🪶 Story & Synopsis
In the visually stunning and mystifying film “Children of the Sea,” directed by Ayumu Watanabe, viewers are taken on a mesmerizing journey into the depths of the ocean and beyond. The story follows a young girl named Ruka, whose life takes a supernatural turn when she encounters two mysterious boys, Umi and Sora, with a deep connection to the sea.
Ruka, a girl with separated parents, finds herself inexplicably drawn to the aquarium where her father works. It is there that she meets Umi and Sora, two boys who were raised by dugongs in the sea. As Ruka delves deeper into their world, she discovers that she shares a supernatural bond with the ocean, much like the enigmatic brothers.
The film intricately weaves together themes of family, identity, and the mysteries of the deep sea. Through a blend of intricate CGI and hand-drawn animation, the ocean comes to life with vibrant colors and breathtaking detail. Every frame pulsates with life, immersing the audience in a sensory adventure unlike any other.
As Ruka’s connection to Umi and Sora deepens, she uncovers a profound truth about herself and the world around her. The film delves into themes of rebirth, coming-of-age, and the interconnectedness of all living beings. In a climactic moment, the festival of rebirth is completed, leading to a transformation where Ruka finds herself in the ocean while Umi and Sora transcend their physical forms.
“Children of the Sea” is a cinematic masterpiece that captures the beauty, mystery, and wonder of the ocean. With its captivating storyline, rich visuals, and haunting soundtrack by Joe Hisaishi, the film immerses viewers in a world where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur, leaving a lasting impression long after the credits roll.
🧑 Cast & Crew
Mana Ashida, Hiiro Ishibashi, Seishu Uragami, Win Morisaki, Goro Inagaki, Yu Aoi, Toru Watanabe, Min Tanaka, Sumiko Fuji
| Character | Voice Actor |
|---|---|
| Ruka Azumi | Anjali Gauld and 1 other |
| Umi | Lynden Prosser and 1 other |
| Sora | Ben Niewood and 1 other |
| Anglade | Beau Bridgland and 2 others |
| Masaaki Azumi | Marc Thompson and 1 other |
| Kanako Azumi | Karen Strassman and 1 other |
| Gym Teacher | Wally Wingert and 1 other |
| Jim Cusack | Michael Sorich and 1 other |
| Dehdeh | Denise Lee and 1 other |
| Additional Voices | Carrie Keranen, Chelsey Cohen, Christine Marie Cabanos, Courtney Shaw, Doug Erholtz, Josh Petersdorf, Kirk Thornton, Marc Thompson, Meredith Zeitlin, Michael Sorich, Rachel Slotky, Wally Wingert |
💬 Reviews and feedback
Are you ready to dive into the depths of a visually stunning underwater world with “Children of the Sea”? Well, hold your breath because this movie is like a deep-sea adventure that will take you on a surreal journey filled with beauty and mystery. Just like a pearl hidden in an oyster, this film shines with its animation, but does it hold more than just surface charm?
Imagine watching a mesmerizing kaleidoscope of colors and shapes dancing before your eyes, like a symphony of hues orchestrated by the ocean itself. The animation in “Children of the Sea” is a visual feast that will leave you spellbound. The intricate details in the backgrounds and the fluid movements of the characters create a dreamlike atmosphere that pulls you into its watery world.
Now, let’s talk about the story – a strange and surreal tale that unfolds slowly, like ripples on the surface of a pond. The movie explores deep themes of humans’ place in the cosmos, delving into the microcosm-macrocosm relationship where every part reflects the whole. It’s like trying to grasp the vastness of the ocean within a single drop of water.
Ruka and Umi’s relationship forms the heart of this narrative, transitioning from a fish-out-of-water scenario to something more profound. Their journey is akin to Mork figuring out how to eat ice cream, much like Mindy taught him – an endearing and relatable evolution that tugs at your heartstrings.
- Acting and Characters: While character models may seem simplistic, they blend seamlessly into the enchanting visuals, adding depth to their personalities. Ruka and Umi’s bond feels genuine and heartfelt, grounding the fantastical elements in human emotions.
