Song of the Sea - AniMat’s Classic Reviews 

To defend Ben, he's a little kid who thinks he thinks it's his sisters fault that their mother disappeared. Being a kid with a father who isn't there emotionally for him and who babies his little sister, his bahavior makes sense. Ben feels alone, he feels like his dad doesn't care about him, and when you're a little kid you tend to lash out and act like a jerk when you're in this sort of place. A big theme in the movie is about sorrow and bottled up emotions, and how they can ruin people. Holding onto sorrow can make you blind to the people around you, like how the father can't see that his kids need him, botling up emotion can make you hurt others and yourself like with Ben and the Granma (but mostly with Ben)

Personally, this is one of my favorite animated features. The depth that the story has with its themes of keeping emotions and dealing with lost is just wonderful. This should have been the winner of the Oscar. Big Hero 6 was enjoyable and Dragon 2 had some pretty guts, but none of them reached the magnificence of this.

it has a 99% on rotten tomatoes,the same rating that toy story three and the first two godfather films have! Now that is impressive!

I'm so glad that awesome hand-drawn animated movies as this one are still coming out. I only wish they would be getting more attention.

For those who don't know, the co-director of The Secret of Kells, Nora Twomey, recently made a new animated film with similar animation, called The Breadwinner. Limited release since 11/17, 2017.

I’m from Dublin and I saw this opening day. One of my favorite films, absolute modern masterpiece. Met the Tomm Moore (The Director) later and he was the loveliest guy.

I love Cartoon Saloon and their beautiful animation and films. I'm excited and really going to watch the Secret of Kells and Song of the Sea so badly! These films deserve a must watch for both kids and families!

I think one of the keys to understanding and empathizing with Ben is to remember that at the start of the film we're seeing him at probably his worst: he's a traumatized kids who lost his mum in a horrible way literally six years ago to the day and he feels like there's a celebration of the reason his mum's fine rather than remembering and mourning her. On top of that his dad's super distant and Ben's clearly had to parent himself in a lot of ways, on top of clearly often being expected to keep an eye on Saoirse. It makes sense he'd want to lash out and would be extra possessive of things he got from his mum and extra resentful of his sister at this time of year. However, when he actually keeps an eye on Saoirse, not only can you see he actually cares about her quite a lot, but you can see signs that this is in fact USUALLY what their relationship is like. Saoirse is at no point SURPRISED or CONFUSED by Ben looking out for her and taking care of her - in some ways she even seems to expect it. To me that just said that you have a little boy who's had to grow up much faster than he should, who loves his little sister but struggles with his feelings of grief, resentment, and anger around the anniversary of their mum's disappearance, probably in large part bc he has no one to talk to about them due to his dad's distant and withdrawn relationship. Really makes you want to give the kid a hug when you think about it. But that's why I think it actually has a really STRONG start - it's setting up the pain left behind by Bronach's absence, contrasted with the comfort and joy shown in the the prologue, before they start on the road to healing.

I love "Song of the Sea"! One of my favorite animated movies!

I'm Irish-Spanish and I'm happy Ireland is great in animation.

I love this movie. When I was younger some personal issues led me to me a massive jerk to my little brother... We are closer than ever now but, yeah, let's just say I could relate to this situation... a lot. The first time I watched this movie I cried almost for the entire time.

Ah yes, Song of the Sea. Watched it just a few weeks ago, and now it's my FAVORITE movie of ALL TIME. Never have I been soulfully moved by a movie of ANY kind that way before. For me, just about everything from it, is perfect. Boy, I wish for it to be released on UHD Blu-ray soon, so we can watch it with the extra glory the new disc standard carries. Dolby Vision would also be a nice addition for it!

Song of the Sea is #3 on my list of my favorite Non-Disney Animated Movies. It came to theaters at a time when I felt concerned about the future of 2D hand-drawn animation. I was getting upset about how CGI movies were stealing drawing animation's place in movie theaters. But then this movie came to my home city on March 2015, and my father took me specifically to see this movie. Not only was I relieved to see drawing animation back on the big screen, but even the story left me feeling happy. It's already great that the star children had real child voices, but all the heartwarming moments really touched me. Seeing Ben finally recover from his mother's death (reminds me of my #1 favorite non-Disney movie The Land Before Time) and accept Saoirse as part of his family gave me plenty of relief and happiness, and I could tell that the adult characters only wanted what was best for their children. Words cannot describe how happy I was to see this 2D animated movie in actual theaters, and that is why this movie is on my favorite Non-Disney list.

