FromMy Neighbor TotorotoSpirited Away,Studio Ghiblihas shaped generations with films full of warmth, wonder, and environmental themes. Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, and their teams became known worldwide for their mastery of hand-drawn storytelling. For many fans, Ghibli means flying machines, forest spirits, and emotional journeys thatlinger long after the credits roll.
But not every Ghibli film has become a household name.In 2016, the studio releasedThe Red Turtle, a quiet, dialogue-free co-production with European partners. The film received a 93 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, yet many viewers are still unaware of its existence. It marked a departure from Ghibli’s usual style but kept its soul intact.
A Castaway’s Tale Told Through Visual Poetry Alone
The Power of Silence in an Animated Fable
The Red Turtleopens with a man shipwrecked on a deserted island. He attempts to escape by building rafts, but each effort is thwarted by a mysterious red turtle.What begins as a survival story slowly transforms into something more surreal and symbolic, filled with dreamlike sequences and visual metaphors about life, death, and the natural world.
The film contains no spoken dialogue. Everything is conveyed through image, movement, and sound. The man eventually encounters a woman who appears after the turtle transforms. Together, they live, raise a child, and face the passage of time. It’s a fable told in the purest form, echoing nature’s cycles and the quiet beauty of coexistence.
An Anime Collaboration With a Dutch Director
A Screenplay With the Ghibli Spirit in Every Frame
Director Michael Dudok de Wit had won an Oscar for his animated shortFather and Daughter, andGhibli’s producer Toshio Suzukipersonally approached him about making a feature. “It felt like an honor,” de Wit said in a 2016 interview. “Working with Studio Ghibli meant respecting silence, nature, and subtle emotions, all things I deeply value.”
The Red Turtleis a fable told in the purest form, echoing nature’s cycles and the quiet beauty of coexistence.
The late Isao Takahataserved as artistic producer and gave de Wit extensive notes during development. In Japanese press interviews, de Wit explained that Takahata encouraged him to “not explain too much” and let the imagery speak for itself. The minimalist approach was shaped by a deep trust between filmmaker and studio, creating something rare and delicate.
Critics Praised the Film’s Restraint and Emotion
Why This Quiet Ghibli Film Deserves to Be Seen Today
WhenThe Red Turtlepremiered at Cannes and later opened in North America, critics responded with admiration. The New York Times called it “a meditation of exquisite calm,” while The Guardian praised its “elemental beauty.” It was nominated for Best Animated Feature at the Oscars and found fans among animation professionals, if not a wider audience.
The Red Turtlemight lackthe commercial spark of Ghibli’s biggest hits, but it deserves to be rediscovered. It reflects the studio’s core values through a new cultural lens and proves that silence can speak volumes. If you missed it the first time, now is the perfect moment to sit down and experience this quiet triumph.
