Through its vivid visuals, this eye-catching, heart-swelling gem always conveys a sense of of awe and wonder.

| Mar 19, 2021

Once the kaleidoscopic spectacle ends, we're not left with much substance.

| Original Score: 2.75/5 | Sep 21, 2020

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.

| Sep 19, 2020

Directed with both enchanting whimsy and technical prowess by Ayumu Watanabe ... The movie's environmental message isn't preachy, but it shows how people on land are connected to the life that's underwater.

| Sep 14, 2020

The animation is superb, at moments as beautiful as it is deeply unsettling.

| Original Score: 8/10 | Sep 12, 2020

Skies have rarely looked as stunning, and the oceans are rendered as visual poetry in a way that makes the waters of Finding Nemo look like a London tributary, but a wonderful build-up soon capsizes under a tidal wave of excess.

| Sep 11, 2020

Slow pace, heavy themes in lengthy anime.

| Original Score: 2/5 | Sep 10, 2020

Some of the water imagery was absolutely beautifully captured. Narratively, I couldn't follow it.

| Sep 5, 2020

I don't think it makes much sense, but there is some attractive imagery in it.

| Sep 5, 2020

"Children of the Sea" finds plenty of beauty and purpose in the watery depths but doesn't provide enough grounding first: It's all too easy to get lost 20,000 leagues under the sea.

| Sep 2, 2020

At its best, the movie steadily envelops viewers with curiosity, drive, and an ineffable beauty.

| Sep 2, 2020

The universe may in fact be held together by dueling perspectives, but the only thing consistent about Children of the Sea is its inconstancy.

| Original Score: 2.5/4 | Sep 1, 2020

Drama is limited here, with the effort soon turned into a purely cinematic experience.

| Original Score: B | Sep 1, 2020

A visual poem that sometimes leans too hard on imagery to convey intent and meaning, Children of the Sea is a simultaneous exploration of individualism and collectivism amid a philosophical exploration of humanity's role in the cosmos.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Aug 29, 2020

A truly magical marine mystery.

| Aug 28, 2020

Children of the Sea could have used some trimming. But this coming-of-age visual poem is so unabashedly romantic, so steeped in wonder and love for nature, its flaws are easy to disregard.

| Original Score: 8/10 | Aug 18, 2020

Watanabe Ayumu's newest anime feature is beautifully drawn and features a rousing score by Joe Hisaishi, but the spectacle trumps the plot.

| Original Score: 7/10 | Feb 26, 2020

It's so consumed in its pretty, colourful sequences that you begin to feel disoriented and struggle to come up for air. It's a pretty frustrating watch at times, as the narrative begins to feel incoherent.

| Original Score: 5/10 | Feb 15, 2020

'Children of the Sea' manages to amaze your eyes, but ends up disappointing in all other aspects. [Full review in Spanish]

| Original Score: 2.5/5 | Jan 30, 2020

With a somewhat confusing narration and a redundant central plot, the film burst in its final 20 minutes. [Full review in spanish]

| Jan 29, 2020