Song Of The Sea: Blu-ray Review
The Movie:
When Saoirse and Ben’s mother mysteriously disappears into the ocean, the two children go on an epic journey to find out the truth about her, and in the process, discover mystical secrets about both their mother and Saoirse herself.
It’s not everyday that I get a chance to see an Irish animated film so I was immediately intrigued and excited to check it out. The film has been created beautifully with hand drawn animation and a story that I truly didn’t expect. Right from the start the movie throws you an emotional fastball that helps set up the story. The sadness that is shown from the characters can be pretty heartbreaking. There was a moment where the father sends his kids away with their Grandmother and the son is pleading with his father to let him stay was rough to watch. Maybe it has to do with me being a parent but that part hit me like a brick to the face. Everything throughout the movie was expertly paced and the characters were developed great and that’s with one of them not even talking until the third act. I loved the way the film basically inhabited everything that Studio Ghibli is and you can tell that there was definitely inspiration from the beloved anime studio. The art in the film is simple but effective and looks like it’s a children’s book coming to life as well as reminiscent of the cel shading that was used in The Legend Of Zelda: The Wind Waker. The most interesting thing about the film to me was the tale of the Selkie that is told and actually made me look into it a bit more on my own with it being mythical Irish folklore. I would like everyone to check this out because I know that it will surprise at just how deep it can get. It’s sweet but also tugs at your heartstrings and when a form of media can do that sort of emotional transition seamlessly then it gets my recommendation without a doubt. 9/10
Special Features:
Audio Commentary With Director Tomm Moore
Behind the Scenes – A look at the work that takes place with the animation studio. I wish this was longer.
Animation Tests – This feature shows how the progression is from original sketch to animated scene.
The Art of Song of the Sea – A quick montage of the art compared to the actual scene in the film.
Conceptual Trailer – A trailer that was used to show what the film “could be” before it was officially greenlit.
