Song of the Sea

Ben and Saoirse are uprooted when their mother disappears and they move in with Granny in the city. Longing for the sea, they plan to head home, setting off on a race against time. Their path moves from gray streets into a sea mist of folklore, a world their mother knew from stories she told. The fairy folk have lingered in our world longer than most legends permit, and Ben learns that Saoirse is the key to keeping them safe. This is no bedtime tale; danger and wonder collide as land and tide tug the siblings toward a destination neither fully controls. Their bond grows as they navigate crowded streets, meet helpful strangers, and face a guardian who tests their trust. The coast calls to them even in the city noise.

Directed by Tomm Moore, Song of the Sea marks Cartoon Saloon's return to hand drawn animation and Irish folklore. The 2014 feature blends myth and family memory to craft a visually rich adventure rooted in Celtic storytelling and mythic art direction.

It earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature at the 87th Oscars, signaling international recognition for its craftsmanship. The film also gathered praise at various film festivals for its artistry, sensitive portrayal of loss, and faithful use of folklore.

Critics highlighted its luminous hand drawn visuals and a distinctly Celtic mood that sets it apart from many animated family films. The film helped raise Cartoon Saloon’s profile on the global stage and fed interest in traditional Irish myth presented with modern charm.

Reviews praised its restrained emotional arc that pairs grief with resilience, and its themes of memory, belonging, and the pull of home. By weaving myth with everyday family life, Song of the Sea connected with audiences looking for a meaningful, intimately drawn fairy tale.