Song of the Sea - Brand New Clip!
by Jo Johstone
Song of the Sea is an animated fantasy film from Ireland created by small studio Cartoon Saloon. The studio’s previous works include The Secret of Kelles as well as animated series Puffin Rocks.
Song of the Sea tells the story of a small, happy family made up of Father Connor, his wife Bronagh and their son Ben. Bronagh sings and cares for Ben as she carries the family’s next child. All seems well until the night she sadly passes away leaving behind the baby. The infant grows into a sweet but mute young girl named Saoirse with her depressed father and resentful older brother Ben. When Saoirse becomes ill, after taking a magical swim with a group of Seals, their grandmother insists on taking the children away to live with her. Unhappy, the move prompts a cross country adventure for the children to return to their father and home.
The clip featured shows Saoirse being led by magical lights to a chest. Inside she finds a cloak that once belonged to her mother and puts it on. The lights then lead the girl away from her home and towards the sea where a flock of Seals await her.
With so much being said about the future of hand drawn animation this film could not have some at a better time. The film showcases the sheer power, beauty and charm that hand drawn possess and it only enhances the films incredible story. Featuring Gallic tales, folk law, magic and a broken family at its centre it is by far one of the best animations to be released in recent history. Despite my original disappointment that How to Train Your Dragon 2 did not win the Academy Award for Best Animation this year, Song of the Sea was by far the worthiest of all the nominations.
Speaking on behalf of myself and our Editor Cookie, this is a film that everyone should see for its incredible story, breath taking animation and heart wrenching music.
It has been sadly overlooked but hits cinemas July 10th.