La Tortue rouge

Since the Hollywood upgraded to the 3D animation, the rest of the world took over and given some incredible films in the last one and half decades. The Japanese animes are undoubtedly the best, but the European animation, particularly the 2D animation started to boom in the recent times with special mention goes to Tomm Moore. So basically I might miss some Hollywood animations, right now, but I'm very watchful over this kind of films. That's how I watched it, but anyway I would have seen it.

This is the director's first feature animation film, but he was known for his awesome short animations which one of them won him an Oscar. It was jointly produced by three countries, including Japan's Studio Ghibli. It's their first non-Japanese production and a great beginning and timing to expand the production in other continents. Especially after their legend, Hayao Miyazaki retired from the filmmaking.

The film was short like the 80 minute stretch without a single word spoken in its entire narration. There's no even sign language used, everything's actions and reactions. So you would find empty in the film's cast section which is kind of weird. I mean there are characters in the film, but all were imaginations without names and what year it takes place, where with so many questions like that. Basically to say, a film without the cast, but the crew members managed to give the best to the viewers to get it without any struggle.

One thing is for sure, that the film is very enjoyable. It is a fantasy film, so whatever you see, you have to accept it. Because that's how things happen in a theme like this, all fictional. Though, the first thing you have to keep in your mind is not the entire film was an hallucination event. There are some dreamy events and that's fine since the film character is coping with loneliness.

A man who had lost at sea, wakes up in a small island. It's a life supporting land mass with fresh water and fruits, but he also has to put some effort for fishing. His notion is to leave the island as soon as possible to go back to where he had come from, the civilised world. In his every attempt to sail with a raft he had made using bamboos, fails to cross after a certain stretch of the island coast. He later comes to know what stopped him and with an anger reaction he commits a mistake. So now he has to come out of the guilt and to do that he chooses what seems the right.

It was like a simple story without any meaning about everything that's shown in it. So in my entire watch I thought the same and said it was an okay film with great animation. But the ending changed my stance. That twist, I don't think everybody would understand. But one thing I want to make sure if you yet to see it, that it was about the purpose. The man always looks for a reason to do things and even to live or die. That's where the red turtle comes in.

Although my biggest question is, is this film a follow-up or in any way connected to the director's previous short animation 'Father and Daughter'? Because it seems the man who got lost in the sea is from that short film. But it never revealed the reason why he was stopped by whomever from return home. Also, both the conclusions syncs. It's just a my theory, so only the director can explain that.

I'm very sure this film is in the Oscars race. If it fails to make, then its not my prediction was wrong, but the Academy Awards people got it all wrong. I'm also sure it won't win as 3D animation dominated world, particularly 'Zootopia' 'Finding Dory' and 'Moana' are taking the first three frontrunner spots. Except the technical differences, only the grown ups can say this one has a better and meaningful story. It is very similar to 'Ponyo', but a grown-up's version. Anyway, it is a must see film, especially the adults and in particular those who always think animation is for children. If they see it, they might change their mind. Highly recommended!

8/10

The movie is visually stunning and conceptually intriguing.

Animator Michael Dudok de Wit has had the improbable chance to make his feature-length debut in partnership with studio Ghibli, and with full artistic autonomy. The result is one hour and a half of purely visual narrative. A bold choice but with no doubt one that works out beautifully. The result is simple, fresh and beautiful, and definitely worthy of the Studio Ghibli stamp.

However, leaving the theater, I had the peculiar impression of having watched the world's longest short. It's an observation that's neither positive nor negative, at least I've been unable to define whether this is an accomplishment or a weakness. That is to say : the film might come off as a bit light, but at the same time, its single-topic approach is elegant and truly enjoyable to watch, and beautifully poetic in its way of finding big stories in the simplest of things.

Anyway, a debut that makes us very curious where Mchaël Dudok de Wit will take us in his future work.

Had heard nothing but good things about 'The Red Turtle', including that it was nominated for a Best Animated Feature Oscar (up against very stiff competition with the likes of 'Zootropolis', 'Kubo' and 'Moana'). Also am an animation fan and saw that it had a Studio Ghibli co-credit, so high expectations were raised even higher.

Finally seeing 'The Red Turtle', there is not much else to add to what has already been said. While it is an unconventional film and will perplex some, 'The Red Turtle' is a beautiful film, in visuals, storytelling and emotions. It perhaps runs for a little too long in length, particularly when the story structure is somewhat more suited to a short film. Otherwise, 'The Red Turtle' is deserving of its praise and its Best Animated Feature Oscar nomination was a worthy one even when up against such stiff competition where all the nominees were very good to outstanding in their own way.

'The Red Turtle' is very beautifully animated. It's simple rather than elaborate or flashy, but this simplicity is done very elegantly and still boasts some exquisitely imaginative moments. The backgrounds are meticulous in detail and the colours are ethereal and bold. All the characters are drawn with taste too. The music score not only adds a lot to the storytelling and emotions, it even gives them a greater impact. There is a haunting atmosphere, whimsical energy and understated lushness to the music here, and the clever sound effects work well too.

A wordless, dialogue-free film (apart from the odd sound effect) 'The Red Turtle' may be, but that's not a strike against it. There are many instances of things resonating volumes without the use of words, this is true of 'The Red Turtle' with its wide and varying range of emotions conveyed poignantly and with a sense of wonder. No matter how slight the story structure, the atmosphere is so rich and the visuals such a feast for the eyes that to me the film never became dull. Loved the timeless fable/folk tale feel to the story as well.

From personal opinion, 'The Red Turtle' was one of the most emotional films of 2016, making me resonate with the profound subject matter and care for the charming characters. There is a little nail-biting drama, some fairly symbolic romance and the cycle of life story is profoundly engaging. The ending is very affecting, though will (and has done) perplex some, and the characters charm.

Overall, a thing of beauty. 9/10 Bethany Cox

A man is stranded on a tiny ocean island. All that happens from then on is beautifully drawn and animated, but is quite metaphorical. It's all about the cycle of life, so try to read more into events than just what's on the surface. Hah, the surface, get it? Well, you will when you see the film.

There is absolutely no dialogue, just this simple story that somehow makes you feel stuff. The movements of the characters and animals are so fun and natural (maybe except a bat that was flying like a bird for some reason), the visuals are beautiful, it's a relaxing show.

It might put you off with the pacing, perhaps. I found myself looking at how much was remaining from the film several times, but most of the time I was entertained. I liked it.

Plunder what you will, it's well worth the effort and a very rewarding one at that. Your interpretations will vary depending on your own experiences but you will recognise many elements, mostly metaphorical in their nature, that you can reflect upon and align with your own sands of time. Enchantingly ascribed to the medium of film, it also teaches us that simplicity and less complex presentations can often remove distortions that more technical offerings inadvertently introduce. We are still only Hunter Gatherers at the end of the day, and at the start of all those subsequent days that follow.