't tell her that. Like, really? You all have magical powers but you can't have a conversation about anything? Ever?? Not even really important stuff like dying??? But of course they can't go back because rat lady took the item from the human world and you need one of those to get there, although none of them needed one to get there that started this whole mess in the first place. And obviously this is going to cause their whole world to end because the human soul, from the human world, that they control, that they brought back, with THEIR OWN MAGIC, is in their world so they're all going to die. By this point I really wanted them to, because they're all so stupid they deserve to die!!! Just have a conversation people!!! And of course the guy that loves her trades HIS life so she can go to the human world. But no, he's not going to TELL her that, of course not, he's just going to spring it on her at the last minute so she can be all like no no, I don't want to live in the human world. Good. Just all go die then because you're all so stupid.
Appreciate At A Teen's POV, Not An Adult's
rosavalentineroseland18 July 2016
Warning: Spoilers
When I walked out of the cinema last Sunday, I heard a man said to his girlfriend behind me, 'A waste of money, innit?' Many people says that. I've read a review before watching it, and the reviewer mainly held that the scenes were certainly beautiful, and we could see that the crew had dedicated all for it, but according to the plot, Chun ignored her family, her friends, ignored Qiu who genuinely loved her, even her entire world, to pay the life back to a human boy who had once saved her, and this needed to be reconsidered. Well, I admit that this animation is not perfect, whether it's the plot, or the characters, or the pictures. But I feel that this work should be judged in a purer way, and not to focus too much on whether the deeds of Chun were 'worthy' or not. The concept of 'worthy' is different for a teen and an adult, and here, for a sixteen-year-old girl, what she did was worthy. It's extremely childish, childishly selfish, but it's what she believed was right, and she wasn't all unreasonable. Let's think in another way. What were all the grown-ups doing? Trying to eliminate Kun. Why? Because he saved Chun, and Chun wanted to pay her debt of gratitude, which caused all the disorders of their world. Was this reasonable then? Couldn't they spare a bit of the effort they paid to kill Kun to hold the situation back when it first became urgent? They probably could. Chun actually stopped the sky from cracking by giving everything she had to her grandpa. If all others had stood together like how they built the bridge, it probably would have costed less to do it. But they gave their all to kill another life they thought was blamable, and if they had succeeded, Chun would have died too, and they would be sad and would regret, and someone else would lose half a lifetime to bring her back. In fact, no one in this entire animation was absolutely reasonable, neither there was in the real world. I suggest that we put the adult logic away for a while, and appreciate the effort the crew paid and the pure 'life for life' values. I'm not comparing it to other Chinese animations because I haven't watched them, but it deserves 3 stars for pictures, 3 stars for voice and music, and 1 star for thestory.
An Amazing Movie
d-5777428 July 2016
I heard about Big fish & begonia (Da Hai) in 2013 and I was shocked by the 5-minute trailer at that time. At first sight I thought it was a Ghibli movie again, but then I learned about that the core story got some inspiration from some ancient Chinese proses, such as "A Leisurely Tour" by Chuang-tzu and ShanHai Jing. As a Chinese, I know I can't describe my feeling perfectly in English, but I just want to say that Big Fish & Begonia (Da Hai) is a very moving and wonderful movie which can make me cry every time. It tells a story about salvation, love and growth. It's totally Chinese, from these good pictures to the touching story. I hope one day the movie can be released in some other countries, so that more and more audience can enjoy its beauty and be moved by it.
Too much like Studio Ghibli, with convoluted story!
pointman-723 August 2018
View this movie on Shout! released Blu-ray disc. I very much would love to like this movie, but creativity is one big problem here. Animations were well done but just too much like Studio Ghibli animations - including movements and features of the characters (just look at Kun sister).
