Song of the Sea (2014)

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MmzHrrdb
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Song of the Sea (2014)

Post by MmzHrrdb »

With Song of the Sea, Tomm Moore has cemented himself as one of the most interesting directors working in animation. Joining the likes of Pete Docter, Brad Bird, and Henry Selick, Moore has now twice revealed his talent in constructing animated films that challenge the way casual audiences and seasoned cinema veterans view the art form. Song of the Sea enchants and engages from the very first second to the very last.

Similarly to Tomm Moore's previous effort, The Secret of Kells, Song of the Sea is inspired by Irish myth. A family of four is torn apart by tragedy. The mother by death in the opening scenes of the movie, and a son and daughter moved away from their father and the island they live on to a city they do not know. But a quest set by a prophecy none of them are aware of is to send them on an overarching adventure, as they embark on their own personal journeys.

The visuals continue to be the immediate draw (pardon the pun) to Moore's films. Glorious hand-drawn animation (blended here with seamless CGI effects), unique visual perspectives, and sensational character designs breathe life into a rich story. Moore's visual style has become as distinctive as that of Brad Bird's or Tim Burton's, and it is no less wondrous to look at.

After being baited in by the alluring visuals, one can then begin to appreciate the intricate story. If audiences choose to look deeply they will find three stories told simultaneously through three different characters. The most subtly told of these is that of the father, Conor, who mourns his losses as everything he loves is slowly taken away from him. Because most of the story focuses on his children, Ben and Saorise, Conor's story is more implied than literal. Even so, there are hints generously dispersed in his scenes to suggest what's going on (and most kids won't pick up on them).

The really engaging stories are from Ben (arguably the main character) and the mute Saorise. Six-year-old Saorise is the "chosen one" of this fantasy. It is up to her to complete the quest that she knows nothing about. She feels lead to fulfill her purpose, though she is uncertain of what it is. Her heroics and sacrifice are influenced by what she is believing to be true, rather than what she knows, making it a great struggle for her.

Ben's story is a combination of Conor's and Saorise's. He is struggling with loss of his mother, and Saorise is ultimately the target of his frustrations. Ben is lead on the quest with Saorise, though he does not know his purpose in it. This is Ben's story of finding his purpose, and coping with loss. These three stories are told extraordinarily, with a satisfying pay-off that rewards thinking audiences. The fact that such a sophisticated tale was made as an animated film is hugely encouraging and important.

David Rawle as Ben nails the naivety, the hurt, the frustration, and the desperation needed for his character, while Brendan Gleeson (who also had a role in The Secret of Kells) makes the most of his limited screen presence. Supporting cast members, Fionnula Flanagan, Lisa Hannigan, Lucy O'Connel, and Kevin Swierszcz embody their characters with convincing performances.

Bruno Coulais score abandons the textural tendencies of his Secret of Kells work for a strongly melodic approach. The result is a charming and beautiful score that enhances the lyrical story with memorable music and vibrant color.

Animation continues to advance, both technologically, and by which it is perceived by the average movie goer. Song of the Sea is an important stepping stone on the road to complete acceptance. To say it's a perfect film would be lying (some slow stretches, and the humor is less seamless than other elements of the movie), but Song of the Sea is a gorgeous and nuanced achievement that satisfies on an intellectual and emotional level. Kids will like it, but adults will get more mileage out of it, and that is its greatest success.

Score: 8/10

EDIT: Score increased to a 9/10 on 12/23/15.
Last edited by MmzHrrdb on Thu Dec 24, 2015 6:51 am, edited 1 time in total.

P u l p
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Re: Song of the Sea (2014)

Post by P u l p »

I really enjoyed this animation. This 2D animation shows you can be better than lots of holywood's 3D animations.

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