Other Media Review

Guest Squee: Song of the Sea

“Come away, O human child!
To the waters and the wild
With a faery, hand in hand,
For the world’s more full of weeping than you can understand.”

It all began three years ago. Futzing around on Tumblr (as one does), I happened across a teaser/conceptual trailer from the Irish animation studio Cartoon Saloon. Familiar as I was with their work from their very enjoyable first film The Secret of Kells, I gave it a look.

Wow’, I think, ‘Nice hand drawn animation, Irish mythology, selkies! I totally need to see this when it comes out.’

The years passed on and that little 55-second trailer stuck with me despite how much time passed. And because it did I noticed when the proper trailer came out heralding the film’s release in winter 2014.

Before, I had been intrigued. The new trailer, however, had me spellbound. The nice animation from the concept trailer had graduated into something spectacularly beautiful, and combined with some wonderful music and general fae atmosphere I knew I was in for something very special.

I was glad for my attentiveness by the time the film actually made it into theaters. Even in a major city like Los Angeles it only was showing in three places at most, and just one when it first came out. When I went into the Nuart Theater I couldn’t help but wonder at the lack of promotion. I was heartened by the fact the theater was full-showing at least some awareness of the movie in LA-but the fact remained if you weren’t aware of it beforehand there was very little chance a person would hear about the film or get a chance to see it themselves.

That was what I thought before the film started. When it was over it was all I could do to not physically accost passersby and insist-demand, possibly at knife point if necessary-that they see the movie and then tell everyone they knew to go see it (physical accosting being up to them but certainly an option not to be discounted).

It was. That. Goddamn. Good.

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Song of the Sea, the second film from Irish director Tomm Moore and his Cartoon Saloon animation studio, is a masterpiece. That’s not a word to be thrown around lightly-it is one to be used both with care and utter certainty. Song of the Sea is that rare breed of creative output that is so incredible-so flawless on every conceivable level-that I have no idea how Tomm Moore can possibly hope to outdo it. How do you outperform perfection?

Enough hyperbole for now, because I can easily gush Song of the Sea’s praises all day long. Let’s talk about the film.

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Song of the Sea is a take on the ancient myth of the selkies-the fairy women (and men too) of Celtic/Northern European mythology who live as seals but are capable of shedding their skins and taking human form. Two siblings, 10-year old Ben and 6-year old Saoirse live in a lighthouse off the coast of Ireland with their father Conor and sheepdog Cú.

Their mother Bronagh disappeared years ago, on the night of Saoirse’s birth and it’s obvious the family hasn’t recovered from the event. Ben is terrified of going into the water and resents Saoirse as a symbol of his mother’s loss, Conor is a father who seems distant from even Saoirse who he clearly favors and Ben whom can’t seem to connect with him. And Saoirse has not spoken once in her life, though her muteness does not keep her from being an expressive and layered character.

songofthesea3It’s on the day of Saoirse’s 6th birthday that things come to a head. The kids are sent to bed after a mess of birthday party that shows how the small family has frayed. But Saoirse plays a few notes on the shell flute that is Ben’s last gift from his mother, and fairy lights lead her to a mysterious white fur coat locked in a trunk out of sight. From there, Ben and Saoirse go on a journey from the untouched countryside of Ireland, to the urban sprawl of modern Dublin, and the mystic spots that lie between our reality and the fairy realm of Tír na nÓg…and discover things within themselves as well.

I really can’t talk at all indifferently about this film. Recent as it is, it still is easily one of my favorite movies ever. That something this amazing is so little known drives me nuts to be honest. Even though was robbed of nominated for the Oscar for Best Animated Film in 2014, barely anyone recalls it. I can’t believe I live in a world where Song of the Sea hasn’t even broke a million dollars and something like, say, The Smurfs has made over 500 million dollars. IT MAKES ME SO DAMN ANGRY. This film deserves to be known, to be celebrated, and anything I can do to make that happen I will.

songofthesea4If I had to narrow it down, there are two factors that make Song of the Sea work as well as it does. First of all is just the sheer creative passion Tomm Moore injected into every single frame. This is clearly a work straight from the heart, one that has not been compromised on in any way, and it shows. The opening credits read like a who’s who of European artistic support institutes, and I think it’s incredible the number of people and groups who wanted to make Tomm Moore’s vision as he saw it happen.