There is also a problem with the story. Even though the producers/director claimed that it was "inspired" by Chinese mythology, there is nothing much recognisable for me here, even though I am Chinese. It doesn't help when help that Chun, the main character said that she don't believe in God, yet they themselves have some kind of magical powers.This magical-powered beings were just being referred as "The Other". What was that? Why with all the power they have, they couldn't stop the flood?
I also viewed the Bonus Features, and understood that it creator had been through a lot just to make the film, but that is no excuse for the convoluted script (could this be the reason why he had problem in finding investor). Is it because China is a communist country where they were warn not to lick the script with any religion? I wonder.
Yes, it got beautiful imagery, animations, and great score from Kiyoshi Yoshida. Yet, this movie is more of a copy of Studio Ghibli (especially Spirited Away! Just look at all the cute creatures). It kind of sad to see China animation ended up like that. They did much better work before. I am not surprise that it received divided reviews in China.
There is also a problem with the story. Even though the producers/director claimed that it was "inspired" by Chinese mythology, there is nothing much recognisable for me here, even though I am Chinese. It doesn't help when help that Chun, the main character said that she don't believe in God, yet they themselves have some kind of magical powers.This magical-powered beings were just being referred as "The Other". What was that? Why with all the power they have, they couldn't stop the flood?
I also viewed the Bonus Features, and understood that it creator had been through a lot just to make the film, but that is no excuse for the convoluted script (could this be the reason why he had problem in finding investor). Is it because China is a communist country where they were warn not to lick the script with any religion? I wonder.
Yes, it got beautiful imagery, animations, and great score from Kiyoshi Yoshida. Yet, this movie is more of a copy of Studio Ghibli (especially Spirited Away! Just look at all the cute creatures). It kind of sad to see China animation ended up like that. They did much better work before. I am not surprise that it received divided reviews in China.
One of the most amazing films I have ever seen, animated or otherwise
manuelasaez25 March 2017
The standard for animated excellence is usually boiled down to how well it compares to a Ghibli film. No other studio makes animated films with such vision, creativity and originality. I was shocked to find a similar work ethic in this Chinese film, and I have to say, if they keep it up, we actually might have another contender to the throne. This movie does so many things right, that I could go on and on taking up valuable site space, so I'll just condense my review to as simple a review as possible; Watch this movie by any means necessary. The animation is beautiful the story is touching, the music is transcendent. It is a marvel of modern storytelling, and it deserves to be seen by everyone with a pulse. SEE THIS MOVIE.
Seriously.
Seriously.
Great animation department, not so much in the story department
ashild-blovvig17 October 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Slight spoilers, though nothing big.
First of all, it's refreshing to see a Chinese language animation for once. There is so little good Chinese media coming out that I'm happy this exists.
The good things: the animation is very good, a little bland when it comes to the drawing style, but incredibly creative in what it's telling. I really appreciate the Chinese style of mythology and depictions, and there is so much to look at. I also admire them for trying a less generic story.
Now, the story... It's quite messy, unfortunately. There is so Mich happening so quickly, and I can see the animators and storytellers wanting to make an epic story and want to tell so many things, but they try to fit too much into this story. The pacing is incredibly fast, there is at least four or five moments trying to be very emotional and important, but because of the pacing, they lose all their importance.
There is no real villain in this story, which is not a problem, but even when the movie tries to tell me things are at great stake, it doesn't feel like it. Drama also sometimes appear out of nowhere, especially in relation to Qiu.
The relationship between the two main characters is also really hard to pinpoint. There are some good moments, sometimes also moments that do feel real. But again, everything happens too fast, and they act as if they've known each other for years, when it's gone just a couple of days(?). I just don't believe their relationship.
One little note is the score. It's super intense and emotional, and is mostly the typical classical score. But there are a couple of instances where suddenly there's an electric guitar chiming in and it does not fit at all! If it was sci fi or something similar, maybe it would, but not in this overwhelmingly fantasy land.
I hope they do continue animating, because there is such potential here, but it's only the animation saving it from me giving it a 4 star. But if they get some proper writing in, this can be China's (or Taiwan's) new great animation department.
