At the Cine Lumiere this evening for the French Film Festival screening of outstanding animated feature The Red Turtle.
This is the first ever international co-production for Studio Ghibli, teaming up with Dutch animation director Michael Dudok de Wit and French distribution company Wild Bunch.
It's the story of a man who gets stranded on a small island populated by turtles and crabs.
Increasingly lonely and continually thwarted in his attempts to escape, an encounter with a large red turtle changes everything.
Saying anymore would spoil the many surprises on offer as the simple story evolves into something grander and more fable-like (basically don't watch the trailer as it gives away quite a bit).
Unsurprisingly, given the Studio Ghibli connection, it is gorgeously animated, with the full force of nature depicted in a vivid and involving fashion. It's also dialogue free (give or take the occasional shout or scream), allowing the stunning visuals to tell the story.Add to that a great emotive score from Laurent Perez Del Mar and you have a film that looks and sounds amazing.
An extraordinary 80 minutes that is thrilling, profoundly moving and a feast for the eyes.
Sadly not released in the UK until next May, I highly recommend seeking it out when it finally arrives.
