A Fish Called Wanda
1988 Directed by Charles Crichton
Synopsis
A tale of murder, lust, greed, revenge, and seafood.
A diamond advocate is attempting to steal a collection of diamonds, yet troubles arise when he realizes that he is not the only one after the diamonds.
Cast
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“I love robbing the English – they’re so polite!”
One of the finest comedies ever made. Cleese and Palin deliver Python trumping performances, and Kevin Kline is simply fucking outstanding. I cant put it any more eloquently. One of the few Oscars given for a comedy performance? That I can recall anyway.
The only minor disappointment is that Cleese and Palin only get to share one scene together, near the end. But hey!
Great script. Great Performances, and some great editing from the veteran Crichton. He bowed out on a high.
SU-FUCKING-PERB.
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Cast, script and direction all just seem to reach perfection in this film. It also mixes and matches British and American humour perfectly, without resorting to cheap, crass, done to death comedy.
This is, for all intents and purposes, Cleese's film. He wrote the story, co wrote the screenplay and plays the lead. Cleese has great understanding of comedy. He is one of the few who is naturally funny, with perfect timing. Here he shows he isn't a bad actor either as he manages to not only be funny, but he also gives his character the necessary humanity we need to identify with him.
The comedy here comes from a wonderful plot, filled with fantastic characters. Of course Kevin Kline…
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What the actual fuck. What did i just watch? Unbe-fucking-lievable, to quote George.
I have no words. Really. And don't call me stupid!
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Great fun and the dramatic scenes work as well thanks to the great cast. Kevin Kline is amazing. So much fun to watch.
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I've seen this over a hundred times in my life. I remember seeing it in theaters back in 88. This is a favorite of the family-throughout the years we have always shouted out quotes from this. A lot of people I have met over the years haven't seen this so it's always great to introduce them to it.
To me it's one of the funniest most clever films I have seen in my life. The script is incredible-the characters are very well written and each have their own moments of hilarity-some have many many moments.
I like the music to the film as well-the strings are awesome.
John Cleese is great in this-plays the stiff very well-his scream is hilarious-reciting…
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“I love robbing the English – they’re so polite!”
One of the finest comedies ever made. Cleese and Palin deliver Python trumping performances, and Kevin Kline is simply fucking outstanding. I cant put it any more eloquently. One of the few Oscars given for a comedy performance? That I can recall anyway.
The only minor disappointment is that Cleese and Palin only get to share one scene together, near the end. But hey!
Great script. Great Performances, and some great editing from the veteran Crichton. He bowed out on a high.
SU-FUCKING-PERB.
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This felt very Fawlty Towers-y in its style of comedy (which can be attributed to John Cleese being so involved), and that comparison speaks volumes to the quality of this film.
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An enjoyable film, even if this particular brand of comedy isn't my cup of tea. Some moments were hilarious though, and the characters were all interesting. Jamie Lee Curtis and Kevin Kline were terrific. The story becomes far too over the top near the end, however. All in all I can see why others appreciate this more than I do, but I'm not crazy about it. It's still a fun film though.
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Just about lost it every time Kevin Kline Sniffed his arm pit. A really great farse on the heist genre. I will definitely being seeing this one again.
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Now considered a classic by many, I had never gotten the chance to catch up with John Cleese and Charles Crichton's A FISH CALLED WANDA. But I'm mighty glad I have now. A quintessential comedy, the genius that oozes from this film is attributed to the fantastic script, one that is so brilliantly rooted in the gangster/mob films of the 1970's and 80's and blended with the contrasting silliness of the British farce. Throw in some stellar performances from the entire principal cast (including Kevin Kline's Academy Award-winning performance) and the result is comedic gold. Or shall I say, sparkling diamond.
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Secretly one of the greatest comedies ever made. I'd forgotten it's greatness.
Also, Kevin Kline is basically ascending into the heavens to replace God in this film. Otto is his best work.
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Fantastic
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Had this movie been made today, the internet would likely be filled with memes from its numerous quotable scenes. As it wasn’t, you can actually sit back and enjoy this very entertaining film.
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Set place in London, four people form a team in hopes of committing a robbery, then start to battle for the loot, overcoming unexpected obstacles along the way.
I knew that this film would be funny, and it did not fail to disappoint. It had very clever lines that were very humorous and entertaining. The four characters were well developed, delivering memorable performances, and actress Jamie Lee Curtis shows off her seductive side, tying in comedy as well. A Fish Called Wanda gives the audience something to talk about when the film is done and laugh about as they recall the uproarious actions and characteristics of each character.
I recommend this to watch because it's a great film to put in and watch, especially if you're looking for a good laugh!