GO FISHBOY - Animation Short Film 2022 - GOBELINS

A respected chef from a lineage of sushi makers attempts to connect with his son through the shared knowledge of the family trade. Tensions arise as he begins to notice a strange pattern of behavior in the young boy.
*********************
Directors / Réalisateurs : Denise CIRONE, Sebastian DORINGER, Andrey KOLESOV , Chiayu LIU, Zhen TIAN, Lan ZHOU
Team contact / Contact de l’équipe : [e-mail]
.
Soundtrack / Musique : Jürgen BRANZ
Sound editor / Montage sonore : Mathieu TIGER
Mix / Mixage : Mathieu TIGER
.
Production : GOBELINS, l'école de l'image - Cécile BLONDEL : [e-mail]
Distribution : Miyu Distribution - Luce GROSJEAN : [e-mail]

[@papasscooperiaworker3649]

I interpreted this short film to be about going your own way despite what your parents expect of you. The boy's father wanted to share the sushi trade with him, extend the family lineage of sushi makers, but he never wanted that. He's a "fish" because, like the fish in the sushi shop, he might as well be dead for wanting to be anything else except a sushi maker. When the father sees his son as the fish in the sushi shop, it's his guilt of restricting his son's freedom manifesting. In the ending, the boy jumps into the water to pursue his own dream. His father cries out of worry, but eventually, he realises that his son is flourishing being true to who he really is. He finally understands and accepts his son for himself.

[@lanzhou9909]

❤

[@rjcrabbe1210]

well done

[@Fluff_Noodles]

This is also how I interpreted it and I'm happy to see someone else put it into words

[@colelarson4443]

Good interpretation, but I got the impression that the kid just succumbed to his delusions and drowned himself.

[@Fluff_Noodles]

@@colelarson4443 I understand where you're coming from but I don't think we would have gotten the scene at the end with the dad watching the ocean with a kind of bittersweet expression if it was just the kid legimately drowning. The father seemed to accept it at the end which makes more sense with the idea that the kid jumping into the water = leaving to be himself

[@youyouphan338]

I will not lie-- I did chuckle when I saw the boy flopping in the rain lol, but as the film progressed I realized this was a well-thought out choice. Also, I didn't expect the father to smile at the end, like he was proud of his son. I expected the father to maybe show confusion, anger, or pain, and so the heart-warming ending made me smile.

[@Jamil1989]

It did not made me smile at the end. I'm confused, worried, and sad.

[@Senpai_Kunn]

@@Jamil1989 agreed i get the meaning it was giving, but that boy is technically dead now because he drowned himself.

[@michaelxu2304]

@@Senpai_Kunn I like that think that the universe the story takes place is spiritual. The boy has always been a fish. Fish Boy. He lives with the father but his soul and being is to swim in the ocean. The father cries at the end, not because the son died, but because his time with his son has come to an end. He will miss him. The son is ready to return to the ocean. The father was trying to hold on, make him act like a human boy, but he smiled at the end because letting him go is what is best for his son. That is his nature, to return back into nature.

[@memeschan8838]

🤣

[@jujubean9142]

i laughed at that scene so much 😂

[@thatverseguy]

I love how atmospheric this entire animation is. It doesn't have many words, but it offers some really great depth into these characters and their monotonous programs they are connected to. Being a fish just feels a little... open, full of life and free.

[@zonkpilled]

reject humanity. return to fish.

[@misobeatbox]

[@gofishboy3586]

Thank you for your lovely words about Go Fishboy 🐟

[@slayerbot36]

🤡 damn sherlock, so astute

[@goteamslugs]

Indeed.

