The Red Turtle
Sony Pictures Classics | Release Date: January 20, 2017
7.7
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 162 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
132
Mixed:
19
Negative:
11
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3
Johan701Jan 24, 2017
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This movie was probably the most poetical movie i've ever seen.

Nobody wants to make a negative review ot it? I can understand why, but i will.
We are in the age of feelings, and this movie completely revolves around feelings, poetry, purity and imagination.

But well, i just completely disliked watching it, because the movie itself made no sense.
It's a completely irrealistic and dreaming vision trying to picture something that never actually existed anywhere in the world, and cannot ever exist.

It starts with a feeling of "survival" experience, that drifts away in a nonsense poetic novel where there characters do absolutely NOTHING for the whole duration of the movie.

[Spoiler follows]


I mean, after the turle turns into a woman, they make a child, and after that they do absolutely nothing else for the rest of their whole life. They build nothing, they do nothing, they make no other childrens, they don't try to discover anything, they don't learn anything, they sleep in the same grass for their whole life, apparently eat some things (some animal lives matter, other don't).
And they go on living the most boring existence ever conceived by a human mind, i'm not saying the movie itself was boring, well, it kinda was to me, but the point is, their existance is so boring that is completely unlikely to exist, how can someone live for 50 years doing absolutely nothing?

Human beings aren't anything similar to that, they have ambitions, intellect, talents, creativity, those, instead, are basically humans living the life of a turtle, which, as poetic as it may be, is boring and pointless.

This picture, along with the fact that almost nothing is ever explained about anything, in this mystical feeling of poetry, makes me just wonder if i should really appreciate the thing i just watched.

For me, the answer is no.

I can't just sit and have "feelings" about this thing for whole 80 minutes without asking myself "why am i watching this nonsense thing?"

I'm sorry but i wouldn't recommend this movie to anyone who isn't just strongly attracted by pure feelings and poetry.

I am sadly strongly convinced that nobody makes a negative review of this for the fear of sounding too superficial, well, i don't think i am.… Expand
9 of 10 users found this helpful91
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8
LeZeeDec 24, 2016
Man always needs a purpose.

Since the Hollywood upgraded to the 3D animation, the rest of the world took over and given some incredible films in the last one and half decades. The Japanese animes are undoubtedly the best, but the EuropeanMan always needs a purpose.

Since the Hollywood upgraded to the 3D animation, the rest of the world took over and given some incredible films in the last one and half decades. The Japanese animes are undoubtedly the best, but the European animation, particularly the 2D animation started to boom in the recent times with special mention goes to Tomm Moore. So basically I might miss some Hollywood animations, right now, but I'm very watchful over this kind of films. That's how I watched it, but anyway I would have seen it.

This is the director's first feature animation film, but he was known for his awesome short animations which one of them won him an Oscar. It was jointly produced by three countries, including Japan's Studio Ghibli. It's their first non-Japanese production and a great beginning and timing to expand the production in other continents. Especially after their legend, Hayao Miyazaki retired from the filmmaking.

The film was short like the 80 minute stretch without a single word spoken in its entire narration. There's no even sign language used, everything's actions and reactions. So you would find empty in the film's cast section which is kind of weird. I mean there are characters in the film, but all were imaginations without names and what year it takes place, where with so many questions like that. Basically to say, a film without the cast, but the crew members managed to give the best to the viewers to get it without any struggle.

One thing is for sure, that the film is very enjoyable. It is a fantasy film, so whatever you see, you have to accept it. Because that's how things happen in a theme like this, all fictional. Though, the first thing you have to keep in your mind is not the entire film was an hallucination event. There are some dreamy events and that's fine since the film character is coping with loneliness.

A man who had lost at sea, wakes up in a small island. It's a life supporting land mass with fresh water and fruits, but he also has to put some effort for fishing. His notion is to leave the island as soon as possible to go back to where he had come from, the civilised world. In his every attempt to sail with a raft he had made using bamboos, fails to cross after a certain stretch of the island coast. He later comes to know what stopped him and with an anger reaction he commits a mistake. So now he has to come out of the guilt and to do that he chooses what seems the right.

It was like a simple story without any meaning about everything that's shown in it. So in my entire watch I thought the same and said it was an okay film with great animation. But the ending changed my stance. That twist, I don't think everybody would understand. But one thing I want to make sure if you yet to see it, that it was about the purpose. The man always looks for a reason to do things and even to live or die. That's where the red turtle comes in.

Although my biggest question is, is this film a follow-up or in any way connected to the director's previous short animation 'Father and Daughter'? Because it seems the man who got lost in the sea is from that short film. But it never revealed the reason why he was stopped by whomever from return home. Also, both the conclusions syncs. It's just a my theory, so only the director can explain that.

