Finding Nemo - Film Review

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Finding Nemo is a 2003 animated film produced by Pixar Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures. Directed by Andrew Stanton and co-directed by Lee Unkrich, the film follows the journey of a clownfish, Marlin, as he searches for his lost son, Nemo, across the vast ocean. Along the way, he is joined by a forgetful but kind-hearted fish, Dory.

Widely regarded as a masterpiece of animated filmmaking, Finding Nemo won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and remains one of Pixar's most beloved films. Its critical and commercial success is a testament to its compelling storytelling, emotional depth, ground-breaking animation, and universal themes.

The story begins with a tragic event: a barracuda attack leaves Marlin (voiced by Albert Brooks), a cautious and protective clownfish, as the sole survivor of his family, except for one egg—Nemo (voiced by Alexander Gould). This traumatic experience makes Marlin overprotective, sheltering Nemo as he grows up in their sea anemone home on the Great Barrier Reef.

On Nemo’s first day of school, he rebels against his father’s overprotectiveness and swims too far into open water, only to be captured by a scuba diver. The diver takes Nemo to a dentist’s office in Sydney, where he is placed in a fish tank with other aquatic inhabitants.

Marlin, desperate to find Nemo, sets out on a perilous journey across the ocean. Along the way, he meets Dory (voiced by Ellen DeGeneres), a friendly blue tang with short-term memory loss. Despite their differences, the two form an unlikely partnership and encounter various challenges, including sharks, jellyfish, and an anglerfish.

Meanwhile, Nemo bonds with the other fish in the tank and devises a plan to escape back to the ocean. With teamwork and determination, Nemo eventually returns to the sea just as Marlin and Dory arrive in Sydney. Reunited, father and son realise the importance of trust and balance in their relationship.

At its core, Finding Nemo is a story about parenthood and the lengths a parent will go to protect their child. Marlin’s overprotectiveness stems from his trauma, but his journey teaches him that love also means trusting his child to take risks and grow. Nemo’s captivity in the fish tank symbolises the limits imposed by overprotection. Despite his physical constraints, Nemo learns to be resourceful and independent, proving his capability to face challenges.



Fear is a recurring theme, especially in Marlin’s character arc. His traumatic past has made him risk-averse and overly cautious, but his quest to find Nemo forces him to confront his fears. From venturing into open water to facing sharks and navigating treacherous waters, Marlin’s journey demonstrates the transformative power of courage.

The bond between Marlin and Dory highlights the importance of friendship and trust. Despite Dory’s forgetfulness and unconventional behaviour, she proves to be a loyal and invaluable companion. Their relationship evolves from frustration and scepticism to mutual respect and reliance.

Nemo’s character arc emphasises the importance of independence and self-discovery. His captivity teaches him resilience and resourcefulness, allowing him to prove to himself and his father that he is capable of handling challenges.

The film subtly raises awareness about the fragility of marine ecosystems and the impact of human actions on aquatic life. From the devastating barracuda attack to Nemo’s capture by divers, the story highlights the delicate balance of the oceanic world.

Marlin (Albert Brooks): Marlin’s journey is one of emotional growth. Initially defined by his anxiety and overprotectiveness, he learns to let go of his fears and trust others, particularly Nemo. His transformation is gradual and believable, making him a relatable and sympathetic character.

Nemo (Alexander Gould): Nemo embodies youthful curiosity, defiance, and resilience. Despite his physical limitation (a smaller fin), he proves that he is not defined by his perceived weaknesses. His resourcefulness and courage inspire both his tank-mates and his father.

Dory (Ellen DeGeneres): Dory provides comic relief but also serves as the emotional heart of the story. Her optimism, kindness, and unwavering support for Marlin balance his cautious nature. Dory’s short-term memory loss makes her a vulnerable yet endearing character, reminding viewers of the value of perseverance and positivity.

Gill (Willem Dafoe): Gill, the leader of the fish tank gang, serves as a mentor figure to Nemo. His determination to escape captivity reflects his rebellious spirit, but his past failures also highlight the risks of rash decisions. His guidance helps Nemo develop confidence and ingenuity.

Supporting Characters: The film’s supporting cast, including the tank gang, Crush (voiced by Andrew Stanton), the sea turtle, and Bruce (voiced by Barry Humphries), the shark, adds depth and humour to the narrative. Each character brings a unique perspective, enriching the film’s themes of diversity and cooperation.

Finding Nemo set a new standard for animated films with its breathtaking underwater visuals. Pixar’s animation team conducted extensive research, studying marine life and ocean environments to create a vivid and realistic depiction of the underwater world. The film’s use of lighting, colour, and texture captures the beauty and complexity of the ocean, from the vibrant coral reefs to the mysterious depths. The animators also paid close attention to the movement of water and marine creatures, enhancing the film’s authenticity.

Each character is designed to reflect their personality and role in the story. Marlin’s cautious nature is mirrored in his reserved expressions, while Dory’s playful demeanour is reflected in her fluid movements and wide-eyed curiosity. The film employs cinematic techniques such as dynamic camera angles, depth of field, and perspective shifts to create an immersive experience. Action sequences, such as the jellyfish forest and the whale scene, are choreographed with precision, blending tension and wonder.

One of the film’s greatest strengths is its ability to balance emotional depth with humour. Marlin and Nemo’s heartfelt reunion, Dory’s poignant moments of vulnerability, and Gill’s mentorship provide emotional weight, while the antics of Crush, Bruce, and the tank gang deliver consistent laughs. The film’s humour is smart and layered, appealing to both children and adults. Dory’s forgetfulness, the seagulls’ comical “Mine! Mine!” chant, and the witty dialogue between characters ensure that the film remains engaging and entertaining.

Upon its release, Finding Nemo became an instant cultural phenomenon. It grossed over $940 million worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing animated film at the time. Its success solidified Pixar’s reputation as a leader in animation and storytelling. The film also had a lasting impact on marine conservation awareness. It sparked increased interest in clownfish and other marine species, though it inadvertently led to the overfishing of wild clownfish populations.

Finding Nemo remains a beloved classic, celebrated for its storytelling, animation, and emotional resonance. Its sequel, Finding Dory (2016), expanded on the original’s themes, focusing on Dory’s journey of self-discovery. The franchise continues to be a source of inspiration and entertainment, influencing other animated films and raising awareness about marine life.

Finding Nemo is a timeless masterpiece that combines stunning animation, heartfelt storytelling, and universal themes. Its exploration of parenthood, fear, friendship, and growth resonates with audiences of all ages, while its humour and adventure make it endlessly rewatchable. The film’s legacy as a cultural and artistic milestone endures, cementing its place as one of Pixar’s greatest achievements and a landmark in the history of animation.

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