THE RED TURTLE

France and Belgium have collaborated with Japan to make this the first international co-production from the widely recognized Studio Ghibli.

The Japanese filmmaker’s power of storytelling and profound passion for beautifully crafted animation films is exceedingly evident and will leave audiences anticipating further animated gems from the studio.

Superbly animated, this dialogue-free feature examines the phases of life of a man shipwrecked on an island, whose attempts to flee are foiled by a large red turtle.

The beautifully coloured sketchy animation adds dimension and uniqueness to the landscapes and sea creatures, further propelled by Studio Ghibli’s signature use of imagery which may have differing interpretations among mesmerized audiences.

This glorious and entrancing minor masterpiece will quickly capture the imagination of audiences and retain their interest throughout, as they connect with this lost soul destined to remain on the island until his death.

Unlike previous animated efforts from this studio which seem nonsensical with convoluted themes and storylines (e.g. Spirited Away), this film is coherent and the final scenes should reduce sensitive movie-goers to tears. (MMo)

★★★★