[@lemongacha]

my heart hurts so much for the dad, he was doing his best to take care of his son but sometimes you need to let your children find their own identity and i think the way it was portrayed here was so touching. the color palettes for each scene are also gorgeous!! love how the start/ending both end in the fish market

[@hoodyk7342]

Thats so stupid. This child dies because he doesnt think about the real world thats retarded

[@Equa123]

I’m an egg I’m an scrambled egg I’m an hard boiled egg😳

[@purplegluestick3618]

He was a fish out of water. I feel like this film was somewhere along the lines of identifying or behaving outside of the norm, especially with that line, "Dad, I think... I'm a fish." The father ended up brushing it off with a response telling him he didn't have the experience or knowledge to even start on that thought (something like that). The symbolism of his profession as a sushi chef, while the son assumed he was a fish represents the role of the fathers participating in some way or directly dealing with "fish" (people who are different in whatever way that is) and he shows remorse when he pictures the son in the same spot as the other fish. Either way I thought it had really deep meaning for such a quirky (in the best way possible) animation.

[@frogbitpt1469]

I'm SORRY BUT I LOST IT WHEN HE START JUMPING LIKE A DYING FISH 😭😭😭🤣

[@chrisxu2298]

I love the constant tension between fish world and reality, tranquility and sanity. I love how the boy is inserting himself into a fish gradually and eventually becomes one. It’s such a different storytelling, I was expecting the father getting angry, and seeing the fish being cut, however this film is going one step further than us every time. Not showing much expression and saving all the emotion to the climax. Such a cute masterpiece.

[@Fluff_Noodles]

The art style and sound design of this is beautiful. The family interactions like the part where the father leaves the room after the kid "comes out" about being a fish and the part where the father starts doing the mixing for him after telling him he's doing it wrong both felt so real and familiar to me. The dialogue timing on this is so perfect and natural even though they don't say much. I appreciate every part of this production. From the animation, to the sound design, down to the scripting. I love it.

[@goteamslugs]

Me too.

[@Mother_of_Pigeons]

I can relate to this. As a child I befriended a calf on a family members farm. She was a lovely cow I got to name Brownie. A couple summers later I remember one time I was so excited to see Brownie as she had been growing up so much. When I got there and asked where she was, I was laughed at and told she had just gotten back from slaughter and was in the freezer. I was told I could eat her if I wanted. I had a traumatic break down and would not stop sobbing. That was when the connection cemented for me that the cows on their farm were being raised and killed for beef, and that the burgers I had eaten before weren’t some inanimate objects, but the actual ground up muscle of cows just like Brownie, who had emotions, and feelings just like she had. I can remember the realization I had after of how truly horrific, uncaring, and desensitized the world I was living and participating in was. I can also remember how quickly every adult around me was to reinforce that I had to ignore these new feelings, and the desire to do better. Their actions were justified because “this is just how things are.” Maybe this isn’t what the film is trying to portray, but I see a reflection of my younger self and the empathy that the adults in my life tried to actively dissuade and deny. I think many children go through similar experiences were they have realizations of empathy that they desire to act on, but for various reasons they are then made to reject it and continue living with the cognitive dissonance.

[@nekochadechu]

Omg i also was attached to a cow at my dad's friend's farm and one day they killed her and were having a bbq and i couldnt eat her....now im vegan 🤤

[@Mother_of_Pigeons]

@@nekochadechu I’m sorry you experienced that too, and for her loss. 😔 I hope you are doing ok. And it’s nice to see a fellow vegan🌱

[@fardinshuvo]

Your english is so good. I'm trying to be better at expressing myself in english like u. Just like u i also once faced the fact that we kill innocent animals and feed on them. I felt bad for them and also blamed myself for doing the same thing for years. Then later i consoled myself on the fact that everything has a purpose to exist and these animals purpose was to benefit mankind and by this their life reaches fulfilment. U might not agree with this. People wants to protect animals and i understand why. i wont interfere with ur beliefs rather i wish u can make ur wishes true. But i also have my own beliefs and also expect u to respect mine

[@linamorelia4715]

that is so true. this world is just so wrong. not beaucause things are a certain way me&ans you have to continue the process

[@AaronHendu]

I really appreciate your comment...thanks for sharing it.