You really don't like Ben? I immediately fell in love with his character, though I suppose that's because I was often ignored as a child and I can relate to him. Still, he's obviously acting out because of how his father treats him

I know what you mean when you say you love something more than the first time you watch it. Back in 2014, I saw The Lego Movie when it came out, and while I did really enjoy it, I didn't adore it like everyone else did, I mean so many people were calling it the greatest animated film of 2014. However, a year or two after I bought it on dvd, not only did it grow more on me, but I know deem it as of one of my favorite movies of all time for it's creativity, animation, humor, characters, and sense of childhood nostalgia.

Another thing this movie has is a cameo from the previous one of the same movie studio, where Aisling is on the bus. THAT made me love this movie even more! :D

And for the record, I like this better than The Secret of Kells better because the voice cast is more diverse.

Daughter is in love with this film and I'm happy that she is. Love it. And I love at the foot off Ben bulbin witch is a mountain shown in it( really big one at the end) love it

Calling it: The Great Seanachai is the Ferryman Macha is the Grandmother Mac Lir is the Father

I didn't like this movie the 1st time I saw it for a lot of the reasons you mentioned, but the second time I liked it a lot more. Because I realized the clever parallel between the mythical characters and the main characters.

The impression I got when Ben said about his sister stealing from him . He said she’s stealing from me again . I got that he feels she stole his mother from him .

oh trust me Ben is a LOT less bratty and easier to like than some other kid characters from other movies. If you hated Ben, you’re REALLY gonna hate Lucas from Ant Bully. He’s like Ben but with whining, complaining and screaming times a thousand.

ben hates his sister as he blames her for the mom disappearing. remember he was close to his mum very close. his brattyness is a pass imo because you got a kid trying to deal with grief and an absentee dad who just yells when the mom is mentioned.

Wow, this looks really pretty interesting!

The Black Cauldron Is Next

We need Prince Of Egypt Review Asap

Yep, one of the finest animated achievements in the decade and one of the best movies of 2014.( and can easily be added among the best movies in general of this decade) a deserving high score

I actually watched this movie a long time ago.......... God I need to rewatch this again

Black Cauldron is next!

I’ve been wanting to see you review this one for a long time now. Priorities kept me from requesting it on Patreon, but I’m glad someone else did. Definitely a favorite of mine.

And this movie lost the Oscar for the mediocre Big Hero 6!

This should be interesting. For the next review.

Hallelujah. My prayers have been answered. I was really hoping that this would come up as a review since I personally love this film alot. And I was dead certain that it would get the seal of approval and I was right. I can agree with you on Ben though. Not really likeable in the beginning but he gets better. As a fan of myths and legends, this movie is great.

Full Voice Actor List David Rawle: Ben (Present Day) - Kevin Swierszcz: Ben (Little Kid) - Lucy O'Connel: Saoirse (She does a little breathing in the start and middle, I say this counts.) - Brendan Gleeson: Conor (Saoirse and Ben's Father), Mac Lir - Lisa Hannigan: Bronagh (Saoirse and Ben's Mother) - Fionnula Flanagan: The Grandmother, Macha - Jon Kenny: Ferry Dan, The Great Seanachai - Pat Short: Lug the Fairy - Colm O Snodaigh: Mossy the Fairy - Liam Hourican: Spud the Fairy, The Bus Driver - Lewis Macleod: Multiple Males - Matt Lucas: Multiple Males - Lorraine Pilkington: Multiple Females - Paul Young: Multiple Males - Will Collins: Multiple Males - Jules De Jongh: Multiple Females

Song of the sea is animated feature that people should check out and buy as Hand drawn animation forever.

This movie is a pure masterpiece

The Black Cauldron is next finally! Yes I have been waiting for awhile for this. Can't wait to hear your thoughts.

