Cartoon Saloon is a truly underrated studio. They do “family” movies that don’t talk down to their audience and acknowledge every emotion, good, bad, and ugly
Im very excited for their upcoming julian. Since the oscars started awarding more unique winners. They maybe win for julian unless elio or wildwood make the race
Looking at their animation style, you can tell Cartoon Saloon is heavily inspired by the works of Genndy Tartakovsky, the creator of Samurai Jack, Star Wars: Clone Wars (the 2D microseries) and Primal.
@@tylerfish2701its not actually well at least its not main ispo.the main ispo is old Celtic artwork with work like the book of kells its so nice seeing my culture being preserved not only in the storys of these movies but the visuals as well
I had my mom watch Song of the Sea with me for St. Patrick’s Day. Her initial reaction was “what an adorable movie!”. Her final reaction was sobbing loudly and scolding me for not telling her it wasn’t just a “cute kid’s movie”. Song of the Sea really is something special.
I came here because the reviewer said it made him cry. I'm replying to this comment because it made your mother cry. It had me, ME, who hardly ever cries ever, sobbing like a 3-year-old
Fun fact: Song of the Sea used to air on Netflix, but eventually, it got removed years ago. Luckily, you can still find the full movie available on RUclips! :]
It might be just me... but when you see the Grandma start opening her jar for her "medicine", it eerily resembles the witch sucking her own emotions... then there is the fact that the father looks similar to the petrified giant who also had to suffer through loss. When I first saw it... it really did sim to imitate the Wizard of Oz format that had at least the witch and the giant resemble the father and grandma by their visual design. The grandma even brings this parakeet around and there is a dog that is loyal to the dad that makes a long journey to retrieve the children. As for Sirsa , she might be acting as a reminder of the mother for Ben which increases the hurt Ben experiences for 6 years. This is my rant.
The parallels matched with the art style is part of why I love this movie. It's not in your face but it's there when you're paying attention, and it's a gentle telling of a melancholy story.
I love the parellels but I'm still confused on what about the other characters that parallel the fairy folk? Like the hair fairy and the sailor dude (the one you can see at 19:18)
@@autumbreeze1129yeah! Just like snow white! Im being a bit fastidious but snow white is not that well paced, though I do agree that secret of kells pacing is even moreso all over the place.
tbh the weird thing about kells is that the main character is basically over shadowed,BY A CHARACTER THAT IS ONLY ON SCREEN FOR 10 MINUTES.yes that’s right aisling is only in the film for 10 minutes
A little fun fact, Bronagh is voiced by Lisa Hannigan, the voice of Blue Diamond from SU. If anyone is into somber/calm music I'd highly recommend checking her out, she's one of my favorite musicians!
I watched Song of the sea as a kid. My mom died just a few years later when I was 10 and she really loved that movie so whenever I watch it I feel closer to her. I’m glad you loved it too. ❤️
Back in college, I was lucky enough to interview Director/creative lead Tomm Moore and found out about Song of the Sea two years before it's release. He was such a cool guy and even showed me examples of his concept art for the Secret of Kells. It was amazing seeing Song of the Sea in theaters, and it's such a beautiful film💜
i absolutely love the song of the sea. when i was little, every friday we went to a video store to rent movies. one day i found this gem. and after that, i would always rent it. i couldnt get enough
I unfortunately lost this movie when i was younger, and the memory along with it. This video brought it back. Ill make sure to remember it, since im buying about 67 dvd copies
This movie is just...such a pure expression of passion and art. It fills me with the same wonder as the best of Ghibli. I'm so glad it's still being talked about
THANK YOU FOR TALKING ABOUT SONG OF THE SEA!! That movie is my whole reason and inspiration for even drawing and my fascination with my culture! (I'm from Ireland. I actually live near Cartoon Saloon :>)
I rewatched this not too long ago and it felt like the film struck a chord as an Irish person. I was reminded of The Last Samurai whilst watching it, with it showing how we've lost a sense of our identity by embracing the modern world and forgetting our culture. In a way, Moore is like Algren begging to the Emperor with the sword; making a film that deals with Irish folklore to remind us of who we are and the stories passed down to teach us morals. Regarding the whole "grief theme", there's something that the film addresses about us. See, Irish people aren't very good at expressing emotions or opening up. Granny telling Ben to "cop on and have none of those tears in the car" is something that feels all too real, especially for those in the older generations. Watching how Song of the Sea plays out feels cathartic, allowing for all that pent-up emotion to come out. And of course, all the little details you can spot throughout, like the animation is used to show dual identities (Saoirse's shadow in the lighthouse resembling a seal shadow, or Conor drinking his pint mirroring Mac Lir's cliff), or how the film contrasts the lush coasts of Donegal (Pronounced "done-e-gall") to the grey, urban bleakness of Dublin city, as well as the use of lines to foreshadow events (Like the ferrymen calling Granny "an aul witch"). It's just insane the amount of detail they cram into everything. Not to mention, how the character names have thematic meaning in the story (Bronagh's name translates to "Sorrow", Saoirse's to "Freedom" etc). James Joyce once said that you could recreate a bombed-out Dublin using Ulysses as a guide. You could also use Song of the Sea as a guide on how to recreate a destroyed Ireland (God forbid), seeing as it captures all the little Irishisms (No joke, Granny's house in this is practically every old woman's house in this country). Some will pick The Wind That Shakes the Barley or Once as Ireland's greatest film. For me, Song of the Sea easily claims that honour.
This is such a lovely and thoughtful insight into how well they captured Irish culture. I'm an American who's been to Ireland a few times and love the people there but can't help but notice the air of sadness throughout the country. I'm glad Song of the Sea is starting that conversation towards being more upfront with emotional honesty.
