I'll be starting a new series of blog articles and videos on best mermaid movies, in which I'll break down the plot of some amazing mermaid movies, along with sharing my review. Let's kick off this series with the classic mermaid movie Splash!
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
You simply cannot talk about the best mermaid movies without mentioning Splash (1984). It is a tale of love, mermaids, heroism, and exploitation of sea creatures.
"Splash" is a classic romantic comedy that continues to captivate audiences with its charm, humor, and heartfelt storytelling. Directed by Ron Howard and released in 1984, this film remains a timeless gem in the genre, thanks to its engaging plot, memorable performances, and an enchanting blend of fantasy and reality.
Splash movie trailer
The Splash movie trailer begins with a scenic shot of the ocean, with the song Love Came For Me by Rita Coolidge. It shows a little boy falling off a boat, causing everyone aboard to become frantic.
The little boy smiles as he comes face to face with a little girl underwater and they join hands, until someone jumps in to rescue him. The little girl dives underwater, revealing a mermaid tail!
Later you see a man (Tom Hanks) sinking in the ocean, unconscious, with his wallet sinking to the seabed. A mermaid takes hold of him to pull him up.
You then see a naked woman holding the wallet, walking towards a group that is taking a tour. A woman screams as the sees the naked woman.
The trailer goes on to show kissing between Tom Hank's character, Allen, and Daryl Hannah's character Madison the mermaid. You see Madison's tail sticking out of a tub as she takes a bath, but Allen knocks on the door and Madison quickly gets out to dry off so he won't see her tail.
Things get fishy when a scientist tries to expose her, at first met with skepticism, until he sprays her with water in front of a crowd and she transforms. The trailer then shows her looking sad and scared inside a water tank.
Allen has to come to terms with discovering his lover's true identity, with his brother telling him "Nobody said love's perfect." This propels the trailer into a rescue scene, in which Madison and Allen run to the pier so Madison can be freed.
Where was the movie Splash filmed?
The majority of the filming for the movie "Splash" took place in various locations in the United States. Some of the Splash filming locations include California, New York, and the Bahamas.
Splash movie cast
The cast of the movie "Splash" (1984) includes:
Tom Hanks as Allen Bauer: The protagonist who falls in love with a mermaid.
Daryl Hannah as Madison: The mermaid who captures Allen's heart.
Eugene Levy as Dr. Walter Kornbluth: A bumbling scientist who becomes obsessed with proving the existence of mermaids.
John Candy as Freddie Bauer: Allen's fun-loving and supportive brother.
Dody Goodman as Mrs. Stimler: A quirky woman who befriends Madison.
Shecky Greene as Mr. Buyrite: The owner of a discount store.
Richard B. Shull as Dr. Ross: A doctor who examines Madison.
Bobby Di Cicco as Jerry: Allen's friend and coworker.
Howard Morris as Dr. Zidell: A dentist.
Jeff Doucette as Junior: A fisherman who encounters Madison.
These talented actors brought their characters to life and contributed to the film's humor, romance, and overall charm.
One of the film's greatest strengths lies in its ability to balance lighthearted comedy with genuine emotional depth. Tom Hanks delivers a remarkable performance as Allen, effortlessly capturing his endearing vulnerability and comedic timing. Daryl Hannah is equally enchanting as Madison, portraying the mermaid with a delicate blend of innocence, curiosity, and otherworldly charm. The chemistry between Hanks and Hannah is palpable, making their love story believable and heartfelt.
Furthermore, the supporting cast, including Eugene Levy as a bumbling scientist and John Candy as Allen's loyal and hilarious brother, add depth and comedic relief to the story. Their performances, along with the witty dialogue and well-timed humor, enhance the overall enjoyment of the film.
Who directed the movie splash?
Splash was directed by Ron Howard. Ron Howard is an acclaimed American filmmaker, actor, and producer. He was born on March 1, 1954, in Duncan, Oklahoma. Howard began his career as a child actor, gaining recognition for his role as Opie Taylor in the television series "The Andy Griffith Show" (1960-1968) and later as Richie Cunningham in the hit sitcom "Happy Days" (1974-1984).
