When it comes to summer movie season, many were left disappointed as box-office returns saw the release of some big-budgeted films crashing out of the race. Not so with Big, the 1988 Spielberg classic that dazzled audiences with a powerful story that made them go home in a state of awe! The use of special effects, intricate camera work and rich storytelling are what made this movie a true blockbuster. In its opening weekend, Big came into second place, raking in $21 Million. And, in its domaining week, it garnered $57 Million.
Contents
Storyline
Based on the novel by John Irving, Big tells the inspirational and deeply moving story of nine-year-old Tom Hanks and his remarkable journey from rags to riches. When oil tycoon J. Paul Getty III (Robert Duvall) dies without a will, his vast fortune is divided among his four children—including seventeen-year-old Ann (Melinda Dillon). Sensing that he may not get as much as he would have liked, Getty’s son Roarke (Mark Ruffalo) sets out to find someone who can prove they are worthy of inheriting their father’s fortune. Roarke’s search leads him to the small town of Omah, Oklahoma, where he meets Tom Hanks.
AfterRoarke makes a deal with Tom’s widowed mother Rose (Shelley Long) and his siblings to take them in and raise them as his own as long as they continue living in her car, life with five boys is not easy – but it also proves to be an adventure unlike any other for this spirited young lad. With wit, intelligence and courage—plus a little bit of luck—Tom quickly becomes Roarke’s equal on the oil boomtown’s wild and woolly streets.
Big was one of the biggest box office successes ever, with worldwide earnings totaling over $340 Million.
Short Reviews
“Tom Hanks is incredible in his Oscar-nominated role as a nine-year old Oklahoma boy who reinvents himself through determination and good humor.”
“The story’s rich with scenes of youthful innocence corrupted by wealth, but Tom Hanks’ nuanced performance gives the film an emotional power that triumphs over even the most heartless developments.”
“Big is inspiring and moving, with some powerful special effects that create an awe-inspiring cinematic experience.”
Movie Symbolism
Following Roarke’s journey from heartless young oilman to compassionate adoptive parent, the film explores themes of power and wealth, as well as family and loving relationships. The boys learn how to survive in a rough town rife with violence and corruption; their experiences teach them about determination, self-reliance and camaraderie. Through his interactions with Tom Hanks’ character, Roarke learns that it is never too late for someone to find their true destiny.
Acting
Tom Hanks is incredible in his Oscar-nominated role as a nine-year old Oklahoma boy who reinvents himself through determination and good humor. He manages to convincingly portray the range of emotions that Roarke experiences throughout the film, from anger and frustration to affection and warmth. The supporting cast also does an excellent job portraying the various characters in Tom Hanks’ life: his widowed mother Rose (Shelley Long), his five siblings, as well as Roarke’s friends and enemies on the oil boomtown.
Direction
Director Penny Marshall displays a great deal of skill in directing this complex and emotionally-charged film. He effortlessly weaves together the different scenes from Roarke’s life, without ever sacrificing clarity or pacing. Indeed, Big is an extremely well-constructed movie that is sure to be enjoyed by both diehard fans of fantasy films and those who are just getting introduced to the genre.
Storytelling
The story of Big is truly inspirational. It is easy to feel drawn into the world that director Penny Marshall has created, and it becomes impossible to resist rooting for Roarke as he struggles to discover his true potential. Thanks to impressive acting and direction, Big is sure to leave an impression on viewers both young and old – making it an awe-inspiring cinematic experience.
Awards
Tom Hanks was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role, and the film was also nominated for Best Picture.
Conclusion
The film referred to in this blog post, Big, is an American drama film that was released in 1988. It was written by Dan Elish and directed by Penny Marshall. The movie stars Tom Hanks, Lori Petty, Elizabeth Perkins, Ann-Margret and John Candy. The cast also includes Paul Dooley, Pat Morita, Bruce McGill, Tom Bosley and Mabel King Leary.
FAQs
1.Who directed “Big” and what other movies did he direct before “Big”?
Ans: “Big” was directed by Tom Shadyac and he has directed many other movies before this one. The first movie he directed was “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective”.
In the late 1980s, he got his big break when he co-wrote and starred in the comedy film “Look Who’s Talking”. In 1992, Tom Shadyac won an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for the film “Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls”.
He also wrote and produced the TV series “Touched by an Angel”, which aired from 1994 to 1999. He also wrote two sequels of “Touched by an Angel”: Angel Town (1998) and Season 10 (1999).
Tom is married to Beth Grant, who appeared in a few of his films including Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls. They have three children together; daughter Madeline (born 1995), son Jonah (born 1997), and daughter Sydney Rose (born 2000).
2.What are the top ten most memorable quotes from “Big” (1988)
movie?
Ans: “I don’t want to spend the rest of my life being a man. I want to be a great one.”
This is probably the most memorable quote from “Big”. This shows that he has got some kind of ambition in his mind and wants to be great at something. He seems to have learned from experience as well. The film starts with him getting very frustrated about not having enough money so he decides to start stealing things in order for him and his family to survive. But later on, we see that his heart is actually pure and all he wants is for people to like him, but he has been deceived by the other characters.
Another memorable quote from this movie is: “Why can’t you just be yourself?” Which shows how important it is for us not to lie even if we are doing it for someone else’s benefit.
3.How many Oscars did the “Big” (1988) movie win?
Ans: Big (1988) is a film that was directed by Penny Marshall and stars Tom Hanks, Elizabeth Perkins, and Sylvester Stallone. It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture in 1989.
The Big 1988 movie won two Oscars: Best Actor in a Leading Role (Tom Hanks), and Best Original Song (“You’ve Got A Friend”).
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