Goldfish Memory

Love, the eternal mystery of Humanity. It's been used as the basis of a billion stories: comedies, dramas, horror movies... Maybe love is THE SUBJECT everything's about. Now Liz Gill tries to do her bit filming this story of crossed lives, heterosexuals that become homosexuals, lesbians who wants to have babies, the fear to commitment (or the need of a commitment).

"Goldfish Memory" is a funny movie, tender and kind. Nothing too deep, and it's not pretentious at all either. There are some stereotypes, but that's normal. I guess Miss Gill achieved what she set out: to make us smile watching a group of men and women chasing love just like donkeys chase the carrots.

*My rate: 7/10

I watched this movie about a year ago, and it was totally unexpected movie (in the good sense!). I didn't know what the film was about, and I wasn't sure what to expect about this film, probably I never had the DVD cover on my hands, or had the change to see the film release posters; and nobody recommended it . It deals with unusual facades of the most human demand: LOVE. The film is actually similar to "love actually", although this movie doesn't lose its Irishness. The film is full of interesting dialogs and lovely shots. The film normalizes non-heterosexual relationships, and problematize the condition of humans as love needed. This movie separates the characters from the sexual lives, to assume their social lives. It is an interesting approach!!

It is a funny, beautiful and sensible portray of post-modern relationships, full of amnesia, intensity, sophistication, and need of instantaneousness!!!

Man, if you still hesitate to watch this movie go ahead! I've seen quite a bunch of movies about love and relationships in homosexuality and heterosexuality, and this one is excellent. Behind the fact that it's very funny and entertaining, the cast is just perfect, the characters couldn't be more into their parts. The story is touching and true, never boring because it's always renewing when you don't expect it to. It gives you a good taste of life and its turmoils with a delightful sense of humor. It's refreshing really! Too bad there aren't more quality movies like this one... Thank you for this (too short) moment of enjoyment and laughters.

In Dublin Tom, a 40 something literature lecturer, tries it on with any of his female students that are gullible enough. His standard pickup line involves telling them about the reported shortness of a goldfish's memory. Supposedly its only three second which means that as the fish swims around its bowl, by the time it returns to where it started it's all new again and ready for discovery.

It's Irish whimsy like that that help him get into these girl's knickers. Clara, his latest conquest takes it badly when he moves on and she decides to try women. The woman she tries is Angie a newscaster. Meanwhile Angie's best mate is Red, a gay guy who works days as a bicycle messenger. Our cyclist has romantic issues of his own as he becomes smitten with David the hunky but straight bartender whose girlfriend is giving HIM grief...

Yes, it's a light hearted merry-go-round of romantic entanglements and while none of the stories are terribly touching or new, they are passably written and enjoyable. The characters are charming and pleasant to look at if none too deep.

If you liked the lecturer's goldfish line, this movie may be perfect for you. By the time it's over you may be able to start it again having forgotten these light and agreeable but none too memorable story lines.

Goldfish Memory is a multi-layered romantic comedy in the style of Bedrooms and Hallways from Irish writer/director Liz Gill.

When Clara sees her boyfriend Tom kissing Isolde, it sets off a chain of romance and heartbreak that goes full circle. Clara pursues and dumps TV journalist Angie who then falls for horticulturist Kate via a one-night stand with gay bike courier pal Red. Meanwhile philanderer Tom has a rocky road to love, while Isolde decides to explore her options.

Gay, lesbian, straight, bisexual, it seems that when it comes to love, some of these characters suffer from a three-second Goldfish Memory. While some seek commitment, others just can't help themselves.

Goldfish Memory is a well-paced, humorous and lighthearted film that switches between story lines smoothly. Although it's not original enough to become a classic, it's a great date flick, with solid ensemble performances.