Transitioning from acting to directing, Howard found great success behind the camera. He has helmed a diverse range of films across various genres, including comedies, dramas, biopics, and thrillers. Throughout his career, Howard has demonstrated his versatility and storytelling prowess, earning critical acclaim and commercial success. Ron Howard's direction deserves praise for striking the right balance between fantasy and reality. He crafts visually stunning underwater sequences, highlighting the ethereal beauty of Madison's aquatic world. The film's cinematography and production design contribute to its magical ambiance, creating a world that is both fantastical and believable.
Who wrote the movie splash?
Splash is a screenplay by Lowell Ganz, Babaloo Mandel, and Bruce Jay Friedman. Lowell Ganz, Babaloo Mandel, and Bruce Jay Friedman are renowned screenwriters who collaborated on the screenplay for the 1984 romantic comedy film "Splash." Each of them brought their unique talents and experiences to the project, resulting in a script that blended humor, romance, and fantasy elements.
The script skillfully weaves together romance, comedy, and fantasy elements. The fish-out-of-water scenario creates numerous hilarious moments as Madison navigates the human world, discovering its quirks and customs. The film cleverly explores themes of acceptance, identity, and the sacrifices we make for love, all while maintaining a light and entertaining tone.
What is the movie Splash about?
The film follows the story of Allen Bauer (Tom Hanks), a young man who, as a child, had a mysterious encounter with a mermaid while vacationing at Cape Cod. Years later, still haunted by the memory, he finds himself falling in love with a captivating and mysterious woman named Madison (Daryl Hannah) who turns out to be the same mermaid from his past. He is shocked by the discovery, but finds himself saving her after she is taken by a scientist and kept in a tank.
Splash movie criticism
While "Splash" possesses an undeniable charm and an intriguing premise, it is not without its flaws. If there is any minor critique, it would be that some of the humor and dialogue can feel a bit dated in today's context.
The film does exhibit certain gender-related criticisms that reflect the era in which it was made. One notable criticism is the portrayal of Madison, the mermaid, as a somewhat passive and dependent character. While she possesses a certain innocence and charm, her agency and independence are limited. She relies heavily on Allen, the male protagonist, to navigate the human world and make decisions on her behalf. This portrayal perpetuates the notion of the damsel in distress, where the female character is in need of rescue and guidance from a male figure.
Additionally, the film's treatment of gender roles can be seen as reinforcing traditional stereotypes. Allen is portrayed as the strong, rational, and protective figure, while Madison embodies a more ethereal, emotional, and delicate persona. The film relies on these gendered archetypes to drive the romantic narrative, reinforcing conventional notions of masculinity and femininity.
While "Splash" may fall short in terms of gender equality and progressive depictions, it is essential to acknowledge the progress that has been made in the portrayal of gender in films since its release. Modern audiences may view the film's gender dynamics as outdated and in need of improvement.
However, this does not detract significantly from the overall charm and appeal of "Splash."
How to watch splash movie
Now that you know all about the movie Splash, you may want to watch it for yourself. But where can you watch Splash?
1. Streaming on Disney Plus
2. Rent or purchase online Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, iTunes, Vudu
3. Physical Media: If you prefer physical copies, you can check local video rental stores or retailers that sell DVDs and Blu-rays. You may also find second-hand copies at used bookstores, online marketplaces like eBay, or through movie rental services like Redbox
Splash movie conclusion
In conclusion, "Splash" remains an enchanting and heartwarming romantic comedy that has stood the test of time. With its delightful performances, engaging storyline, and seamless blend of fantasy and reality, it continues to captivate audiences, reminding us of the enduring power of love, no matter how extraordinary the circumstances. Whether you're a fan of romance, comedy, or simply enjoy a feel-good movie, "Splash" is a must-see classic that will leave you with a smile on your face.
About the author
Shello! My name is Mermaid Liv, a professional mermaid and content creator. I share my love of mermaiding through this blog, along with my Youtube channel.
If you've never heard of it before, mermaiding is a hobby, profession, and sport that involves wearing mermaid tails made for swimming.
I began making tails in 2013 and have continued my mermaid journey, starting my Youtube channel, working at a mermaid festival, performing at gigs, and being featured in the Netflix Docu Series MerPeople.
Follow me on Instagram for mermaid photos and videos: @the_real_mermaid_liv and be *shore* to check out my Youtube channel.
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