Inside Llewyn Davis - Shoals of Herring 

this film is so overlooked and underrated

That old mans such a good actor, he told a story without saying 1 word.

"I earned the gear I was wearing" is the breakthrough line here, and is specifically the line that the father reacts to. In the most simple terms, it illuminates the moment in a man's life when he's at his most honest equilibrium, taking the exact amount as what he makes and not wanting more. It's the most pure feeling, and is always gone before you realize it.

How he didn't win an Oscar for this performance is beyond me. This is so powerful. Edit: I'm not just talking about this scene but his performance in general in this movie Truly incredible!

I cry often during this scene. It's one of the best scenes in an under-seen movie.

Ewan Maccoll wrote this song about the fishermen in Great Yarmouth (England) who worked the dangerous North Sea to fish for the Herring. This is a beautiful interpretation of the song.

This song is very beautiful and very sad at the same time. The shoals of herring symbolize the happiness we're chasing all our life. First, the boy is young, and he admires his father, then he grows older and becomes like his father. The sea they're crossing in search for shoals of herring is life itself with all its hardships and difficulties (the seas were daring). It's amazing how these four verses managed to describe the human lifespan. The time is running so fast, and we don't even notice that, we're just living our lives, "sweating or cold, growing up, growing old", and at the end dying... The song describes life as it is, and that's why it is so powerful.

"growing up, growing old, or dyin'" might be my favorite lyrics of all time

He pours his heart out and gets shit on for it. Greatest film of the last decade. This movie crushes my soul.

Oscar Isaac did a hell of a rendition.

Lyrics: Oh, it was a fine and a pleasant day, Out of Yarmouth harbor I was farin' As a cabin boy on a sailin' lugger, For to hunt the bonny shoals of herring. Now you're up on deck, you're a fisherman, You can swear and show a manly bearin' Take your turn on watch with the other fellows, As you hunt the bonny shoals of herring. Well I earned my keep and I payed my way. And I earned the gear that I was wearing. Sailed a million miles, caught ten million fishes We were dreaming of the shoals of herring. Night and day the seas were daring. Come wind, oh come winter gale. Sweating or cold, growing up, growing old. Or dying. As we dream about the shoals of herring.

This reminds me of visiting my grandfather in his nursing home. I would either play guitar or we would listen to music on my laptop. He enjoyed the soundtrack to this movie a lot, even though he normally preferred classical music. He was one of my best friends

this song gives me chills. I traveled europe, found a girlfriend, came back to the states and worked as a salmon fisherman in alaska. this song epitomizes the youthfulness of those times and archs to when those times run out and we are left with our memories

I barely went on with this movie because of this song, i replayed it like twenty times.

One of the greatest film ever made.

When his dad turns and looks out the window longingly. Heartbreaking.

Old man's actor... He doesn't need words, just his face... what a great actor

First time I saw this scene I thought that the father was basically disowning his son, turning away from him, showing absolute disinterest. But after watching the movie several times, I think that what this scene is showing is that Llewyn, despite what the critics say, *does* connect with his audience. Profoundly, in fact. If you watch his father with this in mind, you can see the feelings crossing his face, him relaxing (probably the reason he had an accident). When Llewyn says "Wow. Wow" I think he's realizing that he was able to connect to his father in a way that he hadn't in years or perhaps ever.Watching this now I feel a complex mix of hope, helplessness, loss, and acceptance. Hope because Llewyn connects, helplessness because he can't control who he connects to and who he doesn't, loss for all the words, affirmations or criticisms, that his father doesn't say and acceptance because I think it's here that he realizes that this is just the way things are.

Great to see so many people recognize the film and I think time has already proven the film to be a classic. What I really like about the film is how the Coens built the character and his journey. For all his struggles, one may feel great empathy towards him but if you step back a bit, you will also notice his personality (lack of long-term planning, too cynical at times etc.) may also be the cause of all his struggles. However, the Coens never gave a clear answer on how we should perceive this character, because as it is in real life, one cannot simply explain how one decision will lead to an outcome because it is never a linear relationship. Use the license as an example, of cause throwing it away at the mid-point of the film seems an awful idea and demonstrate how Llewyn has no plan in life especially when we know he needs it in the later part of the film, but if you are standing at his point of view, you understand that he sort of wished to bury his past. These kind of complexity of the character make us become more connected to the character. Besides, I always think of this film is a true depiction of "dream", most films depicted the journey of the main character, how they successfully overcome different hurdles in life to realize their dream. While this film coldly depicted the sad side of this dream chasing journey that most people don't succeed, no matter how much you dedicated to your dream. Yet, it also showed what dream truly is. Some films described the dream of the main character in a very fancy way like they want to change the world or whatever and they keep emphasize it is his/her dream throughout the film. While in this film, not once in the film did anyone say being a folk singer is Llewyn's dream, but when you listen to the songs Llewyn played, they are (in some way) about his life, he played folk songs since he's a kid. He is a folk singer not because he wants to be one but he HAS to be. Folk songs is his life and in his blood. No matter how he tried to escape from it (become a seaman), life kicks him back to it. He is nothing without folk songs. Pardon my english as it is not my native language and above may seems like gibberish but I can continue talk about this film for hours and I am sure most of you who love this film will share similar enthusiasm.