[@elizabethk007]

Go fishboy go fishboy go!

[@mymisuok9285]

yess

[@toastyae]

Go go!!

[@veggiechip]

🎉🎉🎉🎉FISHBOY🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@devil5954992]

He’s a gay fish

[@Bunny11344]

People don’t give the people who does the sound effects enough credit. Everything sounds amazing and kept me engaged.

[@rickmats5941]

めっちゃ好きいいいいい　日本人の生活の解像度めっちゃ高いしクレヨンしんちゃんみたいなアートスタイルもストーリーも最高すぎる

[@tkg4600]

他作品に他作品の名前を出すのはどうかと思います。 日本人は日本の作品が好きすぎるあまり誇る様に名前を出す所が恥ずかしいと思います。 通りすがりの日本人より

[@presleysammons7831]

To me this short film is a perfect example of finding your own path, and kind of the awkwardness you face with you parents who ignore your wishes and the future u want for yourself. And then you just have to go for it. You just have to run with the feeling that it is your destiny. You can tell how the dad knew the day would come always stressed and tense when the boy knows what’s best for himself. Beautiful film.

[@Ocean-zj6vh]

Ahh..u are brilliant!!

[@AlarSenpu]

The scene where Uotaro puts his head on the cutting board was very impactful, especially with how the dad reacted.

[@user-ml4ti5mv4v]

好きすぎてずっと見てる。

[@mumblethedevil]

The shots and movement of not only the main characters but everyone around them (the crowd) Is very interesting and captivating I could watch this a million times ❤️

[@gofishboy3586]

💙🐟

[@judahn5831]

3:33-3:40 were some of the best parts lol! The way he just lay there mysteriously and the transition to his dad sitting somewhat confused in the car was great! This animation is great in all :)

[@The_AceEmpress]

I really love this art style. The rough and jagged lineart is something you don’t see much of in animation nowadays, and I think it’s a bold choice that fits the style of this film. Very good work all around!!!

[@francisrodrigod.ceblano7318]

the design is on purpose. to feel through the animation

[@cr3ations]

the jagged, 'imperfect' art style seems to reflect the Japanese wabi sabi philosophy

[@because6073]

I like the detail on the little fishies bubble of air when he was in the bath

[@thursday_concerns]

Man!! this was so strange, totally unique and utterly hypnotising. My utmost respect for exploring an unconventional narrative and executing on it magically!!

[@cam_rie]

this is an incredibly cute and creative story. the art is so visually appealing and it is put together so well, i love it

[@gofishboy3586]

What a nice feedback. Thank you!

[@officialchannel6890]

英語かと思ったら普通に日本語だったの驚いたしクオリティがすごいと思った。

[@xn4776]

I love this film! It kind of reminded me of The Vegetarian, a story where a woman wanted to become a tree. The feeling and atmosphere of quiet suppression and small actions that speaks great volumes is really wonderful!

[@unenglishable]

omg this has such old school japanese folktale vibes 😭😭 the strange unfolding of events that really gets you to believe in the world of the story the seamless incorporation of blurring the lines between human and mystical nature and the lesson about bonds between parents and children the scene of the son flopping around in the rain seems so sudden and brief, but it's animated in the same brief and sudden way as it would be told orally in a folktale to spark interest and curiosity the easy dialogue, even kids would understand... the reveal of the son's name in kanji (fish boy) so well done

[@bababooie9420]

My interpretation: The fishboy is depressed, and he exhibits signs that strike his dad as odd or strange, but when he tells his dad he’s depressed, it’s brushed off- “no, you can’t be, you’re too young.” So the boy keeps sinking, alone, until finally he takes the dive and leaves his dad full of regret. Awesome short film. This deserves so many awards 👏

[@IlyaWazuhiru]

Same here - literally depression, although it seems to run deeper. Fish are intelligent creatures and Japan is criminally overfishing; I feel like the boy is responding to the horror and immorality of that, being forcefully exposed to the daily mass slaughter and not seeing see a way out.

