Watch This: Song of the Sea

While perusing the cinema listings for a bit of entertainment this weekend, I spotted a movie called Song of the Sea. Remembering that a friend had recommended it and seeing the favourable reviews online (IMDB is rarely far off), I took the plunge and headed along. Attendance was sparce; there were probably less than 20 people in the theater- when we'd booked our tickets an hour earlier, there were only two other people. I'd deliberately avoided the trailers, so as the lights dimmed for the start of the movie I had no idea what to expect.

Good lord, what a movie!


Without wanting to give away the plot of the film for you; a brief synopsis. The story takes place across Ireland, beginning at the coast before taking in Dublin and the rural countryside. Without wanting to give away too many plot points, the movie centers around a mute girl Saoirse and her brother Ben. Across the film, they have brushes with magic, myth, and mystery.

First things first, the animation. It's simply jaw dropping; the best way I could describe it would be that most animated movies look like they're drawn, but this one looks like it's painted. The artistry is amazing: luscious landscapes are rolled out under brooding weather, whilst the characters are vivid and striking. Without knowing anything about art, this was obviously a beautifully designed and illustrated movie.

Of course, what makes a movie isn't how it looks (however nice that may be), but the story. Song of the Sea is an evocative mix of a homeward-bound story with ideas of Celtic mythology and family ties sprinkled into the mix. It's a delightful tale, and really gives a sense of magic and place; it's the kind of animated movie that you wish Disney would have the guts to make, if only to expose the movie to a wider audience. In any case, it's absolutely charming and magical.

I suppose it's not high praise, but one thought I had in my head as I left the theatre was that 'I really want to visit Ireland again'. From the "feic off humans" sign on the door of the fairies to the homely bar on the wild coast, this movie has a definite charm and humour that is unmistakable. There's a real sense of place in the movie, and it draws you in.

Anyway, without prattling on forever: watch this movie! You won't regret it.