Reno
Written on 12/24/2016
**Man always needs a purpose.**
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
Norsk
Written on 8/10/2017
The Red Turtle is a dialogue free film. That may turn a lot of people off. However, it fit the mood of the movie perfectly. It's a fantasy film that is filled with pure undefiled love. You will find yourself wanting your own family after this one. The ending is left open to interpretation but only makes the plot seem that much more interesting when you try to unravel who/what is the Red Turtle. A definite watch for those looking for more than the typical Hollywood blockbuster.
CinemaSerf
Written on 5/18/2023
A young man finds himself shipwrecked on a tropical island with only the coconuts and friendly, mischievous, fauna for company. He's pretty ill-equipped for his new lifestyle and is gradually starving! What to do? Well he has a go at building a raft, but each time he sets off it ends up as little more than kindling. After one such incident, he concludes that his antagonist is a beautiful sea turtle that he has observed nearby. When it comes onto land one day, he flips it over and leaves it to perish in the hot sun. Magic has an hand to play now, though, as the creatures morphs into a young woman with whom he gradually starts to bond and... The animation and soundtrack on this dialogue-free feature are gorgeous. The story itself has a brevity and engagingly fantastic nature to it. What makes something paradise? What keeps something paradise? It felt a little long at ninety minutes and don't be expecting any great conclusions at the end, but it still flew by and I really liked it's simplicity.
The beauty of earth, sounds of nature balanced with orchestra music create an alchemy that will last forever.
I truly recommand to see the movie just for your curiosity.
badelf
Written on 1/9/2025
"The Red Turtle: A Meditation on Be Here Now"
In Michael Dudok de Wit's masterful animated film, a simple narrative becomes a profound exploration of human resilience and spiritual surrender. Without a single spoken word, the film communicates a universal truth: we are precisely where we are meant to be, even when that reality feels like a constraint.
The story follows a castaway on a deserted island, initially consumed by the urge to escape. His repeated attempts to build rafts, only to have them mysteriously destroyed, mirror our human tendency to resist our current circumstances. The red turtle - more a spiritual guide than a mere animal - becomes the catalyst for transformation.
Visually stunning, with a delicate, watercolor-like animation style, the film breathes life into its minimalist landscape. Each frame is meticulously composed, each movement deliberate. The timing is exquisite, allowing moments of tension and release to resonate deeply.
What elevates this film is its universal message: true liberation comes not from fighting our situation, but from accepting it. The protagonist's journey is less about physical survival and more about spiritual awakening.
A profound, poetic meditation on life's cycles and the art of being present.
