Title: "I Wish I Was a Mermaid"
Genre: Fantasy/Family
Director: Steven Spielberg
Distributor: DreamWorks Pictures and PDI (Pacific Data Images)
Release Date: July 15, 1997
Music Score: Danny Elfman
Plot Summary:
In the enchanting coastal town of Coralwood Bay, where magical secrets are whispered by the waves and fantasies come to life, lives a young girl named Lily (Mara Wilson). Lily is an imaginative and curious soul, always yearning for adventure beyond the shores. One night, as she gazes at the stars, she makes a heartfelt wish upon a shooting star - she wishes she could become a mermaid and explore the mysteries of the ocean.
To her astonishment, the wish comes true! Lily wakes up the next morning to find herself transformed into a beautiful mermaid. Overjoyed yet bewildered, she embarks on an underwater journey where she discovers the vibrant, breathtaking world of merfolk. Here, she befriends Coral (Jodie Foster), a spirited and adventurous mermaid, and together they set out on a quest to save their underwater kingdom from an ancient sea monster that threatens to destroy their home.
Guided by a wise old sea turtle named Tidal (Sean Connery), Lily and Coral venture through stunning coral reefs, mysterious shipwrecks, and bioluminescent caves. Along the way, they encounter a quirky cast of underwater creatures, including an eccentric jellyfish inventor (Robin Williams) and a timid but kind-hearted octopus (Tony Shalhoub). Together, they face challenges, solve puzzles, and learn the importance of friendship, courage, and self-belief.
As Lily's bond with Coral strengthens, she discovers that the power of her wish extends beyond her mermaid form. With the help of her new friends, she learns to appreciate her true self and embrace her imagination. In a heart-pounding climax, Lily, Coral, and their newfound allies must outwit the sea monster using quick thinking, bravery, and the magic of friendship.
Ending:
In the climactic battle against the menacing sea monster, Lily, Coral, and their friends combine their strengths and courage to devise a brilliant plan. Utilizing the jellyfish inventor's ingenious gadgets and the octopus's remarkable agility, they create a dazzling display of lights and illusions, confusing the sea monster and leading it away from Coralwood Bay.
As the sun sets on the horizon, casting a warm golden glow across the ocean, Lily realizes the true magic within her. With unwavering determination, she confronts the sea monster and, in a moment of bravery, uses her newfound mermaid abilities to summon a powerful wave that engulfs the monster and carries it away into the depths of the ocean.
The underwater kingdom is saved, and Coralwood Bay is safe once more. The merfolk celebrate their victory, and Lily is hailed as a hero. Tidal, the wise old sea turtle, commends Lily for her bravery and reminds her that the courage she found within herself was the most potent magic of all.
In a touching moment, Lily bids farewell to her mermaid friends, promising to cherish the memories of her incredible adventure forever. With a heart full of gratitude and newfound confidence, she makes her wish to return home. As she gazes at the stars one last time, she transforms back into her human form.
Back on the shores of Coralwood Bay, Lily finds herself standing near the same spot where her magical journey began. She looks out at the vast ocean, knowing that although she is no longer a mermaid, the lessons she learned and the friendships she made will stay with her forever.