[@DimiArt]

but uhh why would his dad smile at the end if that was the case

[@IlyaWazuhiru]

@@DimiArt well it's a metaphoric tale. The son is now a fish and probably happier than he was while trying to conform to humanity. The pops knows that and it shows that his love the child is stronger than his grief and feeling of loss.

[@DimiArt]

@@IlyaWazuhiru I think it was more along the lines of "fish out of water" and the son not wanting to do the same job his dad does because it kills him inside. Him jumping into the ocean was their way of saying he's going to follow his own path.

[@labybirdhill6001]

The hell a kid his age got to be depressed about? No wonder he drowned himself lol

[@eleri_theda]

Love how once the Dad knows that his son is a fish he starts noticing what the son has known all along- that the world is dangerous for a fish. He even notices his own behaviors, which he never thought about before, and how they are harmful to his son and fish. And in the end the son has to face the danger in order to live his truth, and his Dad is supportive even though he doesn't fully understand. I took it as a metaphor for being LGBT+, could apply to many things though, I suppose. Really lovely :)

[@clottedscream]

glad i’m not the only one who came away from this animation with a queer reading

[@TheKirklandGamer]

Not everything is about you. The kid just drowned (BECAUSE HES NOT A FISH AND CANT BREATHE UNDERWATER) and the dad is happY he finally doesn't have to deal with that mentally unstable freak anymore. So if you wanna attribute that to parents that have to deal with what 41% of the 0.0001% population does to themselves then sure, let's go with that. Jesus

[@just_juules3521]

That felt very emotional! Was a pleasure to watch this a per usual :D Bravo you talented people!!1

[@Immortal-Daiki]

Interesting fact: the name Uotaro (魚太郎 in kanji) literally means "fish Taro", which is a combination of the kanji for "fish" 魚 (read as "sakana" by itself) and the Japanese masculine name Taro (太郎). Because I was reading the Japanese subs beforehand, I found it interesting that the boy's name itself was like a foreshadowing of sorts and had a much deeper and more nuanced meaning. The English title doesn't even really carry that cultural nuance

[@darlingitsbeth2703]

I think the father avoided becoming a fish too by killing fish, separating himself from his nature. That's why he was so panicked at the site of Uotaro at the dock, since he knew he wouldn't be able to save him if he lept in. In the same way, the father is alienated from his own individuality because of tradition, but Uotaro was able to break the chain.

[@MargHow]

You had me the second the boy hugged the fish, this entire movie is so powerful, and made me feel very emotional all along. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@splendidcyan]

Something I think is so interesting is how both the father and son are drawn with shaky, wiggly lines. I thought that was just the style of all the people in this piece, until I saw the fish porter swinging his bell near the end-- his face is completely still and crisp. I wonder if this like, anxiety and restlessness carries through each of them because of their ideas of each other and their places in the world (shoutout to Papa's Scooperia Worker, their interpretation is lovely).

[@aylenny115]

this leaves a sense of unease yet the animation captivates you from beginning to end. i love the atmosphere, quietness and hidden message. living life as a fish acts a yearning for freedom and escape. despite the constant tears the dad shed at the end, he eventually accepted for what was bound to happen. amazing job to the animation team~ !

[@cavend2818]

This animation is fantastic! Incredible story telling and amazing art skills. Love the beautiful colors and the sound design, great work.

[@phyto5297]

this film made me cry. i was really moved by the desperation of the father at the end, as well as how real and understated the "coming out" part was.

[@interstellarnarwhal7912]

This was just incredible, from start to finish, the atmosphere, the art style, the colours, the line work, the story it was all just beyond words, truly beautiful work

[@FossilOld]

Yes! Waiting patiently for the new masterpiece

[@frogchair]

This has to be my favorite gobelins I’ve watched yet! The VA is amazing and the music is just phenomenal wow. I was 1000% absorbed. *muah* 💕

[@bamkyre9801]

Masterfully crafted, great atmosphere, music did a lot for me here, and the pace of every scene was perfect in my opinion. Congratulations to everyone involved

[@nigelthornberry5375]

amazing amazing music!