The other is that not only is every single element in Song of the Sea done so well on its own, but in fact they play off and enhance each other to make a whole that is unbelievably good. Take anything that Song of the Sea does on its own, and that alone will stand out as being impressive. This many all together in one film? It will absolutely blow you away.

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The story itself is fairly linear, but woven together with Celtic mythology, great characters and stunning visuals as it is brings a freshness to what would on its own be nothing exceptional. The characters especially give this movie its heart and soul. Tomm Moore has a way with children characters that is so good to see. No Plot Moppets here! His kids are actually kids, with the stuff that makes them lovable and the stuff that wants to make you stick them into a corner for a good time out.

Ben starts the film with an attitude of brattiness that covers up a very real and understandable sense of inner turmoil, anger, and grief. It’s totally believable in a 10 year old who has not made peace with the loss of his mother or even seems to have much support from his father (who similarly shows his own lack of acceptance). Saoirse may be mute, but she’s still incredibly expressive and shows her own agency despite being only six years old.  Even the more antagonist characters are well rounded, understandable, and sympathetic. The children’s grandmother takes them to live with her in the city against their wishes, but only out of fear for their safety on the little island. And to go into it deeply would involve spoilers, but the reasons behind Macha the Owl Witch’s actions are heart wrenching. What she is doing isn’t right, but you can see why she thinks it is and feel for her in the process.

songofthesea6Hand in hand with the wonderful characters is Song of the Sea’s examination of loss and grief, as well as accepting it and moving on. It’s what Big Hero 6 could have been if it had had the courage to stick to its guns instead of retreating into more conventional territory. And don’t mistake me-I thought Big Hero 6 was great and enjoyed it a ton. But as far as its themes go, Song of the Sea blows it out of the water (no pun intended). This is a movie that will reach into your chest, take your heartstrings, and twist without mercy. YOU WILL CRY. Everyone does. I swear pretty much every person in the theater was wiping at their eyes at the climax. (Yours truly was doing her best to quietly sob without making too much of a disgrace of herself and failing).

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The film taps wonderfully into the heart of Celtic/Irish mythology as well. Besides the selkie aspect we get many other types of fairies and spirits. There’s Macha the Owl Witch of course, the giant Mac Lir, and the Great Seanachai, along with an absolutely spellbinding scene towards the end where countless fey arise. Opposite the ancient ways is the more modern Irish identity. Interestingly enough the movie itself is set in 1981, but this somehow gives the picture a more timeless feel though it is obviously in a contemporary setting. (The only really ‘80s thing that popped out noticeably for me was a scene where Ben puts on a pair of old school 3D glasses.) It’s unmistakably modern, but at the same time feels like it could take place practically any time past roughly 1960. Besides the relatively current setting, the presence of Catholicism, in the many churches as well as a beautiful holy well featuring icons of saints is very noticeable. Moore’s point is that the Irish culture consists of both, not one over the other, and I agree with him. It’s a wonderful insight into Ireland from an Irish director, acknowledging both the romance and reality.

