'One of the best animated films ever made' is now streaming for free - and it's not a Disney movie

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Netflix subscribers are in for a treat as one of the most acclaimed animated films of recent years has just dropped on the platform at no additional cost. And it's not your typical Disney offering.

Released a decade ago, this gem originates from Ireland, not the glitzy studios of Hollywood.

Animated by Cartoon Saloon, which fans might recognise from titles such as Wolfwalkers and My Father's Dragon, now their enchanting second feature, Song of the Sea, can be streamed on Netflix.

The film has been hailed as one of the most exquisitely animated masterpieces of the 21st century, and perhaps all time.

Taking us back to 1980s Ireland, the narrative follows a young lad named Ben (voiced by David Rawle) who comes to learn that his silent sister Saoirse is a mythical selkie, capable of transforming from human to seal, reports the Express.

Joined by their faithful Old English Sheepdog Cu, they embark on an epic journey to rescue the faeries from the Celtic goddess Macha, and uncover truths about their mother's mysterious demise.

Song of the Sea is nearing cult status and is sure to woo an even larger audience through Netflix. Here's what some enthusiasts have to say.

Toronto Review's Carlos Aguilar stated: "Watching Song of the Sea it is easy to assert that this is one of the most blissfully beautiful animated films ever made.

"It is a gem beaming with awe-inspiring, heartwarming magic."

Avid film enthusiasts have been sharing their adoration for Song of the Sea on various online platforms. One Reddit user expressed, "Song of the Sea is delightful. [It's] such a beautifully crafted piece of animation that I initially mistook it for a Studio Ghibli project.

"Every scene is enjoyable to watch, and any given frame could be displayed as its own work of art.

"The story was good, the music was amazing, and the characters were all well rounded. I can't believe it took me this long to watch it."

On Letterboxd, a film social media site, a five-star review highlighted the movie's visual appeal: "Song of the Sea has a fairly simplistic and straightforward story, but some of the most jaw-droppingly gorgeous animation I've ever seen.

"In an age where mainstream animated films are computer animated, it's a nice change of scenery to see something as artistically liberating as this.

"The story and the art style feel like the Irish folk tale that it's supposed to be, and it has a beautiful soundtrack to boot."

Another viewer shared their emotional reaction: "My experience watching this is equivalent to waking up from a pleasant dream: I'm in such a blissful state but I'm sad it's over so quickly."

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A final admirer added, "My heart is so full with love after watching this. Everything about this was absolutely beautiful.

"The animation was stunning and the story was so beautifully made. This entire film was hand drawn and that actually blows my mind. This was also nominated for the academy award for best animated feature, rightfully so."

With such glowing recommendations, Song of the Sea might just be the perfect choice for your weekend viewing. Will you be giving it a go?

Song of the Sea is available to stream on Netflix.

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