[@liimlsan3]

Therian and animator weighing in: a masterpiece in both departments. You got it. This is what it feels like.

[@mary-maru]

Gobelins never cease to amaze me, oh to have such creativity like these animation students-

[@awesomecringe8850]

Wow! Very unusual art style and the sound design ist so amazing. My favorite scene was the reflection of his father in the knife, so amazing!

[@MicahBuzanANIMATION]

These Gobelins films never fail to blow my mind.

[@user-nb1zf9xx4z]

魚太郎は寿司屋を継ぐ以外にやりたいことがあって お父さんはそれを否定している 最後魚太郎が海に行ってしまった時お父さんが何故だか嬉しそうなのは お父さんにも魚太郎のような思いがあったが、寿司屋を継いでしまったのでそれを否定してくれた魚太郎に感謝してるからかな 中2なのでこのくらいの考察ですが悪しからず

[@orangepinecone]

i didnt even consider that. that makes it even more touching

[@alaytheaherr]

animation and sound design were lovely. great work 💖💖💖

[@pearlbayy8028]

I love this animation so much! The storytelling and characters are beyond amazing, I feel so touched somehow. Props to the team, great job!

[@user-xw9fc2eh1z]

独特の雰囲気にいつのまにか引き込まれる。

[@solilobye]

This was so atmospheric and a masterpiece- but I can’t get over him flopping around in the rain 😭

[@ThrillOfHunt]

The music is just so great... I wish i could listen to it on its own

[@pitoalan]

i got so worried when the kid disappeared in the end, this animation is so well done!

[@_otartist]

i love how the feelings was sent to my heart when the fishboy was moving like a fish in road full of water in a rainy day... how amazing it felt

[@annemuller6030]

Loved this one! So subtle but also direct.

[@Peter32tjrksor]

This made me fall in love with film all over again.

[@СимулякрЭкзорциста]

ДО СЛЕЗ! ЭТО ЧУДЕСНАЯ АНИМАЦИЯ!

[@moonethealien]

Bro pulled a reverse Ponyo 😭

[@sunnyjelly333]

really cool animation!! it feels like it was filmed and is so atmospheric and the art style is so pretty

[@vo_ov_INU]

こんな綺麗な作品に出会えて良かった🥰 感謝🙏✨

[@thestoffelytoff]

cant bloody wait!!!

[@tshirt9872]

I interpreted this as a son who did not want to follow his father’s footsteps and desires to understand himself in the expansive world of the “ocean”, where he could interact with others on a more equal level than when he stood in his father’s shadow. However, his desire to remove himself from his father’s protection will also increase his chances of being another fish consumed in the demanding market, where he will die for another’s pleasure, and his father, who is unwilling to jump in to save him, because he refused to or couldn’t swim, can only helplessly see his son flow into a lower status that lingers between life and death. In the end, we won’t know where the son will go, whether he will end on someone else’s plate or flow freely in the depths of the ocean, but the father seems to always be in the same status, standing in the crowded market, staring out into the ocean where his son could or could not be.

[@marcineq.]

i love this. i did not expect to cry but i did.

[@eurikaileidoscope9786]

I can relate to this character's fishy movements at 2:31 because I've had experienced a bunch of seizures. I looked like a dying grasshopper at that time.

[@grahamkim4388]

wow, so gorgeously executed... the sound design and music is amazingly immersive, and so is the cinematography. i could almost smell the briny fishy smell at the markets! such a pleasure to watch, and well-written story

[@wernerdoringer7893]

A great animation film with a perfect sound. What a great work ! Congratulation - I'm loving it !! 😍

[@wanwanfish]

Can't wait!

[@aniccamar1644]

best thing I've watched in a long time. It touched me.

