Today’s quick review: Children of the Sea. Ruka Azumi’s (Anjali Gauld) summer takes a peculiar turn when she meets Umi (Lynden Prosser), a boy raised in the sea by dugongs. Umi and his older brother Sora (Benjamin Niewood) live at an aquarium where researchers study the way their bodies have adapted to aquatic life. After witnessing a series of portents, Umi and Sora take Ruka to a place where sea creatures are gathering for a mystical celebration.
Children of the Sea is a Japanese animated fantasy movie about a pair of brothers who were raised in the sea. As Ruka gets to know Umi and Sora, she learns more about the ocean, its hidden mysteries, and their connection to her own past. Children of the Sea features rich, colorful animation and a story that casts the ocean in a new life. Its visuals and themes make it a rewarding watch, even if its plot suffers from a few flaws.
Children of the Sea’s greatest strength is its portrayal of the ocean and the sheer diversity of life within it. Whales, fish, lobsters, turtles, and countless other creatures accompany the teens on their journey. The movie blends literal depictions of sea life with more fantastical imagery, drawing parallels between the ocean, the stars, and the cells that make up light. The end product is a visual treat with a distinctive art style.
The one major sticking point is how bizarre the movie gets. The story weaves a pattern out of the oceans, the life they contain, and the cosmos as a whole. These themes collide in a surreal finale that touches on some of the deepest questions life has to offer. However, in concrete story terms, the payoff can be underwhelming. Important questions are left unexplained, and the story itself is linear, with a passive role for its characters.
How much you get out of Children of the Sea will depend on your taste in fantasy. The movie’s visual artistry and evocative themes make it a strong pick for viewers with a taste for mysticism and unbridled creativity. On the other hand, its lofty ideas and linear plot keep it from having the personal impact that other fantasy stories have. Those curious should give it a shot, and those skeptical should approach with caution.
For a lower-stakes fantasy adventure about a child from the sea, try Lu Over the Wall. For a more playful, child-friendly fantasy about ocean life, try Ponyo. For a dramatic fantasy movie about a pair of unconventional children, try Wolf Children.
6.5 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 for elaborate visuals, rich themes, and a hit-or-miss story.