Finding Nemo (2003)

Finding Nemo
⭐ 8.2/10 IMDb
Genre: Adventure Animation Comedy
Country: USA
Duration: 1h 40m | Year: 2003

Nemo, a curious young clownfish, is suddenly swept away from his peaceful home on the Great Barrier Reef and trapped in a dentist’s office aquarium. It’s up to his anxious father, Marlin, and a fun-loving but forgetful fish named Dory to rescue him. Along their journey, they encounter vegetarian sharks, laid-back turtles, mesmerizing jellyfish, hungry seagulls, and more, as they race to bring Nemo home.

FriendshipEscapeOceanFather son relationshipAnthropomorphismTalking animalSharkSeaAnimalAmnesiaMemory lossFriendsFreedomCourageFatherCaptureParent child relationshipOdd coupleSingle fatherEscape attemptUnderwaterFishPelicanProtective fatherFather son reunion

Official Trailer • Courtesy of YouTube

Movie Team / Crew Detail

Finding Nemo - Movie Crew Info

  • Director: Andrew Stanton
  • Producers: Graham Walters, John Lasseter
  • Screenplay: Andrew Stanton, Bob Peterson
  • Story By: Andrew Stanton, Bob Peterson
  • Executive Producer: Ed Catmull, Steve Jobs
  • Cinematography: Sharon Calahan
  • Editing: William J. Anderson
  • Music Composer: Thomas Newman
  • Production Designer: Harley Jessup
  • Art Director: Bryn Imagire
  • Voice Cast: Albert Brooks, Ellen DeGeneres, Alexander Gould, Willem Dafoe, Geoffrey Rush

Movie Summary

"Finding Nemo" is a heartwarming animated adventure about a clownfish named Marlin who embarks on an epic journey across the ocean to find his lost son, Nemo. Marlin is an overprotective father living in the Great Barrier Reef with his only son. Nemo, eager to explore and prove his independence, disobeys his father and swims too close to a boat, where he is captured by a scuba diver and taken to a dentist’s aquarium in Sydney.

Determined to rescue his son, Marlin teams up with a forgetful but friendly regal blue tang fish named Dory. Together, they face numerous challenges and meet a variety of ocean creatures, including helpful sea turtles, intimidating sharks who promise not to eat fish, and quirky fish with unique personalities. Despite Marlin’s cautious nature and Dory’s memory problems, their unlikely friendship grows stronger as they navigate dangerous waters filled with jellyfish, strong currents, and predators.

Meanwhile, Nemo finds himself trapped in the dentist’s aquarium, where he meets other fish who have been captured and live in a small tank. Among his new friends are Gill, a tough moorish idol fish who has a plan to escape. Nemo’s determination to reunite with his father helps him overcome his fears and take bold steps to break free from the tank.

The story beautifully balances humor and emotion, illustrating the powerful bond between parent and child. Marlin learns to trust Nemo’s abilities and loosen his grip on control, while Nemo learns the importance of bravery and perseverance. The film’s stunning underwater visuals bring the ocean to life, showcasing vibrant coral reefs, mysterious depths, and a wide array of sea creatures.

As Marlin and Dory finally reach Sydney, they face their biggest challenge yet: navigating a busy harbor bustling with boats and humans. With the help of some unlikely allies, including a helpful pelican, they manage to locate the dentist’s office where Nemo is kept. The climax of the movie is full of suspense and excitement as Nemo executes a daring escape plan, narrowly avoiding capture and swimming into the open ocean to reunite with his father.

"Finding Nemo" is more than just a fun underwater adventure; it’s a touching story about love, courage, and the journey of letting go. It encourages viewers of all ages to face their fears, cherish family, and appreciate the beauty of the world around them. The film’s memorable characters, heartfelt moments, and beautiful animation have made it a beloved classic for audiences worldwide.

What This Movie Teaches Us

Finding Nemo teaches us the power of love, courage, and trust. Through Marlin’s relentless journey to find his son, the film shows that overprotection can limit growth, and sometimes we must embrace fear to let go. Nemo’s adventure highlights bravery and self-discovery, reminding us that even when lost, hope and friendship guide us home. Ultimately, the story celebrates the bond between parent and child, inspiring us to face challenges with heart and believe in the strength within ourselves and others.

Awards & Nominations

Awards

  • Academy Awards (2004)
    Won Best Animated Feature

  • Golden Globe Awards (2004)
    Won Best Motion Picture – Animated

  • Annie Awards (2004)
    Won Outstanding Achievement in an Animated Feature
    Won Outstanding Achievement in Voice Acting for Albert Brooks

  • BAFTA Awards (2004)
    Won Best Achievement in Special Visual Effects

  • Saturn Awards (2004)
    Won Best Animated Film

Iconic Scenes

  1. In the vast, shimmering ocean, Marlin’s frantic search begins as he confronts a swirling current of jellyfish, their translucent stings glowing ominously, testing his courage and determination.
  2. Nemo’s daring escape from the fish tank unfolds with vibrant coral and curious sea creatures watching, as he cleverly uses a plastic bag to glide back into the great blue.
  3. The heartwarming reunion beneath a radiant coral reef, where Marlin and Nemo’s eyes meet, filled with relief and love, surrounded by playful bubbles and colorful marine life.

Controversies

"Finding Nemo" (2003) generally received positive reviews, though it faced some criticism and controversies. Environmental groups noted concerns about the popularity of clownfish leading to increased demand in the aquarium trade, potentially harming wild populations. Some critics discussed the portrayal of marine life, arguing it simplified complex ecosystems. Additionally, the film faced minor censorship issues in certain countries due to brief scenes considered intense for young children, such as the shark encounters. However, these issues did not significantly impact the film’s global reception or success. Overall, "Finding Nemo" is praised for raising awareness about marine conservation despite these concerns.