• This is now the third work from Tomm Moore (all of them co-directed by this is the first time with Ross Stewart) with previous works including The Secret of Kells (2009) and Song of the Sea (2014). This is the best of the three—but like all auteur cinema– makes the previous two efforts stronger as well (I’m eager to revisit both Kells and Song of the Sea in the wake of the effort here). I used to hold the belief that three films is really where it the counting starts as it signifies a pattern but directors like Vigo, Truffaut, McQueen and Aster show that isn’t always necessary to wait.

makes me eager to revisit The Secret of Kells (2009) and Song of the Sea (2014)- I do not remember being bowled over by the drawing artistry like this

  • This folklore tale is set in the 17th century. It has the now trademark diamond faces and vocal work from English and Irish actors (including Sean Bean here)
  • The work is hand drawn and imaginative beyond description—(best to just include some of the impressive drawings here). There’s a focus on nature (another trait of Moore’s work), the color green (check) and we have with some breathtaking autumnal foliage

man vs nature mythic folklore with many frames as splendid as this one here

  • There are these boxy establishing shots, another highlight is the red throne room area of Lord Protector (voiced by the always evil Simon McBurney)
  • the focus on nature may make you think of the almost pantheism of Hayao Miyazaki and that’s fair- but this is a unique enough voice in animation—work that is both beautiful and singular

the focus on nature may make you think of the almost pantheism of Hayao Miyazaki and that’s fair- but this is a unique enough voice in animation—work that is both beautiful and singular

  • recommend- maybe pushing the Recommend / Highly recommend top 10 of the year border