I'm glad that you have a change of heart for this movie as well as you saying that it's in the same levels of The Secret of Kells. As for me, this movie is a tiny bit better then Kells depending on the quality of the writing and characters, but mainly just for small nitpicking. The Secret of Kells: The Story: 9/10 The Animation: 10/10 The Characters: 9/10 Overall: 9/10 Song of the Sea: The Story: 10/10 The Animation: 10/10 The Characters: 9/10 Overall: 10/10

There's a subtle hint that neither Connor nor Granny is coping when the artists show drinking and that Granny is medicated (mirrored beautifully in the jars in Macha's hut). This, like Kells, is musical and visual feast.

What I really love about this movie is the subtleties in the story and characters' design. ALSO THIS LOOKS BEAUTIFUL O MY GOD THIS MOVIE IS PERFECT. I'm very exited to see next Cartoon Saloon movie, Wolfwalkers, that looks even more amazing.

Thanks for pronouncing "Celtic" correctly. A lot of North Americans seem tempted to pronounce it wrong for some reason. I know you take special attention to detail when pronouncing things though. I'm Welsh and not Irish no I can't really comment on your other pronunciations, but Welsh people are Celts as well so I do find these Cartoon Saloon films inspiring.

I was highkey disappointed when you didn't review this movie when it first came out. But I'm entirely glad you eventually got around to it, and cannot wait to watch it. I loved Secret of Kells, and while I feel like this won't top it, I still can't wait to watch it.

I watched this iirc on 2019. And god *DAMN* is it amazing. Also watched Wolfwallers, I love Cartoon Saloon's work.

Animat's Classic Reviews 2017 rankings: #1 9.6 Road to El Dorado #2 9.6 Fantasia #3 tied 9.3 The Castle of Cagliostro #3 tied 9.3 Song of the Sea #4 9.3 Coraline #5 9.2 The Hunchback of Notre Dame #6 9.0 The Adventures of Prince Achmed #7 8.0 Pocahontas #8 8.0 Ice Age #9 7.7 Hercules #10 7.5 All Dogs Go To Heaven #11 6.7 Hey There, It’s Yogi Bear! #12 6.6 Antz #13 6.3 Rock & Rule #14 5.0 Lilo & Stitch 2: Stitch Has A Glitch #15 4.6 We’re Back! A Dinosaur Story #16 3.6 Surf's Up 2: WaveMania #17 2.7 Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer

Here’s a piece of trivia for you Steven Universe fans out there: The song’s titular song and the mother in here are both played by Lisa Hannigan who voices Blue Diamond on the show.

This looks like a beautiful movie just by the look of it. The animation and design is giving me tons of artistic inspiration :D And as for the next film, let's hope it's not as bad as it did in theaters.

Once again, thank you for your review. I'm really glad, to have given you a second chance with this movie. It was worth everything.

I recall this film being released the same year as Minions and Inside Out, and was one of those films that was only released in selected theatres. Or at least, my local UK cinema wasn't showing it all at the time, which really annoyed me as I was to see it after the promos came out. So, I had to wait for the Blu-Ray.

One dislike? Seems like there's only one person who didn't like animation art. But I do. Great movie, and a great review.

Blue Diamond is in this film! 😍

I really want to see this movie whenI get the chance! It looks amazing and the art style is just so gosh darn cute!

I haven't seen a lot of Irish animation, but my reception towards it has been generally positive based on what I know about it.

Between the here, between the now Between the North, between the South Between the West, between the East Between the time, between the place From the shell The song of the sea Neither quiet nor calm Searching for love again Mo ghrá Between the winds, between the waves Between the sands, between the shores From the shell The song of the sea Neither quiet nor calm Searching for love again Between the stones, between the storms Between belief, between the seas Tá mé i dtiúin

This is my 2nd favorite animated film of the 2010s!

I actually understand and feel a lot of sympathy for Ben I liked him in the beginning and the end of the film.

The first time I saw this movie...I actually cried.

I just watched this tonight with my aunt and my niece and nephew and we loved it!

I loved this Film. It's beautiful.

Oh, I so cannot wait for the review of The Black Cauldron next!

It just sucks that most Independent films are only shown in the big cities and that's over a 2 hour drive for me to see a movie and battle either Toronto or Barrie so I have to wait for it to stream.

I Might Check This Out To See If Animat's Correct About This Film Being SSSUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUPPER GREAT AND AWESOME AT THE SAME TIME!!!!