I love how he looks at his father when he sings, "Or dying...". What a jerk. Great movie.

Perfect song... Perfect Movie!!

When I close my eyes while listening to this song and it makes me feel that I am sailing all by myself in a small boat on a cloudy day.

As an musician, Ive picked this tune up and play it when then time is right. Its a serious song, does its job. If your in Sligo, you may hear it in the flesh, Best effort like...

In my mind, this scene reinforces Llewyn's bitterness of his situation and how people think of him. In the same way Bud Grossman innocently and ignorantly tells him to get back together with his deceased partner (in Llewyn's mind, go and jump off the George Washington Bridge), this situation with his father (regardless of whether Llewyn managed to get through to him with the song or not) doesn't mean to have an accident in his company, but to Llewyn it's "here's what I think of you". He says wow, thinking "no one has ever told me 'you suck' like that before".

2:00 that expression more than appreciation.

I cried at the cinema, watching this poit of the movie! but the ending of the scene... d'oh ! -.-

They way this scene is filmed, it's like I'm in the room with them. Magnificent cinematography!!

I’m in love with this movie

This film introduced me to Dave Van Ronk, of course, but also the late great Ewan MacColl. Never knew how many of his songs I'd spent my life singing along to

"I sailed a million miles... caught ten million fishes... we were dreeeaming of the shoals of herring." My favorite part :)

One of the best performances of the decade. Oscar was robbed of the... Oscar

This is still my favorite film ever. Rewatched it yesterday just to see if it held up and goddamn it if i wasn't moved to tears

The most memorable scene in the movie for me. Barely spoiled by finding out that Ewan McColl wrote Shoals of Herring in 1961 (to a traditional tune, Shores of Erin). And Oscar Isaac does an amazing job.

Coen Brothers are soooo fantastic its surreal how everything they do hits home with me. Enjoy this folks they won't be around forever

such a magic voice!

On The Road w/ Ulysses an Odyssey a journey was in the Navy recited poetry on Bleecker and the Bowery this movie spoke to me ✌🏼

This is hauntingly beautiful

he is gorgeous. the song was gorgeous. everything about this is just gorgeous

That's how you make movies!

Brilliant film, nothing else to say.

Every time I listen to this lovely tune...I cry; it's so beautiful.

Beautiful scene! Always brings tears to my eyes.

my favorite of the Coen Bros films

Interestingly, this song was written by the same person, Ewan McColl, who wrote the classic love song "The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face".

Brought up my tear, so warm, beautiful and I can feel the old time all flooding in

My God, Oscar Isaac is so damn good. You add the Coen Bros and it's pure greatness.

Anyone else use this as a bit of a guitar lesson for the song? Really simple but beautiful way of playing it

Back in 2010 my dad was in an adult family home suffering from Alzheimer’s. I decided to bring my guitar one afternoon to play him a song. This scene destroyed me. Wrecks me every time but I keep watching. Hoping maybe it’ll turn out differently.

Not very often is the perfect actor cast for a part. I cannot see anyone else playing Llewyn. The part is so beautifully played by Oscar, a career defining performance. Bravo Mr. Isaac, Bravo!

Still listening to this song in 2018. I can't get over how beautiful it is.

I just love this version. Just perfect. Have a special connection to this song. 1995…… a long and funny and lovely tale 😀

Yet another exquisite moment in an exquisite movie. I feel very sad for those that have never discovered this film or who don't "get it" - it is so rewarding to watch and rewatch and rediscover scenes and see how your reactions and observations change with each watching. I love that the Coens don't patronize their audience. Whatever meaning a moment or a scene has to them personally, they understand implicitly that what makes a scene powerful is ambiguity and uncertainty and give us the respect of deciding for ourselves what to believe about a scene or character.

Nicely done Oscar. Very nicely done, thank you.