One of the best animations among these years
i-7351718 July 2016
It's not only a movie about love,but also a movie about dedication and toredeem.It's not clearly said what it want to show,but if you see the second time,it will be better.So i think it's a good movie. Some people who only see the movie one time is hard to make a gooe comment,because it's so obscure that hard to see.Da Hai is not like the movies made by Hollywood,it like a novel more,which want the viewers to watch twice or more in order to understand it.When I see some people think the love story in the movie is very unpleasant,I really want to tell them:it's better for you to see the twice time,because it never tell a love story,but a philosophy story.
cat and mouse
ferguson-65 April 2018
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.
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.
missed the mark where it matters.
mig-csh16 December 2018
The graphics, animations and scores were very stunning- in this aspect 10/10
however the story and character developement were lacking. chun and kun's relation were clearly lacking chemistry no matter how hard the director tried. as a result, they gave us a really annoying & selfish main character. at the end of the show, i felt sad and disappointed at the same time
this could have been a masterpiece
kokomo1239 May 2021
Beautiful animation and some pretty creative decisions wasted. Unfortunately most things that happen here are incoherent and have neither, even magical, explanation, some are repetitive and boring. This movie feels like a sequel to another movie or a tv show which set some rules, provided background to the story and explained the nature of the world.
A pleasure for the eyes, a pain for the brain
vbertola22 February 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Let's start from the good things: the setting of the movie, the backgrounds, the colours, the natural phenomena are awesome, well conceived and breathtakingly well executed.
And that's pretty much it.
The character design, for example, is bland: visually, they look like a rip-off of an average TV animation series from the mid '00s (Avatar The Last Airbender, anyone?). They are neither ugly nor beautiful, they are unmemorable; you won't like or even remember any of the supporting characters, and even the protagonists are sort of indistinct.
But then, there's the plot. This is where the movie goes horribly wrong. You see, if even the director thinks that he has to add a panel at the very end with a sign telling you what the story means, it's the sign that the screenwriting had big problems. It took me a day and several cycles of fridge logic to realize that this movie is supposed to be about the cycle of seasons, with Chun representing the spring and Qiu representing the autumn, and so this explains the climax (spoiler ahead) in which Qiu dies to allow Chun to be born again (no winter apparently in China). I don't think I am stupid, and perhaps for Chinese viewers this would be more obvious, but this had totally escaped me and even the panel at the end came out of the blue and immediately went away.
While you watch it, the movie rather seems to be about a rotten love triangle in which Qiu, the strong, beautiful, courageous boy, gets horribly friendzoned again and again by this dumb, hateable girl that makes a stupid thing after another after having fallen for a well built fisherman that she saw only once, but you know, he goes around naked and flexing his muscles, so how not to fall for him? He's the kind of guy that must have a Harley in the backyard. You will end up hating Chun for how she mistreats Qiu, exploiting him again and again to fix all her mistakes until getting him to die for her.
And then, there are the plot devices. Terrible plot devices, badly thought out, unbelievable in the bad sense. Such as the Rat Lady stealing the dolphin flute because it is required to travel to the human world, except that the dolphin flute has already appeared a dozen times without anyone mentioning this, and that the protagonist has already travelled to the human world without it or any other human object. Or the god-girl-turned-dolphin sent by the gods to watch the humans for seven days, except that the vortex to bring her back home is positioned exactly near to a superstrong fishing net that is several kilometers long and that she cannot avoid. Or the fact that when Chun is first shown magically growing begonias, Qiu is shown magically growing an orange; in hindsight, this was trying to hint us at the fact that he represents the autumn, but its only effect when viewing the movie was to make me think that all the kids in the village can magically grow stuff. Or the fact that when Chun's mother inadvertingly throws away the human turned fish, Chun reveals her the truth, but then nothing happens, nobody mentions it again and the mother disappears as a character and reappears only at the end of the movie. Of course, with all these blunders it is almost impossible to understand the story or to build any empathy for what is happening.
