Netflix subscribers are in for a rare delight, as one of the most lauded animated movies in recent memory has just landed on the service at no extra charge, and it’s an unexpected break from the usual Disney magic.
This treasured piece of cinema was released ten years ago and hails from Ireland, crafted not by the glitzy Hollywood studios but by Cartoon Saloon, known for works like Wolfwalkers and My Father’s Dragon. Now, their captivating second feature, Song of the Sea, is up for streaming on Netflix.
Critics have celebrated the film as one of the most beautifully animated achievements of the modern age and perhaps beyond.
The story whisks viewers off to 1980s Ireland, tracking young Ben (voiced by David Rawle), who discovers that his mute sister Saoirse is a legendary selkie who can shift from human to seal.
Alongside their loyal Old English Sheepdog Cu, the siblings venture out on a grand quest to save faeries from the clutches of the Celtic goddess Macha and unravel the enigma surrounding their mother’s enigmatic fate, reports the Daily Record.
(Image: (Image: CARTOON SALOON))
Nearing cult classic territory, Song of the Sea is set to enchant an even broader audience on Netflix. Critics have been vocal with praise.
Carlos Aguilar from Toronto Review remarked: “Watching Song of the Sea it is easy to assert that this is one of the most blissfully beautiful animated films ever made.
“It is a gem beaming with awe-inspiring, heartwarming magic.”
Film buffs have been vocal online about their love for the animated marvel Song of the Sea. A Reddit user shared high praise, saying, “Song of the Sea is delightful. [It’s] such a beautifully crafted piece of animation that I initially mistook it for a Studio Ghibli project.
“Every scene is enjoyable to watch, and any given frame could be displayed as its own work of art.
“The story was good, the music was amazing, and the characters were all well rounded. I can’t believe it took me this long to watch it.”
Over on Letterboxd, the film-centric social media site, a glowing five-star critique tagged the flick’s visuals as stunning: “Song of the Sea has a fairly simplistic and straightforward story, but some of the most jaw-droppingly gorgeous animation I’ve ever seen.
“In an age where mainstream animated films are computer animated, it’s a nice change of scenery to see something as artistically liberating as this.
“The story and the art style feel like the Irish folk tale that it’s supposed to be, and it has a beautiful soundtrack to boot.”
An emotional response to the film was highlighted by another fan who compared watching the movie to a lovely dream: “My experience watching this is equivalent to waking up from a pleasant dream: I’m in such a blissful state but I’m sad it’s over so quickly.”
(Image: (Image: CARTOON SALOON))
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Finally, wrapping up the stream of accolades, a particularly moved viewer commented with heartfelt affection: “My heart is so full with love after watching this. Everything about this was absolutely beautiful.
“The animation was stunning and the story was so beautifully made. This entire film was hand drawn and that actually blows my mind. This was also nominated for the academy award for best animated feature, rightfully so.”
With rave reviews like these, Song of the Sea sounds like an ideal film to add to your weekend watchlist. Fancy checking it out?
Song of the Sea is available to stream on Netflix.
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