If one word could be used to describe Studio Ghibli’s latest animated film, “The Red Turtle,” it would be “flow.” Like the vast ocean encompassing its island setting, every aspect of this film simply flows from one beautifully crafted scene to the next. Presented at the Virginia Film Festival, “The Red Turtle,” which masterfully weaves relatable themes of human life into its narrative, evokes raw emotion in a way few films can accomplish.
The non-dialogue film, which was shown at the Paramount Theater Sunday, opens on a chaotic scene in which a nameless man finds himself shipwrecked and hopelessly lost at sea. After washing up on a deserted island, the man attempts to escape to no avail, and is forced to live out the rest of his days separated from society.
At its core, “The Red Turtle” is about the simple journey of life. A story of isolation, love, family, coming of age and much more, the film is enjoyable even in its most mundane moments — thanks to its relatability.
The omission of dialogue — a bold choice — ultimately benefits the film immensely. Actions, in place of speech, define each character, creating an empathetic link to the audience, which the film maintains throughout.
Studio Ghibli’s consistently superb animation style gives “The Red Turtle” a stunning, dream-like quality. Characterized by realistic motions clashing with a vibrant palette of colors, the animation feels tied to reality yet nonetheless distant from it. Complemented perfectly by French composer Laurent Perez Del Mar’s graceful score, the film is visually and auditorily pleasing throughout.
“The Red Turtle” progresses slowly, requiring some patience from its viewers. The film splices its generally tranquil plot with tense, chaotic sequences, transitioning between the two with ample but not heavy-handed foreshadowing. Certain surreal moments border on confusing, but “The Red Turtle” is less about the specifics of events and more about their impact on the characters.
“The Red Turtle” is an outstanding accomplishment in animation and filmmaking in general. Although certain aspects appear confusing at times, they don’t detract from the experience. A magnificent story about the milestones of life, the film has something bound to entertain moviegoers of all ages.
“The Red Turtle” is set to release in the United States Jan. 20, 2017.
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