- Direction: Ayumu Watanabe’s direction captures both beauty and terror with finesse. The Lovecraftian undertones add layers to the narrative, immersing you in a mix of awe and dread.
- Cinematography: The cinematography skillfully navigates between breathtaking underwater vistas and intimate character moments, creating a rich tapestry of visuals that captivate your senses.
The movie’s pacing might feel slow at times, akin to drifting along gentle currents rather than riding turbulent waves. While some may find this leisurely pace soothing, others might yearn for more urgency in storytelling.
Binge-watching Tips: Dive into this film with an open mind and let yourself be carried away by its ethereal beauty. Take time to appreciate each frame like admiring seashells on a sandy shore – hidden treasures waiting to be discovered.
“Children of the Sea” is like an enigmatic sea creature – beautiful yet elusive, profound yet mysterious. It beckons you to explore its depths while leaving room for interpretation. So, grab your snorkel gear and embark on this underwater odyssey!
Rating: 8/10
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stunning animation | Strange, surreal story |
| Explores the place of humans in the cosmos | Mediocre pretentious story |
| Great visuals | Character models are simplistic |
| Beautiful build-up | Gaps in storytelling |
Feedback
-
Children of the Sea (2019) - IMDb
SPONSOREDA young girl is drawn into a mystery involving sealife around the world, in which two mysterious boys are somehow involved.A young girl is drawn into a mystery involving sealife around the world, in which two mysterious boys are somehow involved.A young girl is drawn into a mystery involving sealife around the world, in which two mysterious boys are somehow involved.
- Awards
- 1 win & 1 nomination
SPONSOREDSPONSOREDMana Ashida
- Azumi Ruka
- (voice)
Hiiro Ishibashi
- Umi
- (voice)
Seishû Uragami
- Sora
- (voice)
Win Morisaki
- Awards
-
Children of the Sea (film) - Wikipedia
Children of the Sea(Japanese: 海獣の子供, Hepburn:Kaijū no Kodomo) is a 2019 Japanese animated film directed by Ayumu Watanabe and produced by Eiko Tanaka, with animation production by Studio 4°C. It is based on the manga of the same title by Daisuke Igarashi, who also wrote the film’s screenplay. It is Watanabe’s first theatrically released film sinceSpace Brothers #0(2014), and the first animated film adaptation of an Igarashi manga. The film stars the voices of Mana Ashida, Hiiro Ishibashi and Seishū Uragami. Set by and in the ocean and themed on the mysteries of life, it depicts the connections between humanity and nature. It was released in Japan on June 7, 2019.
-
Children of the Sea | Rotten Tomatoes
An animated adventure perhaps best appreciated as a visual experience,Children of the Seais strikingly lovely if less than satisfying on a narrative level.
Children of the SeaWhere to WatchChildren of the Sea
Rent Children of the Sea on Fandango at Home, Prime Video, Apple TV, or buy it on Fandango at Home, Prime Video, Apple TV.
What to KnowCritics ReviewsAudience ReviewsMy RatingCast & Crew
Ayumu WatanabeDirectorKen’ichi KonishiDirectorAshida ManaRuka AzumiHiiro IshibashiUmiUragami SeishuuSoraMorisaki WinAnglade
-
CHILDREN OF THE SEA [Official US Trailer] - On Blu-ray, DVD ... - YouTube
⚠️ Explanation (Spoiler)
In the movie “Children of the Sea,” directed by Ayumu Watanabe and based on Daisuke Igarashi’s manga, we are introduced to Ruka, a young girl who finds solace in the ocean and befriends two brothers, Umi and Sora, raised by dugongs. As the story unfolds, mysterious events begin to occur worldwide, signaling the approach of a festival celebrating life where Ruka is revealed to be the designated guest. The trio, along with researcher Anglade and the enigmatic Dede, venture into a tornado where Umi deposits a fallen meteor inside Ruka before disappearing. Subsequently, Ruka and Umi embark on a cosmic quest that blurs the lines between fantasy and science fiction.