In the end, you may think that this is a bad movie. It is not, and for all its faults, it is ok to watch and it will give you some good moments. But please, let's stop mentioning Miyazaki at every promotional occasion; perhaps these people wanted to be Studio Ghibli, but they completely missed one of Miyazaki's great marks - the ability to express complexity in simple ways without losing its depth, and to express deep concepts through immediate emotions. So, if you want to see a really good Chinese animation franchise, go watch Luoxiaohei instead.
And that's pretty much it.
The character design, for example, is bland: visually, they look like a rip-off of an average TV animation series from the mid '00s (Avatar The Last Airbender, anyone?). They are neither ugly nor beautiful, they are unmemorable; you won't like or even remember any of the supporting characters, and even the protagonists are sort of indistinct.
But then, there's the plot. This is where the movie goes horribly wrong. You see, if even the director thinks that he has to add a panel at the very end with a sign telling you what the story means, it's the sign that the screenwriting had big problems. It took me a day and several cycles of fridge logic to realize that this movie is supposed to be about the cycle of seasons, with Chun representing the spring and Qiu representing the autumn, and so this explains the climax (spoiler ahead) in which Qiu dies to allow Chun to be born again (no winter apparently in China). I don't think I am stupid, and perhaps for Chinese viewers this would be more obvious, but this had totally escaped me and even the panel at the end came out of the blue and immediately went away.
While you watch it, the movie rather seems to be about a rotten love triangle in which Qiu, the strong, beautiful, courageous boy, gets horribly friendzoned again and again by this dumb, hateable girl that makes a stupid thing after another after having fallen for a well built fisherman that she saw only once, but you know, he goes around naked and flexing his muscles, so how not to fall for him? He's the kind of guy that must have a Harley in the backyard. You will end up hating Chun for how she mistreats Qiu, exploiting him again and again to fix all her mistakes until getting him to die for her.
And then, there are the plot devices. Terrible plot devices, badly thought out, unbelievable in the bad sense. Such as the Rat Lady stealing the dolphin flute because it is required to travel to the human world, except that the dolphin flute has already appeared a dozen times without anyone mentioning this, and that the protagonist has already travelled to the human world without it or any other human object. Or the god-girl-turned-dolphin sent by the gods to watch the humans for seven days, except that the vortex to bring her back home is positioned exactly near to a superstrong fishing net that is several kilometers long and that she cannot avoid. Or the fact that when Chun is first shown magically growing begonias, Qiu is shown magically growing an orange; in hindsight, this was trying to hint us at the fact that he represents the autumn, but its only effect when viewing the movie was to make me think that all the kids in the village can magically grow stuff. Or the fact that when Chun's mother inadvertingly throws away the human turned fish, Chun reveals her the truth, but then nothing happens, nobody mentions it again and the mother disappears as a character and reappears only at the end of the movie. Of course, with all these blunders it is almost impossible to understand the story or to build any empathy for what is happening.
In the end, you may think that this is a bad movie. It is not, and for all its faults, it is ok to watch and it will give you some good moments. But please, let's stop mentioning Miyazaki at every promotional occasion; perhaps these people wanted to be Studio Ghibli, but they completely missed one of Miyazaki's great marks - the ability to express complexity in simple ways without losing its depth, and to express deep concepts through immediate emotions. So, if you want to see a really good Chinese animation franchise, go watch Luoxiaohei instead.
An Unforgettably beautiful Anime'. Utterly mesmerizing!
siddsarkar-48-45955418 August 2018
This is one of the greatest and most beautiful Anime' films I have ever seen. This is way up there in the same league as the greatest creations from Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli like 'Spirited Away'. This is a delightful surprise coming from a Mainland China Animation Studio.
