Year: 1988
Runtime: 104 min
Director: Penny Marshall
A teenager's wish to be older comes true when he mysteriously transforms into an adult. Suddenly faced with the challenges of adulthood, he must learn to cope with the unexpected responsibilities and navigate a world that's become surprisingly complicated. He grapples with the consequences of his wish and the difficulties of growing up too fast, all while trying to find his place.
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Read the complete plot breakdown of Big (1988), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
Twelve-year-old Josh Baskin stands in line for a carnival ride when he catches the attention of a girl from school who starts chatting with him. However, when he reaches the front, he finds out he’s too short to ride, leading to a moment of deep humiliation. In a bid to escape his embarrassment, he makes a wish at a nearby fortune-telling machine, longing to be “big.”
To his shock, when Josh wakes up the next morning, he discovers that his wish has come true. Now in the body of an adult, he finds himself unrecognizable to his own mother and must navigate life independently. As he grapples with his new reality, he secures a job at a toy company, where his understanding of children’s preferences impresses the higher-ups, eventually landing him an executive position.
Despite his youthful spirit and charm, Josh experiences the complexities of adult relationships, particularly when he attracts the attention of a female executive at his firm. Their romantic connection is both thrilling and overwhelming for him, leading to moments of confusion. When he finally reveals his secret to her, she is initially skeptical but starts to piece together the truth as she observes his unique behavior.
Eventually, Josh encounters the arcade machine that transformed his wish into reality. In a heartfelt moment, he wishes to reverse the spell, allowing him to return to his mother after weeks of separation. The film beautifully encapsulates the bittersweet essence of maintaining youthful exuberance into adulthood, conveying its message through an unconventional yet insightful narrative. It emphasizes that an adult who retains the spirit of a child is someone to be envied.
Last Updated: November 03, 2024 at 23:34
Don't stop at just watching — explore Big in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Big is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Track the full timeline of Big with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
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