Song of the Sea

StudioCanal, O'Brother Distribution, Haut et Court

                Tomm Moore has already charmed us with his other Irish inspired animated film The Secret of Kells, but this is far superior. Moore showcases all the fantasy and light of Irish fairytales using a modern setting, crisp animation, kooky side characters, and mystical backgrounds. Boasting an all Irish voice cast and a unique sense of self, this is one of the best animated films of the past five years.

            The story is based on an old Irish legend. The story goes that there’s a seal in the ocean that is swept to shore and takes on the form of a human, known as a selkie. Much like the film, the story is that she falls in love with a fisherman and bears him ronans (little seals). In this version one of the children is also a selkie, and she must find her voice in order to save all the Irish fairy tale characters from dying off entirely. As her protector and adversary her brother, Ben (Rawle), has to come to terms with the death of his mother, and their separation from his homeland, while helping his sister realize her gift. I forewarn that your heart will be in complete tatters by the end of watching this film.

            What’s glaringly obvious about this film is that it’s much better at capturing the cultural identity and mythology of its people, in comparison to Brave. While it’s true that this is an Irish production, and the former is a Scottish story made by Americans, it’s obvious that these two stories are linked in people’s minds. While this film understands the importance of place, setting, and magic, the former was more interested in identity politics and foisting a haphazard plot onto enchanted characters. This film could have easily been a one and down adaptation of a popular Irish legend, but Moore made it his own, creating a new film altogether. The only other film of its caliber that I can think of is Kubo and the Two Strings, which was stop-motion. Beautiful in almost every way, and unbearably poignant, Song of the Sea is a must-watch for people of all ages.