As someone who actively wants to know more about Irish culture, heritage, folklore, and mythology (all for the sake of a story I have), I really do hope they start embracing it more- there's so much that intrigues me, but so little information on it-
I’m Irish, my other animator friends work at cartoon saloon and I deeply admire them…anyway… …I’m so happy to see Irish folklore getting more popular especially with cartoon saloon, I’ve seen the scenes that my friends work on and then I watch the movie and I’m in awe of how much in keeps the original folklore to heart, I freelance and just animate what I’m told if I’m hired but I’m considering moving to cartoon saloon and pitch movies with other Celtic stories, I’m happy to see my heritage being included in movies, especially in audiences and critics like them, especially if it’s recognised by the academy :) Thank you for listening to our stories :)
I was fortunate enough to attend a workshop by the people who made this with my primary school class. I was too young to truly appreciate how beautiful a film it was, but I learned a little on how to draw the characters, and am retrospectively honoured about the whole affair.
Cartoon Saloon has made most of my favorite animated movies, such as The Breadwinner (which you should totally check out if you haven't already) and Wolfwalkers (Also check out). But Song of the sea will always be my favorite :)
The only bummer about Wolfwalkers is that getting it on physical media is a NIGHTMARE, and either requires grabbing an out-of-print box set in terrible packaging that damages the discs, or importing a Region B version that has changes in the title card/credits.
Fun Fact: Cu means "Hound" or "Dog" in Irish. Also, TOOK YOU LONG ENOUGH to review one of what I call the holy trinity of Irish folklore Cartoon Saloon movies. This movie was amazing.
Song of the Sea and Wolfwalkers are one of the most amazing and jaw-dropping films I've ever seen. I was shocked that they didn't win Best Animated Feature because they are the most deserving films in history and Cartoon Saloon rightfully deserves to be one of the greatest storytellers in animation with Pixar and Studio Ghibli. Hopefully, they'll rerelease their films in theaters so more people will acknowledge their existence and see that not every studio relies on sequels.
OH MY GOD! THAT’S WHAT IT WAS! I have been searching for this movie for literal years, because I had seen it with my school when I was a kid and I absolutelly adored it, but I didn’t know the name. Thank you for reminding me of a nice childhood memory
I remember watching this movie during the pandemic, back in 2020. When I first saw it with my brothers, I couldn't stop crying over the ending. And when I had my first semester of college, I knew I had to write an essay about the movie. That's how much of an impression it left me. I'm really happy that you reviewed a personal favorite movie of mine. Thank you, SaberSpark.
I remember my grandmother used to play this movie for both me and my brother, years later I wanted to watch it but never learned the name. Thank you for bringing back so much nostalgia from my childhood!
I really don't know how anyone with with a genuine love of art--especially of animation--could underrate Cartoon Saloon. I've been thoroughly captivated by their films since I watched Secret of Kells. So glad that someone else is giving them the admiration they deserve.
The whole Tomm Moore's filmography (which is basically three movies) is nothing but masterpieces. Three outstanding hand-drawn stories where nature, tradition and magic are perfectly well suited. Just love them all!
So happy someone’s covering this movie! It (along with Wolfwalkers and the secret of kells, its partner movies) are very special to me, so I’m glad it’s getting the recognition it deserves :)
Yes! I adore Song of the Sea, it was the first movie from Cartoon Saloon I watched and it made me wanna seek out any new movie they've made since then! Another one of their films I'd highly recommend for those that haven't seen it is my personal favorite, The Breadwinner, it is so good!
Bro not this movie. It is really sentimental to me. My mum was Irish and really proud of her heritage. She got cancer and was in end of life care. We found this movie and she promised to watch it with me in late 2015 so we ordered it... She never even saw it get delivered. It arrived the day after she fell into the death coma.... We received the news she had died when watching the movie. I watch it every year on the anniversary of her death. Being the second child, a daughter, with two brothers. It hit especially hard particularly because I got my mother's Irish curls and round face, I'm her spitting image although some of my family deny it I see the way they look at me. This movie is so beautiful however it absolutely kills me simultaneously. Stories my mother told me sprinkled in the movie. She wanted her childhood in Ireland to live through me as I was born and raised in rural England. Their childhood in the movie is similar to mine and my mothers. My mother would often sing old songs, I hate how I can't remember them. She would've loved this movie. At least she got to see the secret of kells before the cancer reached her brain so she could fully appreciate it :)
I watched this when I was a little kid! It’s an amazing movie with gorgeous animation and scenery. The songs and voice acting is just amazing! Especially for the Irish folklore as someone who is part Irish this movie is amazing for people who love Irish folklore it’s on point and makes sure to get it right! I highly recommend watching it!
Ive seen this film twice, first time was before my dad died in the panemic, and the second time after. I was moved the first time, but the second time had me bawling my eyes out. It is such a beautiful and tender exploration of grief. It reminded me I have to feel my grief and not bottle it all up.
It's really nice to see my favorite childhood film being brought back up in a good light. I remember watching this for the first time and it made my tiny little child brain sad but also inspired. This movie is the main reason why I love the ocean and will always love seals
Cartoon Saloon and Flying Bark made this Australian animated film called Santa's Apprentice, which I watched many years ago, at a young age. This was my earliest exposure to CS, knowing absolutely nothing about them. But then I discovered The Breadwinner, and this was where I not only learned about CS, but their other works, Song of the Sea included, as well as a deep dive into Irish animation.
I saw this in an art student cinema with my mom once, can confirm that the both of us bawled our eyes out at the ending. I bought the dvd immediately when I found it in a "nerd" store (sells books, comics, dvd and merch). Also bought secret of kells too soley cos its made by the same studio. Holy shit I adore cartoon saloons style of animation.