Speaking of Irish romanticism, the music in this is fantastic. Bruno Coulais and the Irish folk band Kíla worked together to make something otherworldly, fey, and utterly Irish. It is fairy tale music for a fairy tale movie, and I pretty much went straight to iTunes and bought the whole soundtrack as soon as I stepped out of the theater. There’s lots of great singing within the movie itself by the characters, and indeed the song of the selkie is what is needed in the end to make things right. My personal favorite is the song over the end credits, “Song of the Sea”/”Chant de la Mer”. It’s by French singer Nolwenn Leroy and it is amazinggggggggggg. I couldn’t possibly say which version I like more, the French or the English, but they are both well deserving of a listen. (Worth noting is that Nolwenn Leroy is actually a Frenchwomen from Breton, the titular dialect considered to be relatively intelligible with Irish Gaelic despite being separated by hundreds of miles and hundreds of years. To me that knowledge gave an interesting context to choosing her to sing the end credits song. /linguistics nerding)

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Finally the best for last: the visuals. I’m pretty sure the images I’ve been sprinkling through this review say it better than I possibly could, but this is hands down the most stunning animated film of 2014. Lego Movie might be funnier, or How to Train Your Dragon 2 have more dynamic action, but absolutely nothing else released in 2014 comes close to how utterly gorgeous this film is (including Princess Kaguya – yeah, I said prettier than the Studio Ghibli film. This is coming from a person whose Highlights of Life include seeing Hayao Miyazaki in person).

Song of the Sea is one of those rare films where you could take a frame-any frame!-at random and it would be stunning. You could literally put the film on mute and still enjoy it just being what you’re looking at is so beautiful.  There’s been a lot of talk lately about the future of Studio Ghibli now that Hayao Miyazaki is so up there in years, but with Tomm Moore around I’m not the least bit worried. Here is a director who makes thought provoking, beautiful, hand drawn animation, and with a finesse that is very Miyazaki-esque.

The one moment in particular that I thought was so subtlety poignant is when the siblings are wandering through a gorgeous green forest…and here and there on the ground lies garbage. It says a lot for saying nothing at all. (My personal favorite frame though is totally the one with the cut out showing the sleeping badgers. Too precious for this earth, people.) The climax definitely deserves note for being the most spectacular looking part of the film, the only problem being it is a little hard to see through the many tears you will inevitably cry.

 

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So that is Song of the Sea a movie you need to watch. Now. Netflix it, buy it, mug a random passerby if you cannot afford it at the moment-it’s for the greater good. If you run into me (short blonde with glasses in LA with an epic case of resting bitchface) I will take you to my house and we can watch it together. I’ll make snacks and margaritas! This film just matters than much-and even if you don’t love it as much as I do, I know you’ll still be glad you saw it.


Song of the Sea is available via Netflix DVD, Amazon Instant Video, and on DVD.

Add Your Comment →

  1. chamekke says:

    It’s a magical film and everyone should watch it 🙂

    Also, if Ben sounds familiar, it’s because his role is voiced by David Rawle, the young star of Moone Boy. He’s brilliant in that, and he’s wonderfully expressive in this too.

  2. Kelsey C. says:

    I really hope Netflix or my library get this in,I loved the Secret of Kells. Oh and I love Loreena McKennitt’s version of Stolen Child…well I love her period. =)

  3. Milly says:

    Will definitely put this one on my radar. May I also humbly recommend The Waterboys – they did a version of WB Yeat’s The Stolen Child poem back in the 80’s that I have never been able to get out of my head. In fact, when I read the opening lines, it was that tune that came to the fore. And Kelsey C, gotta agree about Loreena McKennit – mad love for that woman.

  4. kkw says:

    Just checking in case I’m missing something, and I don’t mean anything judgmental or shaming in asking, I’m just trying to determine if this aligns with my interests at all: this is a kid’s movie, right?

  5. K.N.O'Rear says:

    Put this in my eyeballs ! As a huge fan ( a.ka slightly obsessed) with all things fae and especially fae of Celtic mythology, I need this movie in my life. While I’m at it I might few Secret of Kells as well.

  6. CelineB says:

    I loved this movie! It was definitely the best of the Oscar nominated movies for best animated movie this year. I’ve been recommending it to all my friends.

