Shen hai

Unlike many mainstream movie productions, the appreciation of Deep Sea requires a holistic lens. Borrowing from contemporary psychiatric literature, the film tells a story of hope, despair, and the rebirth of a little girl who is undergoing major setbacks in life.

In a brilliantly constructed dreamworld that has inexplicable ties with reality, the protagonist interrogates the multi-facets of her life; a seed of hope is planted in an important encounter.

The plot can't necessarily stand up to the test of time. Yet, the constant build-up of suspension and emotion combined with stunning visuals and acoustics produced a beautiful effect at the time of revelation, where even the most unaffectionate person would find it hard to stay unmoved.

I would undoubtedly re-watch this film many and many times. But the colourful mix of emotions I experienced at the end of the film may never get replicated. Truly a once-in-a-lifetime film, and a once-in-a-lifetime exprience.

Maybe the movie itself has many flaws, but I am still very surprised to have such a domestic animation movie. The picture is very delicate, the emotion is very rich, and the particle ink special effects are also very sincere, which is a very good movie-watching experience. Domestic films always like to use traditional myths as themes, and it is difficult to break through with new themes, especially the portrayal of inner emotions, which is unique, full of novelty, and far-reaching. I really admire the courage of director Tian Xiaopeng. I also look forward to more and better domestic animation films appearing.

As chinese movie this art piece does not qualify as anime and does not follow amerian animation traditions as well, it stands on its own. The animations and visuals are stunning and really something new, but with a downside for me: for some bizarre reason they added massive "action camera shaking" over a majority of scenes (which gives these scenes the feeling of "shaky handheld camera"), combined with many super fast cuts. This combination has the potential to spoil the experience for some people - I really disliked this aspect.

There is no real storyline, but a lot of room for interpretation. Take this art piece as it comes...

• its not really suitable for children, but not dangerous;
• its confusing, but you can find a storyline for yourself;
• its chaotic, shaky and superfast; but the stills look like paintings.

• it may ignite sad feelings, but there is relief as well.

So "Shen hai" is neither perfect or easy watching, but worth a look if you search something to discuss about.

The color matching is breathtakingly amazing, and the animation technology is at the forefront of the whole industry. The effect of this anime makes me cry, but sadly that's all there is. The movie has all the astonishing visual effects but it is too much for ONE movie. There's some scenes that is totally unnecessary, watching these incredible frames all the time is just making me feel tired and even disgusted. The director wants to show his talent so badly and it's like he put all the things that he have studied. The pace of the story drags on because of these scenes. Also, I cant understand what this movie is about in the first 1 hour. It seems like it is talking about a depressed girl is dying and the whole movie is about her dreams, but it is too unreasonable that most of the audiences can't understand. Anyway, it's a pity that this movie could have a higher rate.

Giving this a 8/ 10

This film from China is nothing short of magnificent in looks and story, although it does get a little lost a bit, just like a another Chinese animated film that came out earlier this year, 'The Storm'. I saw the trailer for this, must be 3 years ago, so I was looking forward to it, and it does not disappoint.

Xiaopeng Tian and Fabiola Stevenson, have given us really one of the best looking films out there, let alone animated film of the year., again another film for IMAX, if you can catch it. The story of a girls misfortunes of good and bad luck, depending on your point of view, and the dubbed version which I saw is very good. You really do get some great characters in this film, and some of the best production design on an animated film for a while, such vivid colours and music.

The only flaw is the narrative does lose it's self a bit, which is a shame, otherwise this would be an 8.5 rated film, but 8 is very good indeed, and I am seeing it again, The films ending really makes it worth the watch, a real good pay off. Don't get much animation from China, so go see this.