Cartoon Saloon is an amazing studio! My mom and I discovered them on complete accident with Secret of Kells. And Song of the Sea is my favorite film from their line up. And their watercolor backgrounds are just stunning♡
FINALLY you’ve watched this movie, im not kidding when i say I’ve waited YEARS to hear you talk abt it. Song of The Sea is genuinely so beautiful and one of my favorite movies this review was perfect!
As an Irish person, it's great to see Cartoon Saloon getting recognized. This movie is absolutely beautiful and there are so many references to ancient Irish legends and Irish culture
I watched Song of the sea once when i was younger, and only once. The only thing i remembered from it was the grandma finding the girl in the Shower with the coat on, i know I loved the movie tho
this studio is absolutely AMAZING. absolutely my fav artstyle in a movie for sure. Secret of Kells was the first one I saw and gosh it's mesmerizing. the way they play with perspective is beautiful. I wish more studios still made 2D movies :'(
this is a perfect family movie! we loved this! the atmosphere, the tension, sadness, and hope is so good! I honestly felt exhausted at the end because i felt so invested in the outcome and i love it!!! 10/10
I love how saber does synopses of movies. It feels like a calm and enjoyable conversation but you can still hear the passion and storytelling in his voice
Couldn't even get past Saber describing the ending without getting teary eyed myself. :p A beautiful, emotional and delightful work of art. Can't recommend Song of the Sea more, and the Irish Folklore trilogy in general. Eager to see what Cartoon Saloon does next!
0:39 I literally flipped when he mentioned wolfwalkers, it’s one of my favorite movies, and it’s criminally underrated. So glad it’s getting recognition!
This movie is amazing; I've only watched it once, but it was a beautiful experience. The ending song is one I listen to often and usually get teary eyed while doing so.
Everything is right about this movie. The fantastical world, surrealism, emotion, artwork, sound design, metaphors, and voice acting. It doesnt pander to anyone. It treats the audience with respect while respecting their own identity. This movie is easily among my all time favourites. I've seen grown people cry watching this movie. This is what happens when you have people with passion and honesty express their collaborative art.
YESSSSS OMG I watched this on a train as a kid and it's changed me ever since. I couldn't remember exactly what it was about, I just know I've never been the same since. I am SO glad to see it brought up. Edit: I also remember that my sister became so upset watching it that I couldn't hum the main song because she'd start crying!! I'm going to rewatch the movie before seeing the video though, just because it's been that long. Wish me luck! Update: I watched it and it was so incredible!! I nearly cried but my sister's anticlimactic comments stopped me, which I somewhat appreciate and somewhat hate her for lol
I internally shrieked when this showed up in my recommended. When I was younger and this movie came out I was obsessed with it, always got so excited when I saw it. Absolute favorite. Deserves all the recognition and more.
I own both Song of the Sea and Secret of Kells on DVD. These are classics, and highly respective masterpieces. In fact after seeing these films including Wolfwalkers I wanted to learn more about Irish folklore and the ancient religion of the island. This is what I want to see in a studio, preserving their culture and displaying it to the world through film. This is an emotional movie and I recommend it, also I have a tiny percent of Irish in my blood.
i remember watching this movie when i was around the age of 8 with my mom, and we just started absolutely tearing together, I've literally never forgotten about that moment, i even had dreams about the movie ever since, but could never find it again😭 thanks so much for talking about this movie I CAN FINALLY WATCH IT OMMGGGG
Watching Song of the Sea in the cinema with my mother will be a forever treaused memory of mine. She doesn't even really like to go to the cinema, especially not for animated movies, but for some reason she agreed to come with me. When the movie ended I asked her "how was it?". And she only said "beautiful". Then as we walked home discussed the details, that what we liked about it. Also this movie is the reason, why I named my first dnd character Saoirse (and how that dnd session changed my life but that's a different story).
This is my Favourite film of ALL time. It was the film that began my hyper interest in animation as an art form! Did you know the mother's name Bronnah comes from Gaelic and means a sorrowful woman? There's so much depth and detail to this film it's just phenomenal!
This movie means the world to me, I have a tattoo of Saoirsa on my arm. Hell I even did that thing where you scream and tense up in utter joy, I'm so happy you're looking at this movie
I remember watching this movie and being in absolute awe at how pretty every scene was. It was incredibly interesting and heartfelt. Their style is so specifically distinct and beautiful
I remember watching this movie when I was younger; it's been in the back of my mind for years. Not gonna lie, I almost cried watching your review. Now I'm gonna try and find it to watch once again.
Song of the Sea is definitely one of my favorites. And very underrated, for not only the art/animation, but the story telling as well. Thanks for covering this movie SaberSpark 👍🏽👍🏽
This movie is SO UNDER RATTED. It was my favourite movie in my childhood, and i used to watch it on repeat, and i re-watched it recently, and im back to watching it on repeat because its still good.
Song of the sea was one of my favorite movies growing up, I remember watching it over and over because I loved the art style, story, music and characters. glad to see someone talk about it after so many years! Love your vids Saber!
I'm so glad that Song of the Sea is getting more love. I love Cartoon Saloon, they truly care about these stories and you can tell how much heart is put into each film in the trilogy of Irish folklore. One day I hope to be able to intern with them, genuinely re-ignited my spark for animation.
I'm thrilled you're covering Cartoon Saloon's work. Tomm and his crew are dear friends of mine, so I'm pumped their work is getting talked about. Hope you can cover some of their other films/shows like The Secret of Kells in the future.
When this movie came out I made sure to show it to my nieces and nephews. I had a cat at the time named Selkie and I felt that the movie would help them learn some of the lore behind her name. When we got her as a kitten she had the biggest eyes and such a round body she resembled a seal pup lol. I had her for 17 years before she passed away in 2019.
