SONG OF THE SEA (2014)

From the director of The Secret of Kells, this beautiful animated Oscar nominee is the story of a six-year-old girl named Saoirse and her slightly older brother Ben, who has never quite forgiven his sister since their mother died the night Saoirse was born.  They still live in the same lighthouse with their still-grieving father, but on the night both children are finally spirited away by a grandmother who's convinced her son his lighthouse is no life for children, the kids learn that Saoirse is the last of the selkies - the only creature alive who can free the magical creatures still trapped in this world, sending them home at last.  But time is against them, and making their way back to the sea to save both Saoirse (who grows weaker with every moment) and those like her, the kids find opposition in a crone named Macha who steals feelings from creatures' souls ... and has different plans for the tiny selkie.  Beautiful to look at, Song of the Sea is also a wonderful, mythical tale of heart, hope and the importance of family - no matter who you call "family." (rated PG)  A-

SONG OF THE SEA trailer