The Red Turtle review: Studio Ghibli goes Castaway in this outstanding animation, which is directed by the talented Michaël Dudok de Wit.
The Red Turtle review from the Cannes Film Festival, 2016.
The Red Turtle review
Since leaving the screening of The Red Turtle here in Cannes, I just opened my laptop to have a look at the twenty or so movies that I’ve reviewed here at this year’s festival. Looking at them, and I know I’ve only managed to catch a small fraction of what is playing this year, there has not been one dud, and fear not, The Red Turtle, a co-collaboration between France and the legendary Studio Ghibli, is not one either – far from it – it’s absolutely magnificent.
The film, which plays without a single line of dialogue, revolves around a man who has been stranded on a desert island after his ship capsizes in a horrific storm. Alone on the small, but inhabited island (we’re talking crabs and other small wildlife), the unnamed man continually attempts to leave via a self-made raft, but his progress is hindered by a large red turtle who keeps hitting it, breaking the vessel into pieces and forcing the man to return to shore. Clearly frustrated at his failed attempts to get back to the world which he has left behind, the man slumps on the pristine beach, only to see that the giant red turtle as followed him ashore. Using his immediate opportunity to take control, the man reacts by hitting the turtle over the head and pushing it onto its shell, leaving it for dead.
The Red Turtle review
After falling asleep by its side, the man snaps awake, guilt-ridden from his actions and returns the apparently lifeless turtle to his front, building a make-shift shelter to shield it from he blazing sun. A short time later, the man returns to the turtle, only to see that it has miraculously changed into a stunning, red-headed woman. Deciding to stay in the pristine paradise, the two make a life for themselves on the island and the rest of the film focussing on the events of that life together.
Michael Dudok de Wit has painstakingly spent the best part of a decade making this absolutely stunning animated film, a visual marvel from start to end with stunning animation, delightful story and an emotional punch which you’d expect from the celebrated Studio Ghibli stable.
The Red Turtle review
Each frame is stunning to look at, the film-makers painstakingly bringing this wonderful story to life. Dudok de Wit opts for an almost black and white look for the night time scenes, where the protagonist has most of his wild dreams (involving one involving a four piece orchestra performing on the beach), which brilliantly contrasts against the harsh, bright realities of the daytime. The accompanying score, so important for a film with no dialogue, sweeps in and out gloriously landing the emotional beats of this magnificent story.
With obvious metaphors, which the younger audience may not get, and realistic story arcs which may not prove suitable for them either, this film is definitely aimed at the older crowds, and of course the Ghibli aficionados, who will have tons to feast on here.
The Red Turtle review
A truly wonderful 80 minutes of boundary-less cinema that certainly leaves the audience affected by its honest, though marvellous storytelling which’ll have you in tears by the time that the credits start to roll. Quite simply, one of the best we’ve seen at the festival, and a cert for awards plaudits over the coming months.
Perfection.
The Red Turtle review by Paul Heath at the Cannes Film Festival, 2016.
The Red Turtle is currently waiting for a UK and US release date.