I remember me and my older sister finding this movie randomly on netflix in middle school, and we didn’t expect much. we were both sobbing by the end lmao
So glad you’re talking about this movie!! I watched it years ago for the first time and it’s been one of my favorites forever! I credit this movie (and the others by the studio) what got me to want to be an animator :] The parallels between each human character and their faerie counterpart is my favorite detail
Just seeing that clip of them talking and saying goodbye to Bronagh, even without the audio, always manages to make me tear up. This film is incredible, and I love it so, so much. It was also the first time I learned of some of the mythos involved, and I still remember the lullaby song that shares it's name with the film at random times.
Omg I used to watch this movie on RUclips, then years later I found the movie again and watched it fully and understood it. This is my absolute favourite movie ever.
same!! i watched it when it came out ( i was 8) , and then, last december (im now 17), on my plane flight home back to ireland, it was one of the movie options. i decided to rewatched it, and suddenly i understood everything , when i was younger i had NO IDEA the owl and giant were metaphors for the granny and the dad, needless to say i was SOBBING by the end of it. 10/10 movie
I’m so glad this movie is finally getting the recognition it deserves!!! It was a masterpiece in storytelling, music, and artistic visuals and it’s truly my favorite movie of all time!
TYSM! I watched this years ago & loved it, but couldn't remember the name or find it again. My mother died on Easter, so finding this movie again on Easter Sunday feels like a gift.
My So Happy that the Irish we have Cartoon Saloon like Disney but Ireland on how awesome stories like this to share around the world thanks to this Animation Studios located In Kilkenny Ireland 🇮🇪 🎊🥳♥️❤️💕
I'm glad I'm not the only one who was so moved by this movie. I was still emotional for a day or two after watching it. I'm so glad we have studios like Cartoon Saloon making such beautiful and imaginative films. I also enjoyed their contribution to Star Wars: Visions.
I'm so glad more of you guys in America are getting to see these films by Cartoon Saloon, they're amazing and seriously want to one day work for them! Ireland's finest animation studio! Also.... those poor kids... having to live in DUBLIN of all places!
This one is a childhood comfort movie. I have to keep myself from watching it too much so I don't dampen it's impact. I'll watch it once, maybe twice a year on a cold and stormy day, bundled up with some cocoa and it always makes me cry my eyes out.
i watched this movie when i was about 7 and i remember just how magical it made me feel, and still now i feel entranced by it. it's genuinely some ghibli level stuff, i wish money was pumped into movies like this instead of disney trash
Use my code SABERSPARK to get $5 off your delicious, high protein Magic Spoon cereal by clicking this link: magicspoon.com/SABER
ruclips.net/video/XZYAoELNmcM/видео.htmlsi=5UgGR6H5JGxwiZ_H
Yay i'm 1st and Hey can you and your friend watch Eleanor's Secret [2009] that French-Italian feature film
Please do the breadwinner next
🦣
I'll be honest, i didn't knew this film existed, or Cartoon Saloon for that matter
i’m SO glad this movie is getting more recognition, it and everything by the studio is so beautiful.
My farts are better than Saberfarts’s farts 💨
I watched it once and i loved it. Since then i have been searching for this Movie for YEARS. Thank god 😭
It was so amazing I’m happy it’s getting recognized
Same
Sme
Cartoon Saloon is a truly underrated studio. They do “family” movies that don’t talk down to their audience and acknowledge every emotion, good, bad, and ugly
Im very excited for their upcoming julian. Since the oscars started awarding more unique winners. They maybe win for julian unless elio or wildwood make the race
Looking at their animation style, you can tell Cartoon Saloon is heavily inspired by the works of Genndy Tartakovsky, the creator of Samurai Jack, Star Wars: Clone Wars (the 2D microseries) and Primal.
@@tylerfish2701its not actually well at least its not main ispo.the main ispo is old Celtic artwork with work like the book of kells its so nice seeing my culture being preserved not only in the storys of these movies but the visuals as well
@@lemmonade._. True.
So in other words, they do actual FAMILY movies?
I had my mom watch Song of the Sea with me for St. Patrick’s Day. Her initial reaction was “what an adorable movie!”. Her final reaction was sobbing loudly and scolding me for not telling her it wasn’t just a “cute kid’s movie”.
Song of the Sea really is something special.
I know it's a month late but.....
....Happy Saint Patrick's Day everyone. 🍀 🇨🇮
LOL, she scolded you for that? ^^;
I came here because the reviewer said it made him cry. I'm replying to this comment because it made your mother cry. It had me, ME, who hardly ever cries ever, sobbing like a 3-year-old
What I love about this group is that they are bringing the magic that Disney lost a while ago. 2D wasn't the issue, it was the story being told.
but they are also bringing 2d magic back too 😊
@@Thesmus Disney’s bringing 2D back?
@@hirahiro2331 oh you're asking lol no i'm saying cartoon saloon is also beinging 2d magic back
@@Thesmus ahh! I'm sorry ☺️. Yeah! 2D was never the issue. Disney just lost their magic.
@Thesmus oooh The Boy, The Horse, The Fox and The Mole is another beautiful 2D magical animation!
This movie is why my daughter named her rabbit Saoirse. This movie is one of my absolute favorites, i adore it so much!
My farts are better than Saberfarts’s farts 💨
That's adorable 😭
@@p-__WHAT
@@rimmie0769 It’s a bot. Just ignore
lol my rabbit is also called saoirse I only got her 2 weeks ago today
Fun fact: Song of the Sea used to air on Netflix, but eventually, it got removed years ago.
Luckily, you can still find the full movie available on RUclips! :]
It's also on Apple tv
And magis tv
It's returned to Netflix (at least in the UK)
It might be just me... but when you see the Grandma start opening her jar for her "medicine", it eerily resembles the witch sucking her own emotions... then there is the fact that the father looks similar to the petrified giant who also had to suffer through loss. When I first saw it... it really did sim to imitate the Wizard of Oz format that had at least the witch and the giant resemble the father and grandma by their visual design. The grandma even brings this parakeet around and there is a dog that is loyal to the dad that makes a long journey to retrieve the children. As for Sirsa , she might be acting as a reminder of the mother for Ben which increases the hurt Ben experiences for 6 years. This is my rant.
