140 Character Movie Review – #140RVW
The Secret of Kells filmmaker Tomm Moore has created something even more beautiful & lovely for his 2nd film, if such a thing is possible…
Spoiler-free Movie Review of Song of the Sea:
Earlier this week, in my review of HOME, I wrote of how I despaired of the the state of animated children’s films – at least from the major studios. Today I get to point out how completely this concern does not apply to the more independent studios, such as Cartoon Saloon and its co-founder Tomm Moore, who directed The Secret of Kells and now, in his second picture, Song of the Sea.
I’m afraid that this review may prove to be a bit redundant after writing about The Secret of Kells, as the two films share many traits; gorgeous hand-drawn animation, uniquely Irish cultural hallmarks, astoundingly beautiful visuals, hauntingly gentle music, great stories full of human emotion, wonderful pacing, comfort with an understated feel devoid of the quick cuts and urgency that define modern film, Brendan Gleeson, Oscar nominations for Best Animated Feature (both were robbed of the statues), honor of being my daughter’s favorite films…
Where Song of the Sea differs in large part is in its modern setting. Although one of the nice things about the feel of the film is that modern in this context could mean any time in the past 100 years (or even the next 100). It’s completely free of any technology more time-sensitive than the automobile and portable camera, giving the picture a lasting appeal completely at home with the ethereal quality of its subject matter.
Ben (David Rawle) is a young boy who loses his mother Bronagh (Lisa Hannigan) to an unspecified complication during the birth of his sister Saoirse (Lucy O’Connell). His anger and resentment over his mother’s death keep him from remembering his promise to look after his now six-year old sister, who has yet to speak. But he will have to help her find her voice, as she is a selkie, capable of turning into a seal underwater, and one with an important mission.
When the children are moved from the island where Conor, their father (Brendan Gleeson) is the lighthouse-keeper and brought to live with their no-nonsense grandmother (Fionnula Flanagan) on Halloween, Ben must find a way to get his sister back to the sea where she belongs.
The grandmother character was the only red flag in the picture, as it seemed that it was going to be the old cliche of the stuffy old naysayer who crushes the hopes of the protagonists. The role sort of is just that, but it isn’t as stifling to the narrative as usual. Gleeson, on the other hand, once again gets a nice quiet role that plays to his gentle but stern strengths. I would whole-heartedly support the addition of Brendan Gleeson to every film made. I could listen to his voice all day and he has this disarming manner of being steely and kind, patient but resolved.
It’s so unfortunate that these movies don’t receive the audience they so richly deserve. With so many filler kids movies finding their way into multiplexes every year, it’s a pity (bordering on a crime) that the truly masterful films are so inaccessible. Song of the Sea probably was readily available in other areas of the world, but received only a minor theatrical release in the States. Even in a city like Boston, with an intellectually firm arts crowd and scores of students, these pictures are usually relegated to one of a couple of arthouses for short runs. And if the options are thin on the ground here, at least we have some. Move further away from a major city and the opportunities cease to exist. At least the state of modern film delivery methods through streaming, download and Blu-Ray somewhat level the playing field.
When I reviewed The Secret of Kells, I suggested it was one of the most original and beautiful films I had ever seen. Song of the Sea is even better. With apologies to Miyazaki-san, Song of the Sea may be the most beautiful animated film I’ve ever seen…
Poster:
Trailer:
Bechdel Test:
Pass
The Representation Test Score: B (7 pts)
(http://therepresentationproject.org/grading-hollywood-the-representation-test/)
| Main Cast | David Rawle Ben (voice), Brendan Gleeson Conor/Mac Lir (voice), Lisa Hannigan Bronach (voice), Fionnula Flanagan Granny/Macha (voice) |
| Rating | PG |
| Release Date | Wed 10 Dec 2014 UTC |
| Director | Tomm Moore |
| Genres | Animation, Family, Fantasy |
| Plot | Saoirse, a little girl who can turn into a seal, goes on an adventure with her brother to save the spirit world and other magical beings like her. |
| Poster |  |
| Runtime | 93 |
| Tagline | |
| Writers | Tomm Moore (story), Will Collins (as William Collins) |
| Year | 2014 |