  7. mollificent says:

    Hear hear! I also eagerly anticipated this film after having my mind completely blown by “Secret of Kells”. And it was everything I’d hoped and more. (I’m relatively obsessed with Irish selkie legends and have intermittently worked on a selkie/harp story/performance piece that I’ve never quite had the nerve to finish.)

    Also, in reply to #4 kkw: technically it probably is a children’s film. But, like the very best children’s films, it’s filled with layers and depth (and oh my GOD the visuals are incredible) so that adults will get a ton out of it too. There’s nothing, absolutely nothing, twee or simplistic about it.

    Just do yourself a favor and watch it. On the biggest screen you can manage, preferably (only so you can catch all the incredible details.)

  8. Darlynne says:

    Thanks for a great review. I’m off to see if it’s anywhere I can watch.

  9. Crystal says:

    Would my eight year old daughter like it? I’m always looking for things to watch and read with her.

  10. Michelle says:

    Just ordered it off of amazon. The singer sounded a bit like Maire Brennan, so check her out if you love Celtic music (unless you are already a fan-which you very well could be-lol.)

  11. fairywine says:

    @Crystal-I would say eight is a great age to watch this at! It’s beautiful to look at and the story is engaging no matter how old you are, which is a great combination for a family viewing. Plus it’s a great way to introduce her to Irish culture done authentically by a native director. 🙂

  12. Lola Montez says:

    It’s “a kid’s film” in the sense that Wizard of Oz is a kid’s film — or ET. It’s universal. There is nobody whether age 4 or age 94 who could fail to respond to this exquisite, remarkable movie.

    I’m an animation buff (a long time Miyazaki fan — you got to meet him in person? I am awed!) and I see a LOT of animated films, including obscure foreign films.

    I stumbled on this at the library — never heard of it at all. Never saw a trailer. I don’t know what made me pick it up. The characters, at least on the DVD cover, look a bit like the Powder Puff Girls (Moore has an unusual, stylized manner of animating human characters) and I thought it might be something really lame. I think the selkie angle was what got me to take it out.

    Like you, I am on a one woman campaign to put this film in the hands of every adult, child, school, etc. that I can manage. People need to see this film! It is everything you say and more.

    That it lost out to some inferior animated films in Oscar competition is a disgrace. But this review is one of the things that will rectify this — I hope Tom Moore and Cartoon Saloon realize that even if it takes 10 years, this is going to be one of the classics of the ages that will endure for generations.

  13. Sarah says:

    Thanks for this recommendation! Adding this and Secret of Kells to my must-watch list.

    For those who are fans of selkie myths and other Celtic legends, I would recommend Susan Cooper’s Seaward (YA novel) and The Secret of Roan Inish (1994 movie).

  14. Heather says:

    This was a wonderful film, thank you so much for this review as I wouldn’t have heard of it if not for you 🙂 The visuals are just gorgeous, and the story is beautiful. Definitely something to add to any collection of children’s films (and adult, too!).

  15. Cordy (not stuck in spam filter sub-type) says:

    We watched this this weekend! Thanks for this review – I wouldn’t have thought to look for it, otherwise. We watched it on Amazon Instant – highly recommended for people who like arty stuff, mythology, etc. Really lovely and powerful stuff, my family all enjoyed it.

  16. cleo says:

    Wanted to come back and say I just watched this last night and was blown away. And the owl witch, who takes away people’s emotions and turns them to stone, is a great metaphor for repressing emotions. (Especially clear to me after seeing Inside Out the other week).

  17. chacha1 says:

    see, this is why it pays to dig through past posts to catch up with things I’ve missed. I’m going to try to get this in a shareable format.

  18. Mary says:

    Thank you so, so much for your review and recommendation. I don’t think I really have words for the sincerity, sweetness, loveliness, and deep spirituality of this movie. There were many, many heart-opening tears.

  19. SB Sarah says:

    @Mary:

    I’m so glad you loved it! Sharing recommendations for things that we love is one of the best parts of being in this community, so it makes me so happy that you enjoyed it.

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