The parallels matched with the art style is part of why I love this movie. It's not in your face but it's there when you're paying attention, and it's a gentle telling of a melancholy story.
Naailed it!! I loved this movie, I didn't even notice that though! Wow!
The parallels are insane and I love them
I love the parellels but I'm still confused on what about the other characters that parallel the fairy folk? Like the hair fairy and the sailor dude (the one you can see at 19:18)
@@_marshP the ferryman ferries the kids to their destination like the 'hairy guy' showing ben the way
Now you're REQUIRED to cover Cartoon Saloon's first animated film, The Secret of Kells, it's basically their Snow White and the Seven Dwarves
Was it?
Throughout the whole first film I found myself asking "what's the plot again?".
@@autumbreeze1129 it's basically a fictional origin for the real life Book of Kells
@@autumbreeze1129yeah! Just like snow white! Im being a bit fastidious but snow white is not that well paced, though I do agree that secret of kells pacing is even moreso all over the place.
Ngl such a weird and cool movie
tbh the weird thing about kells is that the main character is basically over shadowed,BY A CHARACTER THAT IS ONLY ON SCREEN FOR 10 MINUTES.yes that’s right aisling is only in the film for 10 minutes
A little fun fact, Bronagh is voiced by Lisa Hannigan, the voice of Blue Diamond from SU. If anyone is into somber/calm music I'd highly recommend checking her out, she's one of my favorite musicians!
My farts are better than Saberfarts’s farts 💨
@@p-__Yum
It’s interesting because blue definitely shares some design traits with her, like the cloak
Omg seriously?! That's AMAZING, she is SO talented!!
I just love Hanigan's accent and her singing!
I watched Song of the sea as a kid. My mom died just a few years later when I was 10 and she really loved that movie so whenever I watch it I feel closer to her. I’m glad you loved it too. ❤️
sorry for your mom passed away😢
That's really beautiful ❤ I'm sorry about your mom.
My mom died too when I was 2
Rest in Peace ❤️🫂🕊️
I’m sorry for your loss 😢
I ABSOLUTELY ADORE THIS MOVIE
Same here ^^
SAME!
SAME
Same :)
Same! It was the first Cartoon Saloon movie I saw before watching all their other movies! I hope they make more
Back in college, I was lucky enough to interview Director/creative lead Tomm Moore and found out about Song of the Sea two years before it's release. He was such a cool guy and even showed me examples of his concept art for the Secret of Kells. It was amazing seeing Song of the Sea in theaters, and it's such a beautiful film💜
i absolutely love the song of the sea. when i was little, every friday we went to a video store to rent movies. one day i found this gem. and after that, i would always rent it. i couldnt get enough
My farts are better than Saberfarts’s farts 💨
I unfortunately lost this movie when i was younger, and the memory along with it. This video brought it back. Ill make sure to remember it, since im buying about 67 dvd copies
"My son... I will always love you."
And just like that, for the first time in my 23 years of life, a movie made me cry.
This movie is just...such a pure expression of passion and art. It fills me with the same wonder as the best of Ghibli. I'm so glad it's still being talked about
IRELAND MENTION!!!🇮🇪🤩
I'm glad a beautifully animated film from my country got a mention on your channel.😊
THANK YOU FOR TALKING ABOUT SONG OF THE SEA!!
That movie is my whole reason and inspiration for even drawing and my fascination with my culture! (I'm from Ireland. I actually live near Cartoon Saloon :>)
Irish person here too! Thats so cool that u live near Cartoon Saloon
@@Wut_191 yeah! I even went to the studio where they made Secret of Kells
My farts are better than Saberfarts’s farts 💨
Wow that’s so cool!! The art from that studio is so beautiful, and inspires my art a lot too!
Same! I SAW YOU BEFORE!
That's so cool by the way!
I rewatched this not too long ago and it felt like the film struck a chord as an Irish person. I was reminded of The Last Samurai whilst watching it, with it showing how we've lost a sense of our identity by embracing the modern world and forgetting our culture. In a way, Moore is like Algren begging to the Emperor with the sword; making a film that deals with Irish folklore to remind us of who we are and the stories passed down to teach us morals.
Regarding the whole "grief theme", there's something that the film addresses about us. See, Irish people aren't very good at expressing emotions or opening up. Granny telling Ben to "cop on and have none of those tears in the car" is something that feels all too real, especially for those in the older generations. Watching how Song of the Sea plays out feels cathartic, allowing for all that pent-up emotion to come out.
And of course, all the little details you can spot throughout, like the animation is used to show dual identities (Saoirse's shadow in the lighthouse resembling a seal shadow, or Conor drinking his pint mirroring Mac Lir's cliff), or how the film contrasts the lush coasts of Donegal (Pronounced "done-e-gall") to the grey, urban bleakness of Dublin city, as well as the use of lines to foreshadow events (Like the ferrymen calling Granny "an aul witch"). It's just insane the amount of detail they cram into everything. Not to mention, how the character names have thematic meaning in the story (Bronagh's name translates to "Sorrow", Saoirse's to "Freedom" etc).
James Joyce once said that you could recreate a bombed-out Dublin using Ulysses as a guide. You could also use Song of the Sea as a guide on how to recreate a destroyed Ireland (God forbid), seeing as it captures all the little Irishisms (No joke, Granny's house in this is practically every old woman's house in this country). Some will pick The Wind That Shakes the Barley or Once as Ireland's greatest film. For me, Song of the Sea easily claims that honour.
