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Isolating and mystical, the Red Turtle (La Tortue Rouge) is a film soaked in longing and respite. I liken it to Cast Away but as a more tender love story. Itās quiet moments are bespoke of a greater understanding that things in our lives are underpinned by a changing world and that our proximity to nature is tied to how we care for one another. Not to mention the animation itself is amazing and has sketch-like quality I enjoy. I first watched it during the pandemic when moments of calm were needed and it certainly gave me what I was searching for-
I hope you give it a look, you might start seeing Red Turtles too šŗ
Apr 19, 2024
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Rly enjoyed this one/ love the unsettling loneliness of it allā also recommend tht u check out all the oscar nominated animated shorts!
Feb 18, 2025
It can be interesting to pick up common themes among the movies nominated for Academy Awards each year. Sometimes itās something as simple as an actor or actress appearing in multiple nominees, as is the case with Sandra HĆ¼ller giving memorable turns inĀ Anatomy of a FallĀ andĀ The Zone of Interest. Or perhaps a preponderance of donkeys, like last year whenĀ EOĀ andĀ The Banshees of InisherinĀ both featured the animals (and delivered them to similar fates). Or the stories can share common themes, which surprisinlgy turned out to be the case between this yearās nomineesĀ Past LivesĀ andĀ Robot Dreams, a small-budgeted animated film that proved remarkably adept at exploring the ways we can move on after the end of a relationship without forgetting what made it special.
The film opens on Dog, who lives a lonely life in New York City during the 1980s. One night, he sees an advertisement for a robotic companion and immediately places an order. It arrives, with much assembly required, and so Dog gets to work, ultimately leading to the creation of Robot. As promised, the two hit it off immediately, with Robotās wide-eyed enthusiasm at his new surroundings causing Dog to stop and appreciate more of the world around him. This first Summer that the pair spend together is one of the most joyful sequences ever put to film, and itās near impossible not to have oneās spirits lifted while watching it.
As the saying goes however, all good things must come to an end, and so as the season nears its end the pair head to the beach where exposure to water causes Robot to become rusted in place. Dog isnāt strong enough to move him and the crowds have all left, so he is left with no choice but to come back the next day with tools in hopes of getting Robot working again. Unfortunately, when he returns he finds that the beach has closed and barricaded for the season, with some very zealous guards on hand to keep him away, and so the formerly inseparable duo must now wait to be reunited.
Over the Fall, Winter, and Spring, we watch what happens to the pair through a series of vignettes that highlight the loneliness they both feel without the other. Robot dreams (see what I did there) of being reunited as he remains helpless on the sand and Dog attempts to make connections with his unique fellow citizens, like Snowman, whose face takes on the color of the frozen drinks he consumes and who uses his own head as bowling ball. It all leads up to a bittersweet ending that feels true in a way that will resonate deeply with anyone who has loved and lost and still went on loving from afar, at least a little.
The animation style is utterly charming and features lots of cute flourishes and nods to classic cinema. The soundtrack delights as well, with a mix of jazz and hits (going forward I will forever think of this movie when I hear Earth, Wind & Fireās āSeptemberā). This is especially important as there is not a single line of spoken dialogue to be found, instead using imagery and sound to tell the story to wonderful effect. The central relationship between Dog and Robot is one of the most endearing friendships in movie history, and this story will hit viewers directly in the feels in all the right ways. ā
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Mar 6, 2024
the most sweetest and loveliest animated film iāve seen in a long time. theres something so refreshing and beautiful about the approach to the story and the animation is toooo pretty .. certainly worth a watch - on hbo if youāre in the US :) donāt overlook it! it has a fantastic capybara and a lovely cat in it ..
Feb 21, 2025
Top Recs from @ink_j3t
A simple and reflexive little album. Honestly has been getting me through it~
Mar 15, 2025
A classic in its own right~
Spearheaded by Otomo (Creator of Akira)
3 Back-to-Back Anime films by 3 different directors. Magnetic Rose, Stink Bomb and Cannon Fodder: all as cohesive as they are stylishly animated. If youāre into Sci-fi and wild worlds with rich characters I highly recommend giving it a watch āØ
Apr 17, 2024
Itās got a hard edge and is super elegant. Favorite usage of it has been in graff culture as its had a recent resurgence
Apr 17, 2024