Photo courtesy of GKids
“Song of the Sea” (2014)
Ben (voice by David Rawle) and his younger sister Saoirse (voice by Lucy O’Connell) live by the sea in a lighthouse operated by their widower father Conor (voice by Brendan Gleeson). Saoirse, even though she is six years old, has never uttered a word. It doesn’t seem to bother her, but she does bother her older brother, who is given the responsibility to make sure that Saoirse doesn’t get into any trouble. Saoirse is drawn to the sea and the seals that litter their lighthouse shore. Ben is fascinated by his late mother’s folk tales of witches, fairies and selkies that he illustrates in notebooks and on his walls. Saoirse is fascinated by a musical sea shell that used to be her mothers.
Their grandmother (voice by Fionnula Flanagan) from the city comes to visit the family. Her intention is taking the children back to the city where it is safe, against the wishes of Conor, who feels that the children need to be near where their late mother lived and loved. Things come to head when in the middle of the night Saoirse listens to the call of the sea and goes swimming with the seals. There is something magical about her as she effortlessly swims about in the ocean. When she is discovered by the grandmother sleeping on the beach in the morning, it gives the old lady an excuse to take the children from their father and move them to the city. Both children are miserable in the city and want to return to the lighthouse. Ben longs for his father and his best friend, his dog. Saoirse is pulled to get back to the sea. So, they set out to find their way back, but there are forces out the in the world that will try to keep Saoirse from her beloved sea.
Photo courtesy of Gkids
The film is based on old Celtic myths and is directed by the Academy Award nominated Tomm Moore who brought us the incredible “The Secret of Kells.” It is a beautiful old fashioned animated film that is just amazing to watch. The animation is breathtaking and highly creative. Scenes magically flow together, and the story reveals itself to us in perfect timing. The film is about magical creatures and uses the animation to bring them to life right before our eyes. It’s a film like this that makes me miss the traditional form of animated film. There is something warm and almost spiritual in the animation that makes this film such a joy to watch. The score by Bruno Coulais perfectly accompanies the animation and helps illustrate this magical world.
The story-line, written by Will Collins and director Moore, is incredibly strong in character and meaning, mixing the old world fairy tales with the modern world. The film is about believing in yourself, and that emotions are not something to bury but bring out for the world to see. This film has a timelessness to it that makes it an instant classic and one that should be part of every family’s collection to be enjoyed over and over. My Rating : I Would Pay to See it Again
My movie rating system from Best to Worst: 1). I Would Pay to See it Again 2). Full Price 3). Bargain Matinee 4). Cable 5). You Would Have to Pay Me to See it Again
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