The need for purpose is something inherent to people. Since Hollywood shifted its focus to 3D animation, other regions have stepped up and produced some truly remarkable films over the past decade and a half. Japanese anime remains exceptional, but European animation, especially 2D work, has recently gained prominence, with Tomm Moore receiving particular recognition. Consequently, I might miss out on some Hollywood animations currently, but I’m keeping a close eye on this kind of film – that's how I approached watching it, though I likely would have seen it regardless. This marks the director’s first full-length animated feature; he previously created acclaimed short films, one of which earned him an Oscar. The project was jointly produced by three countries, including Japan’s Studio Ghibli, representing their initial non-Japanese production and a timely expansion into other continents, particularly following Hayao Miyazaki's retirement from filmmaking. The film runs just 80 minutes without any spoken narration; not even sign language is used—everything is conveyed through actions and reactions. This results in an unusual absence of cast names listed for the film, despite the presence of characters. These are imaginative figures lacking specific identities or a defined timeframe for the events depicted. Essentially, it's a film without credited actors, yet the production team managed to deliver a compelling experience with minimal difficulty for the audience. One thing is certain: the film is quite enjoyable. As a fantasy film, viewers must accept whatever unfolds onscreen because that’s inherent to this genre; everything is fictional. However, it’s important to remember that not all of the film depicts a hallucination. There are dreamlike sequences, which are fitting given the character's struggle with loneliness. A man adrift at sea awakens on a small island. This landmass provides fresh water and fruit, but he must also exert effort to fish. His goal is to leave the island as quickly as possible and return to civilization. Each attempt to sail away using a raft constructed from bamboo fails after reaching a certain point along the island's coastline. He eventually discovers what’s preventing his departure, reacts with anger, and makes a mistake. Now he must confront his guilt and chooses what appears to be the correct course of action. The story initially seemed simple and lacking deeper meaning in everything shown. Throughout my viewing, I considered it an acceptable film with impressive animation. However, the ending altered my perspective. That twist is likely not universally understood; however, it revolves around purpose. The man consistently seeks a reason for his actions, even to live or die—that’s where the red turtle comes into play. My biggest question concerns whether this film serves as a sequel or has any connection to the director's previous short animation 'Father and Daughter.' It seems the man lost at sea originates from that short film, although the reason for his inability to return home remains unaddressed. This is just my theory, so only the director can provide clarification. I am confident this film will be in contention for Oscars. If it’s overlooked, then either my prediction was incorrect or the Academy Awards made a significant error. I also suspect that it won't win against the dominance of 3D animation, with films like 'Zootopia,' 'Finding Dory,' and 'Moana' appearing to be strong frontrunners. Aside from technical differences, only adults can appreciate its superior story and depth. It shares similarities with ‘Ponyo,’ but offers a more mature perspective. Regardless, it’s a must-see film, especially for adults who still view animation as solely for children; they might change their minds after seeing it. Highly recommended! 8/10

Source on TMDB