I'm very sure this film is in the Oscars race. If it fails to make, then its not my prediction was wrong, but the Academy Awards people got it all wrong. I'm also sure it won't win as 3D animation dominated world, particularly 'Zootopia' 'Finding Dory' and 'Moana' are taking the first three frontrunner spots. Except the technical differences, only the grown ups can say this one has a better and meaningful story. It is very similar to 'Ponyo', but a grown-up's version. Anyway, it is a must see film, especially the adults and in particular those who always think animation is for children. If they see it, they might change their mind. Highly recommended!

8/10… Expand
2 of 4 users found this helpful22
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0
entisocialMay 2, 2017
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This film is so bad, that I'm creating an account everywhere I can rate movies to tell the world how bad it is. I'm so angry about the time it made me waste, that I'm feeling like a hero who could potentially save hours and hours that could be invested in better things.

It's an animated movie made for people who don't know anything about animated movies. Those people will find this movie poetic and minimalistic. They'll found profund meanings and even beauty in what I call utter **** It's not profund, it's lazy and it's not beautiful either.

This film contains only one spoiler: The turtle becomes a woman. Gasps!! What's gonna happen??? The suspense is tearing everyone up. Don't worry, what happens next is exactly what you would have guessed. The sole purpose of the turtle-woman, is to fall in love with the man (who tried to kill it/her), bear his child, and live happily with him until he dies of old age. The end. Applause.… Expand
2 of 4 users found this helpful22
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4
SEROJJun 16, 2018
As a Studio Ghibli fan i wanted to love it but i got really bored. I think the idea of no-dialogue representation was interesting and original but the overall plot was really nothing special.
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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10
Rebecca31Jun 3, 2017
A man is shipwrecked on a deserted island. Upon trying to escape several times he encounters a red turtle and his life changes forever. From Studio Ghibli you expect nothing short of brilliance and this certainly does deliver. With virtuallyA man is shipwrecked on a deserted island. Upon trying to escape several times he encounters a red turtle and his life changes forever. From Studio Ghibli you expect nothing short of brilliance and this certainly does deliver. With virtually no dialogue an emotional story unfolds accompanied by a beautiful soundtrack. The animation is wonderful, the visuals and attention to detail simply mesmerizing. Unique and stunning, I loved it. Highly recommended.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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9
navid_gNov 30, 2016
This movie is stupendous. It shows you true love and how it affects people. It was symbolic, of course, (given the history of ghibli studio). The characters don't talk to each other, but they talk to you through their actions and gestures. ItThis movie is stupendous. It shows you true love and how it affects people. It was symbolic, of course, (given the history of ghibli studio). The characters don't talk to each other, but they talk to you through their actions and gestures. It is, undoubtedly, one of this year's best.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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7
DirigiblePulpJul 7, 2017
A beautifully stylized, deeply personal work of wondrous imagination. It's a moral tale that relays a lesson as old as time - namely that love and family are the necessary ties that bind us to this world, and sometimes we need to be set freeA beautifully stylized, deeply personal work of wondrous imagination. It's a moral tale that relays a lesson as old as time - namely that love and family are the necessary ties that bind us to this world, and sometimes we need to be set free to see that and eventually we always come home whether we like it or not. The film doesn't find a way of making this old truth newly profound again with its beautiful images -- they're rapturous but maybe too often in an appreciative way instead of an emotional way. They don't quite stir the soul, though they delight the eyes and prod the heart.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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9
BeeceeFeb 7, 2017
This animated film is a co-production, over two continents, between Japan's Studio Ghibli and a French animator (with some assistance from Hungarians). This is a lovely film, with no dialogue but atmospheric music. As previously stated byThis animated film is a co-production, over two continents, between Japan's Studio Ghibli and a French animator (with some assistance from Hungarians). This is a lovely film, with no dialogue but atmospheric music. As previously stated by others, this film is about a sailor stranded on a tropical island who attempts to leave on a raft but whose path is thwarted by a large red turtle. The film is the story of his life, and I wasn't at all bored. There is a certain magic and quiet artistry typical of Studio Ghibli. It is certainly imaginative and deserving of its Oscar nomination.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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7
Brent_MarchantFeb 20, 2017
A beautifully illustrated, lovingly produced animated feature about a castaway who lives out his life on a desert island with a mate who has unique origins. While the film is a charming, breath-taking meditation on the cycle of life andA beautifully illustrated, lovingly produced animated feature about a castaway who lives out his life on a desert island with a mate who has unique origins. While the film is a charming, breath-taking meditation on the cycle of life and universal aspects of existence that nearly all of us deal with, this offering nevertheless is not nearly as profound nor revelatory as it probably likes to think it is. The emotive soundtrack and stunning imagery are indeed mesmerizing, and the prevailing sentiment certainly has its heart in the right place, but don't expect the heavens to open and send forth long hidden, mystical wisdom. And, if you're a parent, leave the kids home -- this is animation, not a cartoon.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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10
Ali_MarashianJan 21, 2017
This is the best wordless movie since Wall.E( if you consider that a wordless movie). Studio ghibli showed us how they're still the masters of storytelling. In this beautifull marvel, we see a man falling in love, the beauty of it(that scoreThis is the best wordless movie since Wall.E( if you consider that a wordless movie). Studio ghibli showed us how they're still the masters of storytelling. In this beautifull marvel, we see a man falling in love, the beauty of it(that score slayed me!) and perhaps one of the saddest animated movie endings in recent memory. This should obviously win the academy award, but those stupids will just hand it over to Zootopia(one of disneys most overrated movies), wgich is just nothing compared to this, or last year's winner Inside Out.… Expand
0 of 2 users found this helpful02
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9
FuturedirectorMar 12, 2017
Smart, entertaining and surprisingly intense, The Rec Turtle is an undeniably estimable legacy with a beautifully animated effort whose deceptively simple story boasts narrative layers as richly absorbing as its lovely visuals for Studio Ghibli.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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10
maitauhidFeb 28, 2017
this is a classic movie..i really love to watch it..that is not necessary to every animated movies have to humor or funny..in this movie you can not find any humor but you can find a silent beautiful story line..which I like to watch morethis is a classic movie..i really love to watch it..that is not necessary to every animated movies have to humor or funny..in this movie you can not find any humor but you can find a silent beautiful story line..which I like to watch more than humor..… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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7
TyranianApr 12, 2019
Really nice animated film with beautiful visuals and music, story not totally clear however.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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3
GirlWithBig1sJul 17, 2017
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Pretty. And pretty empty.