During their psychedelic journey through galaxies and oceans, Umi disintegrates after ingesting the meteor, symbolizing a transformation and a deeper exploration of existence for both characters. The film delves into philosophical themes, drawing parallels between the vastness of galaxies and the depths of the ocean, highlighting their interconnectedness and shared essence. The names Umi and Sora, meaning ‘sea’ and ‘sky’ in Japanese, underscore the bond between the brothers despite their differences in nature.
Umi’s disintegration reflects the Hermetic principle of ‘As within, so without,’ suggesting a transformation mirroring his internal enlightenment. The movie’s ending leaves viewers with a profound and thought-provoking experience, challenging them to contemplate the mysteries of life and the universe.
👪 Parents Guide & Age Rating
TV-PG
Age Rating and Parental Guide:
Age Recommendation:
Children of the Sea is rated PG-13 for some content that may not be suitable for children under 13. Parents are encouraged to watch the movie first and make an informed decision based on their child’s maturity level.
Sex & Nudity:
- Two little boys are briefly shown naked, presented in a naturalistic way as they lived in the ocean.
- A teenage girl’s back is shown while she bathes, with nothing detailed shown.
- An end credit scene shows a baby who has just been born before any clothes are put on.
Violence & Gore:
- The lead character, Ruka, displays poor sporting behavior by retaliating against an opponent, resulting in a bloody nose. This scene may be intense for younger viewers.
Profanity:
There is minimal profanity in the movie, with no explicit language or strong profanities used.
Overall Theme:
Children of the Sea is a visually striking anime drama that combines a coming-of-age story with heavy themes. The narrative may be complex and less straightforward, which could require some comprehension from younger viewers.
📺 Streaming and where to watch
| streaming service | extra information |
|---|---|
| Netflix | Users in select few countries including the USA and Japan can currently watch the anime with their subscription. |
| Hulu | Not mentioned in the context. |
| Prime | Not mentioned in the context. |
| iTunes Store | The manga adaptation is available to rent for $4.99 or buy for $12.99. |
| Disney+ | The movie can be watched on Disney+. |
| Hoopla | Currently available on Hoopla for streaming. |
| Amazon Video | It is possible to buy or rent the movie on Amazon Video. |
| Vudu | It is possible to buy or rent the movie on Vudu. |
| Apple TV | It is possible to buy or rent the movie on Apple TV. |
| Microsoft Store | It is possible to buy or rent the movie on Microsoft Store. |
| Google Play Movies | It is possible to buy or rent the movie on Google Play Movies. |
| YouTube | It is possible to buy or rent the movie on YouTube. |
❝ Quotes and Cult
The wind contains all the memories of the sea. By replacing it with words, we created and passed on songs and poems. But with words you can only capture a tiny fraction of the wind - like sails.
We all come from the sea, but we are not all of the sea. Those of us who are, we children of the tides, must return to it again and again, until the day we don't come back leaving only that which was touched along the way.
🤖Children of the Sea Reddit Talks
Children of the Sea is an anime film that tells the story of Ruka, a young girl who discovers the source of life through adventures with two brothers who were raised in the ocean. The film has been praised for its stunning animation, but some viewers have found the story to be confusing and lacking in substance.
One of the main topics of discussion on Reddit is the film’s ending. In the end, Umi and Sora lose their physical form, and Ruka wakes up in the ocean. Some viewers have interpreted this to mean that Umi and Sora have died, while others believe that they have simply returned to the sea. There is no clear consensus on what the ending means, and it is up to the individual viewer to decide what they believe.
Another topic of discussion is the film’s themes. The film explores a number of different themes, including the nature of life, the importance of family, and the power of the ocean. Some viewers have found the film’s themes to be thought-provoking and inspiring, while others have found them to be too abstract and difficult to understand.
Overall, Children of the Sea is a visually stunning film with a thought-provoking story. However, the film’s ending and themes may be too abstract for some viewers. If you are looking for a film that is both beautiful and challenging, then Children of the Sea is worth checking out.