This is such a lovely and thoughtful insight into how well they captured Irish culture.
I'm an American who's been to Ireland a few times and love the people there but can't help but notice the air of sadness throughout the country. I'm glad Song of the Sea is starting that conversation towards being more upfront with emotional honesty.
As someone who actively wants to know more about Irish culture, heritage, folklore, and mythology (all for the sake of a story I have), I really do hope they start embracing it more- there's so much that intrigues me, but so little information on it-
And the shadow of granny's parrot looks like that of an owl.
SONG OF THE SEA WAS A PEAK MOVIE BRO i loved watching it as a little kid :D
Same! :D
Me too where do I watch it it’s not on Netflix anymore so I’m so sad
I'm amazed that Song of the Sea is officially....
Phantom of the Opera: 10 years OLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLD!
I’m Irish, my other animator friends work at cartoon saloon and I deeply admire them…anyway…
…I’m so happy to see Irish folklore getting more popular especially with cartoon saloon, I’ve seen the scenes that my friends work on and then I watch the movie and I’m in awe of how much in keeps the original folklore to heart, I freelance and just animate what I’m told if I’m hired but I’m considering moving to cartoon saloon and pitch movies with other Celtic stories, I’m happy to see my heritage being included in movies, especially in audiences and critics like them, especially if it’s recognised by the academy :)
Thank you for listening to our stories :)
I was fortunate enough to attend a workshop by the people who made this with my primary school class. I was too young to truly appreciate how beautiful a film it was, but I learned a little on how to draw the characters, and am retrospectively honoured about the whole affair.
Cartoon Saloon has made most of my favorite animated movies, such as The Breadwinner (which you should totally check out if you haven't already) and Wolfwalkers (Also check out). But Song of the sea will always be my favorite :)
don't forget The Secret of Kells!
@@baron-von-masky Oh yeh! I re-watched that one the other day! :D
The only bummer about Wolfwalkers is that getting it on physical media is a NIGHTMARE, and either requires grabbing an out-of-print box set in terrible packaging that damages the discs, or importing a Region B version that has changes in the title card/credits.
Fun Fact: Cu means "Hound" or "Dog" in Irish.
Also, TOOK YOU LONG ENOUGH to review one of what I call the holy trinity of Irish folklore Cartoon Saloon movies.
This movie was amazing.
Song of The Sea has been one of my favorite movies for as long as I can remember. I adore this movie, and the other movies made by the same people.
Song of the Sea and Wolfwalkers are one of the most amazing and jaw-dropping films I've ever seen. I was shocked that they didn't win Best Animated Feature because they are the most deserving films in history and Cartoon Saloon rightfully deserves to be one of the greatest storytellers in animation with Pixar and Studio Ghibli. Hopefully, they'll rerelease their films in theaters so more people will acknowledge their existence and see that not every studio relies on sequels.
OH MY GOD! THAT’S WHAT IT WAS!
I have been searching for this movie for literal years, because I had seen it with my school when I was a kid and I absolutelly adored it, but I didn’t know the name.
Thank you for reminding me of a nice childhood memory
I remember watching this movie during the pandemic, back in 2020. When I first saw it with my brothers, I couldn't stop crying over the ending. And when I had my first semester of college, I knew I had to write an essay about the movie. That's how much of an impression it left me. I'm really happy that you reviewed a personal favorite movie of mine. Thank you, SaberSpark.
I remember my grandmother used to play this movie for both me and my brother, years later I wanted to watch it but never learned the name. Thank you for bringing back so much nostalgia from my childhood!
I really don't know how anyone with with a genuine love of art--especially of animation--could underrate Cartoon Saloon. I've been thoroughly captivated by their films since I watched Secret of Kells. So glad that someone else is giving them the admiration they deserve.
The whole Tomm Moore's filmography (which is basically three movies) is nothing but masterpieces. Three outstanding hand-drawn stories where nature, tradition and magic are perfectly well suited. Just love them all!
So happy someone’s covering this movie! It (along with Wolfwalkers and the secret of kells, its partner movies) are very special to me, so I’m glad it’s getting the recognition it deserves :)
Yes! I adore Song of the Sea, it was the first movie from Cartoon Saloon I watched and it made me wanna seek out any new movie they've made since then! Another one of their films I'd highly recommend for those that haven't seen it is my personal favorite, The Breadwinner, it is so good!
Bro not this movie. It is really sentimental to me.
My mum was Irish and really proud of her heritage.
She got cancer and was in end of life care. We found this movie and she promised to watch it with me in late 2015 so we ordered it... She never even saw it get delivered. It arrived the day after she fell into the death coma.... We received the news she had died when watching the movie. I watch it every year on the anniversary of her death.
Being the second child, a daughter, with two brothers. It hit especially hard particularly because I got my mother's Irish curls and round face, I'm her spitting image although some of my family deny it I see the way they look at me.
This movie is so beautiful however it absolutely kills me simultaneously. Stories my mother told me sprinkled in the movie. She wanted her childhood in Ireland to live through me as I was born and raised in rural England. Their childhood in the movie is similar to mine and my mothers. My mother would often sing old songs, I hate how I can't remember them. She would've loved this movie.
At least she got to see the secret of kells before the cancer reached her brain so she could fully appreciate it :)
I watched this when I was a little kid! It’s an amazing movie with gorgeous animation and scenery. The songs and voice acting is just amazing! Especially for the Irish folklore as someone who is part Irish this movie is amazing for people who love Irish folklore it’s on point and makes sure to get it right! I highly recommend watching it!
Ive seen this film twice, first time was before my dad died in the panemic, and the second time after. I was moved the first time, but the second time had me bawling my eyes out. It is such a beautiful and tender exploration of grief. It reminded me I have to feel my grief and not bottle it all up.