Reminds me of my grandfather, especially when he was not well and he was dying. He was a fisherman in his younger years. I was there on his last day and just joked around with him like I usually would. Tennis was on, our favorite sport to watch together. A brilliant man who was one of the greatest writers that I ever knew. He was not a very open person, but his silence meant everything. He welcomed me into my family's home when I was left for dead. He did not need to speak to express his love. A troubled, grumpy old man who was hard to get through. Whenever I listen to this song, I think of him and want to cry.....

Such a beautiful scene. I think of it often.

I always thought his rendition of Fare Thee Well was incredible.... but this is on a whole other level imo. Goes straight to the soul.

Inside Folk music. Im so grateful for this movie and all the music i discovered through it

I had to take my guitar and play that one. Beautiful song and great rendition by Oscar Isaac. I feel much more connection to British and American folk music than to my country's (Eastern Europe).

I tear up every time I think about this movie .

So my thoughts on the ending, he is playing an old song that he knows meant something to his father, seeing if there are signs of emotion/ emotional connection. At one point he sees something rise, an emotion stirs but then his father pushes it away and hardens again. Llewyn senses this change and says 'wow' , that even with his best efforts he couldnt get to his father and realises it's a lost cause....

i love this movie..and thius scene is beauteful it hurts

This scene made me cry like a baby :') The movie is brilliant!

I love the "inside" of Llewyn Davis 💙

This film is one of the best ever made

My brother used to play songs like this for mom and dad when they had some drinks. Mom could even pick a little. Lol

Still listening. Love this movie.

I like that he plays with his picking hand all the way down toward the bridge to get that extra twangy sound.

When people ask me what my favourite scene in a movie is only thing I can think of is this scene right here.

This song is so comforting

When people ask me why I love Oscar so much I direct them to this movie. This is by far my favorite movie of his and the reason Oscar is my number one actor.

I have a collection of Criterion films I'm proud for having procured. Looking on the journey that brought all sorts of cinematic glory, encountering this one over and over again leaves to be said that it's a masterpiece among mastercrafts. It'll live longer than most because of it's sheer heart.

Absolutely love this. Keep thinking he's singing the 'shores of Erin"

I love this so much. He does remind me a little of a serious Mr. Bean. Spectacular. I'll have to wait till I can afford to buy the movie...how did I miss this...ah, but I have found it now. Beautifully done....

One of my favorite films of all time

The music is beautiful and haunting at the same time

It’s touching my soul

Whenever I see this scene, I always cry. This movie is a 21st century masterpiece that shakes off my lonely soul.

There something so beautiful about this scene, but I can't understand it. Is gold 😭

Never sing for your family. Dissent hurts twice as much and compliments are suspect. It's a no-win.

So sweet and emotional...

I thought the joke/sadness here was that, just as you thought that he had gotten through to his old man, he was actually just shitting himself.

i love the end of scene with the sound of the seagulls and his fathers expression,

That wow made alot of impact to me than any 4 minute emotional speeches in any movie.

You could write an entire novel describing what happens in each character's mind in the unspoken words between Father and Son and the way it defines entire Generations and lays weak foundation for future generations and mistakes.

Now this is a film

yea, Im fucking crying, whats it to you?

I love this song

Such a sweet soft song X

Such a moving scene, great movie

wonderful & beautiful scene

Best film of the decade

Impresionante lo que transmite este artista.

I think Llewyn is seeing here that he actually was connecting right along, but that his father had been doing what men often do, which is covering his deep and conflicting feelings with a mask of working man stoicism..I don't see this as a "downer movie" at all, and sense Llewyn, urged by life's buffetings, beginning to heal and slowly cracking and starting to emerge from his personal and creative cocoon at the end of the film.

For me, this scene is about the loss of a parent to dementia and how, while he is there, he is also gone. The son is grieving and hopeful that he can get a message to his dad and maybe even some fleeting approval. The reality is that it’s a test because all he is left with is his own projections of meaning under the circumstances. It may be, in this context, abandonment, insecurity and a sense of failure creeping in. He is alone in his own assessment of himself, and in the end, we are all alone in creating our own foundations especially we are faced with say goodbye to our parents. For better or worse. It’s both a beautiful and a tragic scene.

necesitaba escuchar una canción así, gracias por compartir

Absolutely devastating performance 💔

That last verse.

Great Yarmouth is a bit of a run down left behind dump now but I would love to have seen it in its heyday of fishing and tourism

I think this scene encompasses the meaning of the film.

Great clip that draws heavily on the Lass of Aughrim scene in John Huston's adaptation of James Joyce's, The Dead.