Yesterday I decided to go to the Broadway to see the Academy Award nominated film The Red Turtle and I am so glad that I did! It is absolutely brilliant with a simple yet profound narrative about life, love, and fate. A man is washed ashore on an uninhabited island. After discovering a plentiful supply of bamboo, he makes a raft and attempts to leave the island. The raft is broken up by a red turtle not far from shore and the man is forced to return to the island. After several more attempts with the same result, the man sees the red turtle wash up on shore and, in an act of revenge, he turns it upside down. Feeling remorse the next day, he tries unsuccessfully to revive the turtle. When the turtle's shell cracks, it is transformed into a beautiful woman. Years go by and the man and woman eventually have a son with an unusual connection with turtles. When their son decides to leave the island with a group of turtles, the couple remains to live out their lives in a series of beautiful vignettes. After the man dies, the woman is, once again, transformed back into the red turtle and it slowly swims away from the island. The story is incredibly beautiful and affecting and even though there is almost no dialogue (aside from a few exclamations) the characters are able to convey genuine emotion. I also loved the distinct portrayal of the animals on the island. My favorite "characters" are the crabs which become the man's constant companions in some amusing situations. The animation is absolutely stunning and even the gray and sepia tones of the ocean in a storm are somehow vibrant. I loved this film and I highly recommend it!
Note: Speaking of Academy Awards, I am so glad that Moonlight won Best Picture. It is such a beautiful film and I highly recommend it, too!
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