Was hoping they would all leave together, perhaps with the help of the other turtles. But no. In the end, did anything happen? I no longer care as there is no thread to lose.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
pardogatoFeb 12, 2018
The Red Turtle is a refreshing rereading of your usual castaway story with an unexpected jump into a second half where the viewer can’t decide if everything is a dream, an afterlife metaphor or an actual miracle of life.
With a superbThe Red Turtle is a refreshing rereading of your usual castaway story with an unexpected jump into a second half where the viewer can’t decide if everything is a dream, an afterlife metaphor or an actual miracle of life.
With a superb traditional animation enhanced with subtle digital filters, this unpretentious tale dives deep into a generation that can identify with the feeling on being alone in the middle of nowhere, an suddenly only carrying for someone else matters.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
alejandro970Jun 21, 2017
An unusual, meaningful, colorful experience in animation with the notorious support of Ghibli´s Isao Takahata ( The graveyard of fireflies, Princess Kaguya). The lack of dialogues more than a weakness is a strenght. It is a reflective historyAn unusual, meaningful, colorful experience in animation with the notorious support of Ghibli´s Isao Takahata ( The graveyard of fireflies, Princess Kaguya). The lack of dialogues more than a weakness is a strenght. It is a reflective history of the interaction between man and nature.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
madmoviemanNov 29, 2016
The first thing to note about this film is that there’s no dialogue. At all. Sometimes, that can make for a dull watch, but if everything is put together as well as it can be, then this genre of film can be one of the most therapeutic andThe first thing to note about this film is that there’s no dialogue. At all. Sometimes, that can make for a dull watch, but if everything is put together as well as it can be, then this genre of film can be one of the most therapeutic and poetic of all. The Red Turtle isn’t necessarily the most stunning film of all time, but it’s an impressive watch throughout, effectively forgoing dialogue yet retaining an engaging story, complemented by dazzling backdrops and a great score.

Before I get into what was really good about this film, I want to talk about the first twenty minutes. I think the best way to approach this film is only knowing it has no dialogue, because the way the story develops is actually very unpredictable. That being said, the opening act, where we see the castaway first stranded on the island and attempting to make an escape, isn’t quite so engrossing.

Although there are still some absolutely beautiful shots of the landscape, everything feels a lot more stagnant than it should do. The man’s eventual encounter with the red turtle doesn’t pack the punch the film is going for, whilst the experience of watching the dialogue-less film isn’t enhanced by the score, which really doesn’t pick up for a long time into this movie.

Unfortunately, the disappointing opening act meant I had a lower impression of the movie going into the latter stages, however it’s safe to say that everything really picks up as the film moves along. Again, there are some really surprising plot twists throughout the film, so I’ll try my best to avoid spoilers, but I can still talk about the way that director Michael Dudok de Wit’s incredible style plays such a role in the second and third acts.