Breathtakingly beautiful, magical animation! A hauntingly beautiful background score. An awesomely gripping and mesmerizingly beautiful storyline and screenplay. Absolutely brilliant English language dubbing! The intense human drama and emotional appeal of the film touches you to the core and leaves a lasting impression. Simply unforgettable! A masterpiece! Worth seeing again and again.
Very highly recommended.
A beautiful movie
y-516365 October 2016
A beautiful movie, this is rare in China in recent years，however，it was treated unfairly in china,so i come here to back Da Hai.I hope you can also love this movie. I don't want to say other words,my English is poor but 10 lines needed， so i chose to copy
I heard about Big fish & begonia (Da Hai) in 2013 and I was shocked by the 5-minute trailer at that time. At first sight I thought it was a Ghibli movie again, but then I learned about that the core story got some inspiration from some ancient Chinese proses, such as "A Leisurely Tour" by Chuang-tzu and ShanHai Jing. As a Chinese, I know I can't describe my feeling perfectly in English, but I just want to say that Big Fish & Begonia (Da Hai) is a very moving and wonderful movie which can make me cry every time. It tells a story about salvation, love and growth. It's totally Chinese, from these good pictures to the touching story. I hope one day the movie can be released in some other countries, so that more and more audience can enjoy its beauty and be moved by it.
I heard about Big fish & begonia (Da Hai) in 2013 and I was shocked by the 5-minute trailer at that time. At first sight I thought it was a Ghibli movie again, but then I learned about that the core story got some inspiration from some ancient Chinese proses, such as "A Leisurely Tour" by Chuang-tzu and ShanHai Jing. As a Chinese, I know I can't describe my feeling perfectly in English, but I just want to say that Big Fish & Begonia (Da Hai) is a very moving and wonderful movie which can make me cry every time. It tells a story about salvation, love and growth. It's totally Chinese, from these good pictures to the touching story. I hope one day the movie can be released in some other countries, so that more and more audience can enjoy its beauty and be moved by it.
Masterpiece
cristinaturcanemail25 April 2022
Unnecessarily convoluted story. Characters I didn't care for.
rmarkd26 July 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Chun is a girl that's pat of "The Others" -- more than human, less than god beings who manipulate our world, or something. She's at the age where she can visit our world as a red dolphin for 7 days and has to return... for reasons. While a dolphin she apparently falls for a boy, Kun, who saves dolphin-her but ends up dying.
Back in her world, she revives him as a baby dolphin along with her friend Qiu, who secretly loves her. She trades half her life to revive him, but I guess reviving him causes the apocalypse in her world, or something.
Anyway, she brings up dolphin Kun, her world goes all crazy, Qiu sacrifices his life to save her, she ends up dying to save her world, but doesn't die because Qiu saved her, but she has no powers and has to leave her world, or something.
Qiu dies, she and Kun return to our world, now both as humans, and I guess they live happily ever after.
End credits scene shows Qiu revived to take the role of, oh, I don't care anymore.
The story is just a mess. I felt no connection to any characters. Qiu's unrequited love for Chun could have been interesting, but it was telegraphed and forced. This movie felt like a chore to get through rather than something I enjoyed.
I assume this movie will be compared to Hayao Miyazaki movies and there simply is no comparison. Movies like Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, Ponyo just have that magic that this movie didn't capture.
Disappointing 4/10 for me. Maybe I was in the wrong mood for this movie? I'm usually not so far off the average IMDB rating.
Back in her world, she revives him as a baby dolphin along with her friend Qiu, who secretly loves her. She trades half her life to revive him, but I guess reviving him causes the apocalypse in her world, or something.
Anyway, she brings up dolphin Kun, her world goes all crazy, Qiu sacrifices his life to save her, she ends up dying to save her world, but doesn't die because Qiu saved her, but she has no powers and has to leave her world, or something.
Qiu dies, she and Kun return to our world, now both as humans, and I guess they live happily ever after.