[@Cleoocarmen]

I absolutely loved everything about this

[@poyoyoyi]

The animation is such a unique rough yet cartoon style. But I was distracted when THE BOY WAS FLOPPING LIKE A FISH HAHAHA 🤣

[@UnRandomMisterioso]

Es hermoso. Ojala netflix sacara algo asi. La musica y la animacion de 10

[@hamsawho]

this touched me surprisingly very deeply that I am in tears right now.

[@JoshuaImagines]

Stop lying you are not in tears

[@inbalse2]

A sensitive and beautiful film. I felt that it was dealing with the fact that what feels right to one generation is not necessarily good for the next one. This is true not only for eating animals but also for other morals that change from generation to generation.

[@NameName2.0]

I kinda love this father in a way. "Dad, I think I'm a fish" Dad, not questioning it "But you don't know how to swim.."

[@chidivids2005]

This animation reminds me of the Korean children's novels I loved reading as a kid. Very well done

[@aaryhanasingh]

wonderful short film, very heartfelt. ponyo in an alternate universe.

[@Idonthateutoo]

I just realized he wore his glasses underwater 😂love it

[@forkawaza2]

Beautiful. Soundtracks is amazing :)

[@juergenbranz]

Thank you 😊

[@emi4744]

Bonjour!c’est très beaux j’aime beaucoup l’atmosphère de ce court métrage d’animation et la manière qu’on les personnages d’interagir entre eux.Merci!

[@lustgut]

I was waiting for this im more amazed then what i expected!

[@sofalint2905]

I love how this film, despite being very chill, convinced me for a second that this man chopped his fish son up. That bit when the dad is seated alone in the car had me questioning whether or not he killed him, amazing job.

[@tatyanakarpenko3697]

I interpreted this all literally. The boy was insane and really thought that he was a fish, his dad didn't put him into a hospital for some reasons we don't know and so kept him with himself all the time but once the boy had tried to swim and drawn.

[@kay7293]

I REALLY love the sound design❤

[@Bluerasberrysweatheart]

This is so good!!! 🐟 Respect

[@xuhongmao7292]

Now, can we have the next installment with the Fishboy realizes that he has to either eat fish to survive or subsist on algae and become others' lunch?😅

[@labeilleautiste6318]

Lol

[@Josuh]

That's the story of how Fishboy became Aquaman

[@sambijutsu5481]

No words can express how beautiful is this

[@tris0913]

incredible art and fantastic sound design. really a work of art :)

[@fernandabermejo]

Muy Bueno! hermoso! Beautiful!!!! WATARO go !

[@anhquynhanh8850]

gobelin deserves to be the best short film studio

[@abhijits2468]

It is very beautifully made & i love the concept, i enjoy fish keeping. The atmosphere was very serene, i enjoyed it a lot. Expecting more experiences like this. Thank you🙏

[@Error-sq8su]

Андрей Колесов, спасибо за такую прекрасную работу! ☀

[@ezrelab6637]

I ADORE THIS

[@TheRoxas94]

Amaziiiiiiiing!!! Congratulation guys

[@isa-vc5sl]

Oh, so that's what my father understood when i came out

[@luca__3044]

really love some of these shot decisions 😍

[@philippe6996]

10/10 animation and beautiful story

[@jewelmex1314]

heartwrenching, such a great job

[@rea8959]

The quiteness in this animation is thr biggest thing make me feel so good to watch it

[@fara_firari]

Интересная короткометражка с достаточно глубоким смыслом и красотами сюжета вообще всех этих персонажей. Моё почтение, аниматоры

[@user-uy2ve2or3y]

大好きだこれすごすぎる

[@yuxizhou1469]

So good. Really loved it!

[@mikev1169]

TVPaint rulez ! Merci les petits jeunes pour cette animation à l'ancienne, elle me fait penser à ce que nous avions sur Amiga

[@bone7602]

This goes hard af