Review of Fish Tank (2009) by Charles H — 20 May 2010

From the start of the film, we know that the main lead, Mia (Katie Jarvis) is quite feisty. Headbutting a fellow street dancer does not proof her to be a typical suburb girl. But she still has that special something in her that is yet to be discovered.

Mia loves to dance. Her passion lets her escape the frustration of her home. She has a little sister, Tyler, who is quite feisty herself. And soon, their single mom made an appearance, and we know from where the sisters got the attitude from. Well, the area they are living in is not much of a help either.

Things start to move when Mia's mom brings home a boyfriend, Connor (Michael Fassbender). He is charming, funny and strives to be a fatherly figure to both of the sisters. But Mia seems somewhat attracted to him. Their bond gets closer when Connor lends a camcorder to Mia for her dancing audition. And here comes the unraveling part. I won't spoil that for you.

Katie Jarvis is perfect. You would think she is really like that in real life. Well, she was found to be perfect in the role when she was discovered at a time when she was arguing with her boyfriend. Feisty, ain't it? Now, the accent is heavy. And I watched it without the subs. Though you might miss some of the things they say, you will be alright. It's not like you will not understand 80% of the things they say, will you? Alright, this movie holds no barred in showing the realities of life. But at least, it remedies it in the end. Emotionally satisfied, I would say.