OH MY GOD SONG OF THE SEA MY CHILDHOOD MOVIE FINALLYYYYY
SAME HERE! IT HAD ME IN TEARS 😭
@@Melody_isbear SAMEEE UGHHHH THIS MOVIE IS SO AWESOME
Fr tho I still know all the words to Amhrán na Farraige
I WAS GONNA SAY THE SAME THING
What are you talking about, it just came out a couple--
FFFFFFUUUUUUUUUU
I remember watching this in school (third grade) and I loved it. Thank you for reminding me of this masterpiece
It's really nice to see my favorite childhood film being brought back up in a good light. I remember watching this for the first time and it made my tiny little child brain sad but also inspired. This movie is the main reason why I love the ocean and will always love seals
This studio, Cartoon Saloon and flying bark, the studio that made rise of the TMNT make ART.
Cartoon Saloon and Flying Bark made this Australian animated film called Santa's Apprentice, which I watched many years ago, at a young age. This was my earliest exposure to CS, knowing absolutely nothing about them. But then I discovered The Breadwinner, and this was where I not only learned about CS, but their other works, Song of the Sea included, as well as a deep dive into Irish animation.
As someone who had their mum pass away this movie has a whole new meaning..
I saw this in an art student cinema with my mom once, can confirm that the both of us bawled our eyes out at the ending. I bought the dvd immediately when I found it in a "nerd" store (sells books, comics, dvd and merch). Also bought secret of kells too soley cos its made by the same studio. Holy shit I adore cartoon saloons style of animation.
Cartoon Saloon is an amazing studio! My mom and I discovered them on complete accident with Secret of Kells. And Song of the Sea is my favorite film from their line up. And their watercolor backgrounds are just stunning♡
FINALLY you’ve watched this movie, im not kidding when i say I’ve waited YEARS to hear you talk abt it. Song of The Sea is genuinely so beautiful and one of my favorite movies this review was perfect!
As an Irish person, it's great to see Cartoon Saloon getting recognized.
This movie is absolutely beautiful and there are so many references to ancient Irish legends and Irish culture
I watched Song of the sea once when i was younger, and only once. The only thing i remembered from it was the grandma finding the girl in the Shower with the coat on, i know I loved the movie tho
this studio is absolutely AMAZING. absolutely my fav artstyle in a movie for sure. Secret of Kells was the first one I saw and gosh it's mesmerizing. the way they play with perspective is beautiful. I wish more studios still made 2D movies :'(
this is a perfect family movie! we loved this! the atmosphere, the tension, sadness, and hope is so good! I honestly felt exhausted at the end because i felt so invested in the outcome and i love it!!! 10/10
I love how saber does synopses of movies. It feels like a calm and enjoyable conversation but you can still hear the passion and storytelling in his voice
This movie was my childhood. Thank you so much.
It's moments like this that make me so proud to be half-Irish! 🍀🍀🍀
i loved song of the sea but secret of kells has a really special place in my heart since it gave me so much nostalgia for growing up in derry
Couldn't even get past Saber describing the ending without getting teary eyed myself. :p A beautiful, emotional and delightful work of art. Can't recommend Song of the Sea more, and the Irish Folklore trilogy in general. Eager to see what Cartoon Saloon does next!
0:39 I literally flipped when he mentioned wolfwalkers, it’s one of my favorite movies, and it’s criminally underrated. So glad it’s getting recognition!
This movie is amazing; I've only watched it once, but it was a beautiful experience. The ending song is one I listen to often and usually get teary eyed while doing so.
I'm studying this film for school and this analysis has helped out so much! Thank you :)
I REMEMBER THIS MOVIE! IT'S A MASTERPIECE!
(We watched it once in middle school and I tell you, half the class was crying)
Everything is right about this movie. The fantastical world, surrealism, emotion, artwork, sound design, metaphors, and voice acting. It doesnt pander to anyone. It treats the audience with respect while respecting their own identity. This movie is easily among my all time favourites. I've seen grown people cry watching this movie. This is what happens when you have people with passion and honesty express their collaborative art.
YESSSSS OMG I watched this on a train as a kid and it's changed me ever since. I couldn't remember exactly what it was about, I just know I've never been the same since. I am SO glad to see it brought up.
Edit: I also remember that my sister became so upset watching it that I couldn't hum the main song because she'd start crying!! I'm going to rewatch the movie before seeing the video though, just because it's been that long. Wish me luck!
Update: I watched it and it was so incredible!! I nearly cried but my sister's anticlimactic comments stopped me, which I somewhat appreciate and somewhat hate her for lol
I internally shrieked when this showed up in my recommended. When I was younger and this movie came out I was obsessed with it, always got so excited when I saw it. Absolute favorite. Deserves all the recognition and more.
This is my favorite movie ever, and I’m so glad it’s getting the recognition it absolutely deserves
Watched this movie forever ago. Made me and my sister sob (we were like, 7?). Great movie.
I own both Song of the Sea and Secret of Kells on DVD. These are classics, and highly respective masterpieces. In fact after seeing these films including Wolfwalkers I wanted to learn more about Irish folklore and the ancient religion of the island. This is what I want to see in a studio, preserving their culture and displaying it to the world through film. This is an emotional movie and I recommend it, also I have a tiny percent of Irish in my blood.
Just watching the goodbye scene here is enough for the memories & tears to come flooding back
i remember watching this movie when i was around the age of 8 with my mom, and we just started absolutely tearing together, I've literally never forgotten about that moment, i even had dreams about the movie ever since, but could never find it again😭
thanks so much for talking about this movie I CAN FINALLY WATCH IT OMMGGGG
Watching Song of the Sea in the cinema with my mother will be a forever treaused memory of mine.
She doesn't even really like to go to the cinema, especially not for animated movies, but for some reason she agreed to come with me. When the movie ended I asked her "how was it?". And she only said "beautiful".