This movie is one of my favorite movies! It's just so beautiful :3

This movie is a masterpiece.

I just saw this movie for the first time last week, it was beautiful

So Dear to my Heart or the Black Cauldron is next. By the way for those of you who don’t know So Dear To My Heart, it is an animated film produced in the 1940’s produced by Uncle Walt himself.

For me, the gloomy beginning is part of their story, it is not a "fault." The creators are well aware of what they're doing with Ben being a jerk, and what they were doing with the tone of the movie. You expect them to *not* be grieving after that loss the movie just started with? You didn't even mention that he was acting that way because he's a little kid and thats how he dealt with losing his mother, or that the father was, while trying, was a little closed off and that is how he dealt with his grief (and so Ben also felt ignored by his father. He lost his mother and, in a way, he lost his father too). The grandmother genuinely cared, and worried for the family and thought she was in the right/had the responsibility to be in charge to raise the kids how she thinks they should be raised because her son is...well, *gestures to his depressed self at the start of the movie* Personally, the gloomy start didnt put me off the movie, it just made me sad and I sympathized with the characters and what they were going through. Yes, granny included, because I noticed the times she had a sad look on her face, and I can hear how worried and distressed she was when she found her granddaughter washed up on the shore. There was some mild annoyance, but I felt for her too. The development of the characters is beautiful.

Ben was my favorite character (Alone Again Naturally starts to play). Also I like the Black Cauldron, I'm just gonna play the song again.

The ending left me kind of upset. I always hate it when a story ends with taking all the magic away forever. it makes it feel like what made the world so wonderful has just died.

The Black Cauldron is next

For a YEAR, I Have Waited for my Own Suggestion for his Review.

WHAT TOOK YA SO LONG??! Well Better late than never. Told ya it was good.

Yay I love this movie!!! 😍😍💗💖💕💖💖🦭🦭🦭🦭💕💖💗

how can you not mention the amazing music?

Eldorado got a 10/10 but this only gets 9/10? You must really love Eldorado.

Yes, finally one of my favorite films of all time. I love love love this movie.

A got a bad feeling about what Mat is going to review and I know what the phrase "the black sheep of Disney" is referring to a *cough* Black cauldron *cough*

This was one of the most beautiful films I've ever seen! Yeah, Ben was unlikable at first, but aside from that, I adore everything else about this movie. So your next review is the black sheep of Disney? Didn't you already do that awhile ba-- Oh, you mean that other black sheep.

seas can sing folk's

Yes, The Black Cauldron is next!

Finally somebody who can say saorise right (BTW yes I am Irish)

You Guys Might Hate Me, But........................I Never Actually Saw This Movie!! I'M SORRY!!!!

IT'S AN MASTERCARD PIECE OF ANIMATION

This was a nice movie and I do recommend for anything that even just enjoys animation

Have you been to Ireland Animat?

The Black Cauldron - Animat's Classic Reviews Coming Late November 2017

My favorite film from Cartoon saloon 😌❤❤❤❤

I love this movie! I even own it on dvd!

i love the black cauldron guys

What I think a countryball movie would be like if it were made by professionals: (i'm biased, take my opinion lightly) Story: 10/10 Animation: 8/10 Characters: 8/10 Overall: 9/10

It sad that this underrated in fact it was good

This is my 3rd favorite animated movie, behind WALL-E and The Lion King

Oohh, The Black Cauldron is next, and my opinion on it is similar to my opinion on Pocahontas. I get that a lot of people have issues with it, but I still really like it.

Black Cauldron!!

Can you please review The Breadwinner? That movie is just as amazing and beautiful as Secret of Kells and Song of the Sea.

I'm surprised I haven't seen this yet, especially given that I'm both an animation lover *and* Irish! I do love "The Secret of Kells," tho.

Black Sheep of Disney, eh? We talking Chicken Little, Home on the Range, Mars Needs Moms, or Black Cauldron?

Well, fellow viewers, tune in next Friday for the next Animat's Classic Review of "The Black Cauldron". Same time, Same channel. (PS. I recognized the music right away.)

The Irish version of Amhrán na Farraige is better than the english one imo

Well well well, into the Black Couldron we go...

I just saw the movie and i thought it was very good.