End credits scene shows Qiu revived to take the role of, oh, I don't care anymore.
The story is just a mess. I felt no connection to any characters. Qiu's unrequited love for Chun could have been interesting, but it was telegraphed and forced. This movie felt like a chore to get through rather than something I enjoyed.
I assume this movie will be compared to Hayao Miyazaki movies and there simply is no comparison. Movies like Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, Ponyo just have that magic that this movie didn't capture.
Disappointing 4/10 for me. Maybe I was in the wrong mood for this movie? I'm usually not so far off the average IMDB rating.
fantastic fusion of arts
akimboteen30 November 2017
I am truly impressed. I cried a lot while watched this piece of art. I can't write it detailed how beautiful was the story, music and the picture as well (because of my bad English), and the music followed those. I feel like i've become more just because i watched this animation movie. I would hardly recommend to everyone.
An Emotional Masterpiece. Artistically Magical and Though Provoking
rannynm20 July 2018
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.
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.
One of the best Chinese Animation with profound cultural background
boc-2344015 July 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Da Hai (Da Yu Hai Tang), an animation that can easily impress you with fantastic graphics, yet it's seemingly simple plot can hardly be understood thoroughly without background knowledge of ancient Chinese culture and myth.
--------Here may involve some plot detail, watch out--------
The story outline appears to be a girl (Chun) trying to get back the life of a boy who saved her. However the real No.1 actor, is the boy behind Chun, another one of "the others", Qiu, who has the ability to manipulate water.
Chun has the ability to manipulate the growth of Hai Tang (Begonia in Chinese), which was once named "Beauty of the Nation" in traditional Chinese poetry. However, her fight against the society of "the others" is in no way fragile as the flower. Instead, the power of will is so strong that can overcome obstacle from authority, natural disaster, and familiar bond. Guess that's why she is name after a 16,000 years old tree, Chun.
Qiu was Chun's childhood friend. And he has always loved Chun secretly. The love was so strong that he would give up everything including his freedom of eternity to exchange the happiness of Chun and her beloved one. Started from a young boy who just become an adult last year, Qiu even dare to steal the sacred mask that is used to connect fairy-land and the human world. People always say until death tear us apart as a promise between lovers. But the cruel separation between Qiu and Chun was even beyond the dimension of life and death--Qiu has to observe, manage and maintain the spiritual library(known as Tong Tian Ge, the pavilion to the sky) that over sees the spirits of everyone. That is to say, though deeply in love with Chun, Qiu has to watch her life and death and there is little he can do about it.
The worst thing is not that you don't know if you can get what you want if you try, it is the desperation that you know for sure you can never get what you what, and yet you only can sit and watch the last thing you want to see from happening.
What will Qiu become? Like the sneaky predecessor, the "trader"? or getting "mature" like everyone else in the fairy-land?
That, is the only thing I really really want to know.
--------Here may involve some plot detail, watch out--------
The story outline appears to be a girl (Chun) trying to get back the life of a boy who saved her. However the real No.1 actor, is the boy behind Chun, another one of "the others", Qiu, who has the ability to manipulate water.
Chun has the ability to manipulate the growth of Hai Tang (Begonia in Chinese), which was once named "Beauty of the Nation" in traditional Chinese poetry. However, her fight against the society of "the others" is in no way fragile as the flower. Instead, the power of will is so strong that can overcome obstacle from authority, natural disaster, and familiar bond. Guess that's why she is name after a 16,000 years old tree, Chun.
Qiu was Chun's childhood friend. And he has always loved Chun secretly. The love was so strong that he would give up everything including his freedom of eternity to exchange the happiness of Chun and her beloved one. Started from a young boy who just become an adult last year, Qiu even dare to steal the sacred mask that is used to connect fairy-land and the human world. People always say until death tear us apart as a promise between lovers. But the cruel separation between Qiu and Chun was even beyond the dimension of life and death--Qiu has to observe, manage and maintain the spiritual library(known as Tong Tian Ge, the pavilion to the sky) that over sees the spirits of everyone. That is to say, though deeply in love with Chun, Qiu has to watch her life and death and there is little he can do about it.