Then as we walked home discussed the details, that what we liked about it.
Also this movie is the reason, why I named my first dnd character Saoirse (and how that dnd session changed my life but that's a different story).
this is so cute omg. !!
This is my Favourite film of ALL time. It was the film that began my hyper interest in animation as an art form!
Did you know the mother's name Bronnah comes from Gaelic and means a sorrowful woman? There's so much depth and detail to this film it's just phenomenal!
love love love that you covered this!!! this is my favorite animated film
This movie means the world to me, I have a tattoo of Saoirsa on my arm. Hell I even did that thing where you scream and tense up in utter joy, I'm so happy you're looking at this movie
I remember watching this movie and being in absolute awe at how pretty every scene was. It was incredibly interesting and heartfelt. Their style is so specifically distinct and beautiful
watched this yesterday at like 10pm, such a GREAT movie.
Cartoon saloon made two of my fav movies now.
I'm positively delighted that Cartoon Saloon is getting a spotlight! Their work inspired a deep respect for animation in me at a young age.
I remember watching this movie when I was younger; it's been in the back of my mind for years. Not gonna lie, I almost cried watching your review. Now I'm gonna try and find it to watch once again.
Song of the Sea is definitely one of my favorites. And very underrated, for not only the art/animation, but the story telling as well. Thanks for covering this movie SaberSpark 👍🏽👍🏽
This movie is SO UNDER RATTED. It was my favourite movie in my childhood, and i used to watch it on repeat, and i re-watched it recently, and im back to watching it on repeat because its still good.
Song of the sea was one of my favorite movies growing up, I remember watching it over and over because I loved the art style, story, music and characters. glad to see someone talk about it after so many years! Love your vids Saber!
I'm so glad that Song of the Sea is getting more love. I love Cartoon Saloon, they truly care about these stories and you can tell how much heart is put into each film in the trilogy of Irish folklore.
One day I hope to be able to intern with them, genuinely re-ignited my spark for animation.
I'm thrilled you're covering Cartoon Saloon's work. Tomm and his crew are dear friends of mine, so I'm pumped their work is getting talked about. Hope you can cover some of their other films/shows like The Secret of Kells in the future.
Just all of the folklore trilogy is amazing
(Secret of the kells(2010), song of the sea(2015), wolf walkers(2021).)
This movie and wolfwalkers are the reason why I'm hopeful for 2D animations
Finally, someone understands how good this movie is.
When this movie came out I made sure to show it to my nieces and nephews. I had a cat at the time named Selkie and I felt that the movie would help them learn some of the lore behind her name. When we got her as a kitten she had the biggest eyes and such a round body she resembled a seal pup lol. I had her for 17 years before she passed away in 2019.
Rest in peace to your dear Selkie.
I remember me and my older sister finding this movie randomly on netflix in middle school, and we didn’t expect much. we were both sobbing by the end lmao
One of my favourite films of all time, I can't wait to watch this! Thank you for covering it
Song of the sea WAS my childhood, I absolutely loved the ending and the art style it kinda inspired me to start animating!
So glad you’re talking about this movie!! I watched it years ago for the first time and it’s been one of my favorites forever! I credit this movie (and the others by the studio) what got me to want to be an animator :]
The parallels between each human character and their faerie counterpart is my favorite detail
Just seeing that clip of them talking and saying goodbye to Bronagh, even without the audio, always manages to make me tear up. This film is incredible, and I love it so, so much. It was also the first time I learned of some of the mythos involved, and I still remember the lullaby song that shares it's name with the film at random times.
Omg I used to watch this movie on RUclips, then years later I found the movie again and watched it fully and understood it. This is my absolute favourite movie ever.
same!! i watched it when it came out ( i was 8) , and then, last december (im now 17), on my plane flight home back to ireland, it was one of the movie options. i decided to rewatched it, and suddenly i understood everything , when i was younger i had NO IDEA the owl and giant were metaphors for the granny and the dad, needless to say i was SOBBING by the end of it. 10/10 movie
I’m so glad this movie is finally getting the recognition it deserves!!! It was a masterpiece in storytelling, music, and artistic visuals and it’s truly my favorite movie of all time!
TYSM! I watched this years ago & loved it, but couldn't remember the name or find it again.
My mother died on Easter, so finding this movie again on Easter Sunday feels like a gift.
This movie has an extremely special place in my heart. It is unapologetically beautiful.
My So Happy that the Irish we have Cartoon Saloon like Disney but Ireland on how awesome stories like this to share around the world thanks to this Animation Studios located In Kilkenny Ireland 🇮🇪 🎊🥳♥️❤️💕
I'm glad I'm not the only one who was so moved by this movie. I was still emotional for a day or two after watching it. I'm so glad we have studios like Cartoon Saloon making such beautiful and imaginative films. I also enjoyed their contribution to Star Wars: Visions.
I was not expecting to see this precious movie again and being reviewed by Saberspark!
I'm so glad more of you guys in America are getting to see these films by Cartoon Saloon, they're amazing and seriously want to one day work for them!
Ireland's finest animation studio!
Also.... those poor kids... having to live in DUBLIN of all places!
This one is a childhood comfort movie. I have to keep myself from watching it too much so I don't dampen it's impact. I'll watch it once, maybe twice a year on a cold and stormy day, bundled up with some cocoa and it always makes me cry my eyes out.
I love this movie!
When my sister showed me this as a child, I loved it. I have cried multiple times and I still listen to the music.
AHHH FINALLY SEEING A FAVORITE MOVIE OF MINE WITH MY CULTURE!!
i watched this movie when i was about 7 and i remember just how magical it made me feel, and still now i feel entranced by it. it's genuinely some ghibli level stuff, i wish money was pumped into movies like this instead of disney trash