I recently published my top 15 films of 2015. Topping this list of great films was Pixar’s masterpiece Inside Out.  It already made 13th place in my top 50 animated films of all time and I anticipate it moving up the list the more I watch it.  However, Inside Out was still not the best movie I saw in 2015.  Technically a 2014 release that honor goes to the hidden gem animated film Song of the Sea.  

I bet most of you haven’t heard of Song of the Sea but let me give you my pitch of why you should all stream it on amazon prime right away (or purchase it some other way).  

Directed by Tomm Moore who previously helmed Secret of the Kells in 2009 (also wonderful but not quite as good), Song of the Sea utilizes traditional 2D style animation and Scottish lore to tell a beautiful story about growing up, magic, grief and family.

Song of the Sea focuses on a character named Ben who lives in a lighthouse with his parents.  His Mother is taken from him in the opening scenes giving birth to his little sister.  We find out later that both the sister Saoirse and the Mother were selkies which is a part seal, part human creature.  

Ben’s father is grieving and his Grandmother insists she take the children to London where they will be safe.  Unfortunately this separates Saoirse from her selkie suit and makes her vulnerable to wizards, spirits and Macha the Owl Witch.   So, Ben must find a way to get his sister back to the ocean and deal with his grief all at the same time.

If that sounds really creative it is because it is.  The animation is stunning, particularly anything in the ocean with a swirling, kaleidoscope feel to it. I’m not one who over-glorifies 2D animation but I can’t deny it is so refreshingly beautiful here.

But more than the artwork, the journey Ben goes on is so moving.  To see him deal with his grief and say goodbye to his Mother really affects me every time I see it.  When I first saw it I literally sat in the theater and cried for about 10 minutes after the film ended.  And that’s not a bad thing.  It just moved me so much.

It’s also a film that surprises you at every turn.  Like Miyazaki’s masterpiece Spirited Away, we never know what magical creature or situation Ben will come on next and they aren’t simple situations.  For example, Macha the Owl Witch is motivated by a love for her son to steal the emotions of others and store them in jars.  How creative is that?

Some may worry Song of the Sea is too sad for kids but all of my nieces have seen it and love it.  I think we underestimate a child’s tolerance for serious, sad films.  Plus, it’s not like it is all it has.  There are moments of great joy and magic mixed in with the tears.  

The voicework is all excellent with Brendon Gleason being the marquee name as Ben’s father.  The music by Bruno Coulais is perfect with vocals by Kila.  In many ways it feels like the Enya vocals in the Lord of the Rings films.  

To see the rest of Rachel’s reviews, click here.

If there is one film that I wish I could sit everyone down and make them watch it is Song of the Sea.  I say that because so many haven’t heard of it and it is so great.  Please don’t let this amazing masterpiece slip through your fingers.  The Oscars recognized it as one of the best animated films of last year and I’m glad they did.  It would certainly get the award if it was up to just me, and I loved all 5 films.  This was the film that most were probably wondering how it beat The Lego Movie.  I love Lego Movie but trust me Song of the Sea is better.  

It’s one of the best movies I’ve ever seen.  I truly love it that much.  Let me know what you think if you get a chance to see it.  I’d love to hear your comments either here on the blog or on my youtube video.  Thank you for your support.

Related posts:

Weekly Family Home Evening Family Movie Night: Anastasia Family Movie Night: Dumbo Family Movie Night: The Wizard of OZ