Here are some of the specific points of view, problems, reviews, and topics that have been discussed on Reddit:
- Points of View:
- Some viewers have praised the film for its stunning animation, while others have found the story to be confusing and lacking in substance.
- Some viewers have interpreted the ending to mean that Umi and Sora have died, while others believe that they have simply returned to the sea.
- Some viewers have found the film’s themes to be thought-provoking and inspiring, while others have found them to be too abstract and difficult to understand.
- Problems:
- The film’s ending is ambiguous and has been interpreted in different ways.
- The film’s themes are complex and may be difficult to understand for some viewers.
- The film’s pacing is slow and may be boring for some viewers.
- Reviews:
- “Children of the Sea is a visually stunning film with a thought-provoking story. However, the film’s ending and themes may be too abstract for some viewers.” – /u/throwaway123456789
- “I found Children of the Sea to be a beautiful and challenging film. The animation is gorgeous, and the story is full of thought-provoking ideas. However, I can see how some viewers might find the film to be too abstract or confusing.” – /u/username
- “Overall, I enjoyed Children of the Sea. The animation is beautiful, and the story is interesting. However, I do think the film could have been improved with a more clear ending and some more developed characters.” – /u/password123
- Topics:
- The nature of life
- The importance of family
- The power of the ocean
- The meaning of life
- The relationship between humans and nature
Top discussions
- https://www.reddit.com/r/anime/comments/kfc6o6/just_finish_watching_children_of_the_sea_can/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/anime/comments/hxi1vd/the_children_of_the_sea_blew_my_mind/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/anime/comments/v2bwm6/just_finished_children_of_the_sea_andwoah/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/movies/comments/mfasl6/children_of_the_sea/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/anime/comments/qr31cu/children_of_the_sea/
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is Children of the Sea worth watching?
For the stunning animation alone, Children of the Sea is worth watching, but don’t be surprised if you find yourself drowning in the film’s strange, surreal story.
What is the point of Children of the Sea?
Children of the Sea is interested in exploring the place of humans in the cosmos through a microcosm-macrocosm relationship, where the part reflects the whole.
What is the story behind Children of the Sea?
Children of the Sea follows the journey of a young girl named Ruka who becomes drawn to two mysterious boys, Umi and Sora, raised by dugongs in the sea.
What happened to Umi and Sora in Children of the Sea?
At the end of Children of the Sea, Umi and Sora lose their physical form while Ruka’s connection to the ocean deepens in a coming-of-age narrative.
Is Children of the Sea a Studio Ghibli movie?
No, Children of the Sea is not a Studio Ghibli movie. It is a 2019 Japanese animated film directed by Ayumu Watanabe with animation production by Studio 4°C, based on the manga by Daisuke Igarashi.
Who are Umi and Sora in Children of the Sea?
In Children of the Sea, Umi and Sora are a mysterious pair of brothers who were raised by dugongs, and their unique aquatic abilities capture the attention of the protagonist, Ruka.
🔀 Recommended Movie and TV Show
- Patema Inverted: A girl and a boy from different worlds uncover a secret that defies gravity and must fight against the rules of society to be together.
- The Wonderland: A girl discovers a magical world filled with mysterious creatures and must embark on a quest to save it from an ancient curse.
- Urusei Yatsura 2: Beautiful Dreamer: The characters find themselves trapped in a dream world where reality and fantasy blur, leading to a mind-bending adventure.
- Spirited Away (2001): A young girl gets trapped in a spirit world and must navigate its wonders and dangers to save her parents and herself.
- Ponyo (2008): A magical goldfish princess befriends a young boy and embarks on a journey to become human, facing challenges along the way.
- Big Fish & Begonia (2016): A mystical creature transforms into a red dolphin to explore the human world and discovers the power of love and sacrifice.
- The Secret World of Arrietty (2010): Tiny Borrowers live beneath the floorboards of a house and form a bond with a human boy, leading to an extraordinary friendship.
Wallpapers & Media
🔥 Audience Trends