The worst thing is not that you don't know if you can get what you want if you try, it is the desperation that you know for sure you can never get what you what, and yet you only can sit and watch the last thing you want to see from happening.
What will Qiu become? Like the sneaky predecessor, the "trader"? or getting "mature" like everyone else in the fairy-land?
That, is the only thing I really really want to know.
A Superb Film Which Few in the West Can Appreciate
the-israeli29 January 2019
Tonight I watched a most marvelous and exceptional Chinese animated film, called 'Dayu Haitang' ('Big Fish and Begonia'). Very few artistic creations I have ever encountered, capture the traditional culture and heritage of a nation as well as that movie did.
An eye-candy by any standard, the designs draw upon the real folks stories of the Chinese people, and the architecture of countryside minority groups such as the Hakka. The colors too, match Chinese customs and habits, throughout every single scene.
This grand achievement of cinematic excellence is inspired by lines from a classic text, the book of Zhuangzi, which is among the wisest and most profound documents to have ever been written. This film likewise, though it at times masquerades as a children's flick, is in fact a deep philosophical treatise, dealing with the existential questions of Daoism and the moral ones of Confucianism. This movie is all the better and far more touching for those who understand the intricacies of traditional Chinese social customs and family values.
I would have easily handed this piece the Oscars for directing, animation, script, editing, music and more. Alas, very few Westerners have been in contact with enough of the beauty of traditional Chinese culture, to appreciate the enormous complexity and magnificence of this presentation, and therefore it is unlikely to be recognized for its greatness. There had hardly ever been American animated production of this humanistic caliber, and even among the famed Japanese anime industry there are not many items to count which abide by such measure of distinction.
This visual journey is more than a good story - it is a statement about morality and society in the grand-scope of things, and it makes its arguments without pulling any emotional punches or attempting to belittle the audience's intelligence. This is exactly the type of film that our cynical nations need, in an age of false information and mass deception; for it speaks of what is important to the human heart and soul.
Do yourself a favour and avoid the images and trailers. Simply go and watch the film; and please, by all means - view it in Chinese, which is the language for which it was intended. Use subtitles if necessary. There is an end-credits scene - do not miss it.
An eye-candy by any standard, the designs draw upon the real folks stories of the Chinese people, and the architecture of countryside minority groups such as the Hakka. The colors too, match Chinese customs and habits, throughout every single scene.
This grand achievement of cinematic excellence is inspired by lines from a classic text, the book of Zhuangzi, which is among the wisest and most profound documents to have ever been written. This film likewise, though it at times masquerades as a children's flick, is in fact a deep philosophical treatise, dealing with the existential questions of Daoism and the moral ones of Confucianism. This movie is all the better and far more touching for those who understand the intricacies of traditional Chinese social customs and family values.
I would have easily handed this piece the Oscars for directing, animation, script, editing, music and more. Alas, very few Westerners have been in contact with enough of the beauty of traditional Chinese culture, to appreciate the enormous complexity and magnificence of this presentation, and therefore it is unlikely to be recognized for its greatness. There had hardly ever been American animated production of this humanistic caliber, and even among the famed Japanese anime industry there are not many items to count which abide by such measure of distinction.
This visual journey is more than a good story - it is a statement about morality and society in the grand-scope of things, and it makes its arguments without pulling any emotional punches or attempting to belittle the audience's intelligence. This is exactly the type of film that our cynical nations need, in an age of false information and mass deception; for it speaks of what is important to the human heart and soul.
Do yourself a favour and avoid the images and trailers. Simply go and watch the film; and please, by all means - view it in Chinese, which is the language for which it was intended. Use subtitles if necessary. There is an end-credits scene - do not miss it.
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