Song of the Sea
Song of the Sea

Movie spotlight

Song of the Sea

2014
Movie
94 min
English

The story of the last Seal Child’s journey home. After their mother’s disappearance, Ben and Saoirse are sent to live with Granny in the city. When they resolve to return to their home by the sea, their journey becomes a race against time as they are drawn into a world Ben knows only from his mother’s folktales. But this is no bedtime story; these fairy folk have been in our world far too long. It soon becomes clear to Ben that Saoirse is the key to their survival.

Insights

IMDb8.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes99%
Metacritic86/100
Google Users93%
Director: Tomm MooreGenres: Animation, Adventure, Family, Fantasy, Musical

Plot Summary

Ben is a young boy living in Ireland with his father and pregnant mother. After his mother's death, Ben discovers his younger sister, Saoirse, is a selkie, a seal-human hybrid who must return to the sea to save the magical world. Ben must overcome his fear and anger to help Saoirse on her journey, facing ancient beings and magical challenges along the way.

Critical Reception

Song of the Sea was widely acclaimed by critics for its breathtaking animation, poignant storytelling, and beautiful score. It resonated with audiences for its themes of family, loss, and Celtic mythology, earning significant praise and numerous accolades.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its stunning, hand-drawn animation style reminiscent of classic Disney films.

  • Lauded for its emotional depth and exploration of themes like grief, memory, and sibling bonds.

  • Celebrated for its enchanting incorporation of Irish folklore and mythology.

Google audience: Google users overwhelmingly loved Song of the Sea, praising its beautiful animation, touching story, and magical atmosphere. Many found it to be a deeply moving and visually stunning film that resonated with both children and adults.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, Annie Awards for Best Animated Feature and Directing, and won numerous awards including Best Animated Film at the European Film Awards.

Fun Fact

The film's director, Tomm Moore, drew inspiration from Irish folklore and his own childhood experiences in County Meath, Ireland, where the story is set.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

3 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

This is a gorgeously told tale from Celtic mythology that follows the adventures of the young "Ben" and his sister "Saoirse". Their mother died whilst giving birth to the girl - who is unable to speak - and they lived in an isolated lightho...

Kamurai

Kamurai

Great watch, would watch again, and do recommend. The animation in this beautiful, and some of it reminds me (vaguely) of "Spirited Away", but makes more sense. I'm sure the relation is the sense that "Spirited Away" is Miyazaki's displ...

Reno

Reno

If you ever watched 'The Secret of Kells', you will never think of skipping it. Though, people watch it in the interest of the Oscar connection. From all the nominees it is the clear winner according to me, even far better than the real win...