(Original Title: Le Grand Bleu)
It goes without saying that everyone knows the importance of freedom; the significance of this powerful word, yet no one can give one, single interpretation of it, because if you think about it, freedom is more of a feeling than anything else. Each definition might vary, but the way we feel when we are free is always the same.
I remember watching this movie for the first time as a kid. It was so captivating that it became one of my favourites immediately. The Big Blue is a film about two free divers. Enzo Molinari, played by Jean Reno, is the free diving world champion – but he doesn’t seem to enjoy his title because he knows that he can only be a true champion when he faces up against Jacques Mayol, played by Jean-Marc Barr. T
hese two used to spend their summers together as kids, both passionate about diving. As they grow, their lives take different directions. Enzo becoming a professional free diver and Jacques starts work as a rescuer, monitored by scientists thanks to his unique way of diving. On one of his rescue missions in Peru, Jacques meets Johana Baker, played by Rosanna Arquette.
Enzo challenges Jacques to participate in the World Diving Championship in Taormina. With Jacques accepting the challenge, Johana, who is fascinated by his ability, follows him.
When the competition starts, both divers have to go dangerously deep — risking their own lives in order to become world champion.
The Big Blue is directed and written by Luc Besson, filmed in some of the most beautiful locations in the Mediterranean Sea. With Sicily and the Greek islands in the background, this film glorifies the beauty of the vast bleu that dominates every southern European country. The Big Blue tells the story of two men who are truly passionate about what they do; no doubt that they are gifted, but they are also willing to take that extra step, no matter how dangerous it is. It’s a film that manages to show that sometimes, what appears to be reckless or stupid for one is a necessity to another.
Read also
The Big Blue at IMDb
The Big Blue at Wikipedia
The Big Blue at Rotten Tomatoes
The Big Blue (awards won and nominated for) at IMDb
