Song of the Sea

Let the song of the sea sway your heart...

2014 • 94 min • Family · Animation · Fantasy

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Synopsis

The story of the last Seal Child’s journey home. After their mother’s disappearance, Ben and Saoirse are sent to live with Granny in the city. When they resolve to return to their home by the sea, their journey becomes a race against time as they are drawn into a world Ben knows only from his mother’s folktales. But this is no bedtime story; these fairy folk have been in our world far too long. It soon becomes clear to Ben that Saoirse is the key to their survival.

Our family guide

Best from age 6

Movie Knight Score

1607 reviews

100 Reviewers · 3 · 53%
80 Audience · 1604 · 47%

Ben and his sister Saoirse, the last seal-child, embark on a magical journey to save the spirit world and find their way home. They encounter ancient fairy folk and mythical creatures, learning about their family's powerful legacy along the way. It’s a beautiful, hand-drawn adventure rooted in Irish folklore.

Violence & peril: 2/10
Language: 1/10
Drinking, drugs & smoking: 0/10
Romance & sensuality: 0/10
Scary moments: 3/10

Heads up

Some fantastical creatures may be unsettling
Themes of loss and separation
A few moments of peril and chase

What it models well

Family bonds and responsibility
Embracing one's heritage
Coping with grief and loss
Courage and self-discovery

Talk about it after

Understanding complex emotions like grief
Exploring Irish folklore and mythology
The importance of protecting nature
Sibling relationships and growing up

Written by the Movie Knight editorial team for Song of the Sea. Our own words, our own scoring — always double-check against your family's standards.

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Top billed cast

Director: Tomm Moore • Crew: Will Collins, Tomm Moore

Trailers & clips

Song of the Sea - Dúlamán

Saoirse Song (Song of the Sea 2014)

Song of the Sea - new official trailer

Reviewer notes

Recommended
This is a gorgeously told tale from Celtic mythology that follows the adventures of the young "Ben" and his sister "Saoirse". Their mother died whilst giving birth to the girl - who is unable to speak - and they lived in an isolated lighthouse (I'd love that!) with their widowed dad "Conor" until being sent to live in the big city with the grandmother.…
CinemaSerf, TMDB Community

RecommendedTrusted family reviewers
Great watch, would watch again, and do recommend. The animation in this beautiful, and some of it reminds me (vaguely) of "Spirited Away", but makes more sense. I'm sure the relation is the sense that "Spirited Away" is Miyazaki's display of the Japanese fey, though it is apparently in several other movies (e.g. "My Neighbor Totoro", "Ponyo").…
Kamurai, TMDB Community

RecommendedTrusted family reviewers
If you ever watched 'The Secret of Kells', you will never think of skipping it. Though, people watch it in the interest of the Oscar connection. From all the nominees it is the clear winner according to me, even far better than the real winner 'Big Hero 6'. The American Academy Awards had failed to recognise the true ingenuity. That does not stop win the heart the of millions of children around the world.…
Reno, TMDB Community