As the story introduces a more personal and emotional note to the man’s isolation, everything becomes a lot more poetic. The first act was almost completely devoid of pure drama, but as the film unfolds, there are numerous heartbreaking and heartfelt moments alike that pull you into the story, largely because of the way the score and the visuals come into play.

Following the first act, the music becomes a lot louder, more powerful and far more emotional, but all for the better. Everything has a much greater sense of dramatic importance, and in tandem with some of de Wit’s truly astonishing panoramas of the beautiful night sky and sea, the film effectively takes on the form of a painting.

Although it does unfortunately drop off a little in the final act, and the final twist isn’t quite so impressive to see, the biggest triumph of The Red Turtle is its ability to create an engrossing and at times truly beautiful experience without the need for any dialogue or exposition. It’s not an all-time classic in my view, and doesn’t stand up to most solo Studio Ghibli productions, but it’s a different and wonderful watch nonetheless.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
trancekatMay 8, 2017
A moving and beautiful film that conveys emotion without uttering a single word. The story reflects life, human goals and endeavors, as well as how those facets of man humbled by nature. Set in a castaway-like island, we see the life of oneA moving and beautiful film that conveys emotion without uttering a single word. The story reflects life, human goals and endeavors, as well as how those facets of man humbled by nature. Set in a castaway-like island, we see the life of one man beyond survival or rescue, but rather a refection of the same life we all lead.

Certainly worth the time spent on this touching and thoughful film.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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0
WiegotsJan 6, 2018
Absolutely horrible. How is this even remotely associated with Ghibli Studios? Wordless, colorless, storyless. We have seen all of Ghibli Studios movies and are complete fans of all their work. This one just sucks!
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
BrunoVn00Jan 11, 2020
An absolutely brilliant movie. It has no dialogue, yet you get so much from the characters and the story. If this was in charge of a less talented crew, this movie would have a lot of dialogue, exposition and unnecessary humor. We don't haveAn absolutely brilliant movie. It has no dialogue, yet you get so much from the characters and the story. If this was in charge of a less talented crew, this movie would have a lot of dialogue, exposition and unnecessary humor. We don't have any of that because it's not necessary! I found brilliant the fact that they managed to craft an engaging and powerful story with no words. The characters have no names (because...Is it really necessary?) And yet they became memorable characters, not only because of their design but because we are shown their motivations and personalities just with visuals. I like the fact that the movie isn't surface level...Well, it can be if you just watch the movie without thinking about anything deeper but so many things are left up to interpretation. The score is beautfiul and helps make the story to be even more powerful. The animation is amazing and the movie looks beautiful. It looks that a lot of effort was put in the colors and design of every frame of the movie and I love that.

I get that the movie can be loved or hated because it's not a conventional film. It has so much personality and uniqueness that if you expect a straight-forward emotional story with deep dialogue, you might end up hating it, because this isn't anything like that. Sure if I start to tell the story out loud it might sound like a boring movie, but there are so many things that really help a story that, on paper, sounds boring. This is an example of how a "boring" story can be turned into something wonderful.

This is an amazing movie and I highly recommend it.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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0
merrymichelleApr 24, 2019
Bad, boring. I did not even finish. I did not care. Did not like the animation.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
DawdlingPoetNov 20, 2021
The animation quality in this film is quite exisquisite - along with 'Loving Vincent', this film is equally visually pleasing, I would say. I like that its not the 21 century modern CGI filled animation - or it doesn't appear that wayThe animation quality in this film is quite exisquisite - along with 'Loving Vincent', this film is equally visually pleasing, I would say. I like that its not the 21 century modern CGI filled animation - or it doesn't appear that way primarily. It looks like a watercolour brought to life. I also liked the lack of dialogue. The silence, or lack of ongoing character dialogue, somehow relaxed me more. I thought this was quite an engrossing and enjoyable film, even though what happens to the main character isn't always positive, I suppose. I enjoyed the classical/instrumental music played at times and overall I really enjoyed this.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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4
JimmyFeckitFeb 9, 2020
Style over substance. Starts promisingly enough but then fades into a pretentious analogy about man losing touch with nature. Puts me in mind of a restaurant that serves terrible food but in a great location with perfect ambience. PeopleStyle over substance. Starts promisingly enough but then fades into a pretentious analogy about man losing touch with nature. Puts me in mind of a restaurant that serves terrible food but in a great location with perfect ambience. People praise it in a circular way without ever examining what they are buying.

Not what I expected from a Ghibli film at all. Avoid it unless you are looking for an excuse to use it as a conversation piece to make you seem smarter than you actually are.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
philipz484Jul 14, 2021
I hope that I am interpretive illiterate thanks to the propagandization of the film industry and not this film is a cluster of random events XD
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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