Review of Fish Tank (2009) by Rose B — 30 Mar 2010

We felt that the film did not have clear storyline to it and it didn't hold the audiences interest. However, we thought that it gave quite a good representation of modern day families in certain areas of England. The film is set in Barking, London at a block of council flats. The area is not wealthy and it seems as though there is a high risk of crime as during the film we see smashed windows, graffiti and vandalism.

Fish Tank is based around Mia and her family. She lives with her mum and younger sister in a small and cluttered flat. Throughout the film we begin to see Mia's feelings develop. At the start of the film she is represented as a stereotypical teenager who smokes, drinks, is violent and doesn't seem to care about her education or the way she affects people around her. The film makes it clear that she wants to become a professional dancer and when she dances she forgets about all of her worries and fears. It is evident in the film that Mia is lonely, her mum doesn't have any time for her and her sister is too young to understand. When Connor comes into the equation Mia befriends him as she feels comfort in his father figure. However they get too close and feelings develop between them giving the film a slightly disturbing twist.

When Connor walks out on the family Mia feels as if she is in a worse position than she was before he entered their lives. We see her go on a major downfall when her audition turns out to be nothing like she expected. This shows us that dancing was the one thing she enjoyed and was the only thing she turned to when feeling shut out form the world.