A wild adventure, a mysterious island, and a friendship you'll never forget.

The movie is an animated adaptation of Michael Morpurgo's book of the same title.  I have not read the book, so the story was unknown to me and I did not know what to expect.  I will say, though, that I was pleasantly surprised even though I did not expect to feel so invested in the story when it first started!

The story follows Michael, aged 10, and his family when they set off on an around the world sailing adventure.  Michael initially appears sullen and unhappy that he's on the boat, even though his parents and older sister are full of excitement.  Michael's dad tries to cheer him up, but we are led to believe that Michael is missing his dog Stella who had to stay at home when they left to go on their sailing trip.  I really felt for him at this point because I most certainly would not want to leave my dog, or any of my other pets, at home!

However, Michael had managed to sneak Stella on board and keep her hidden.  One night there's a storm, and Michael could hear Stella crying in the part of the boat that had been assigned to be her kennel.   Worried, he let her out but a huge wave washed over the side and they ended up in the water.  At this point, the viewers are led to believe that they are drowning.  The directors and animators managed to portray this really well.  I looked across at my Mum, and could see she was starting to get worried, which means like me she was starting to identify with the characters.

Thankfully, both Michael and Stella are washed up on a beach so they are ok, but there is no sign of their family or the boat. The beach is exposed, but they manage to find shelter in an old hollow tree trunk. They believe they are the only ones on this island, but someone starts leaving food and water for them. Enter Kensuke. At first, this elderly Japanese man seems angry and unfriendly. Even though he and Michael do not speak the same language, Kensuke is very firm about no fires and has other rules for Michael.

Slowly, they begin to understand each other and their relationship blossoms.  Kensuke is not just some old man living alone on an island.  His past is filled with love, war, immense sadness, and strength.  It's amazing to think of what he went through, yet he carried on and found love for the island and the orangutans before Michael and Stella arrived.

Just as you see Michael and Kensuke's relationship settle into a peaceful understanding of each other, a threat appears on the island.  It would appear that this is not the first time it has happened though, because Kensuke knows what to do.  Trappers arrive to capture the animals, especially the orangutans who Kensuke is so fond of.  Together, they see off the trappers but not without casualty.  This shows how brave Michael has become, as he takes on a role most people would struggle with.

Underlying Themes

While this is an adventure story, there's a lot happening underneath the surface that really are the essence of the movie:

• Survival and independence - Michael has to learn how to take care of himself and Stella.  He is put in a position where he has to grow up really quickly and find his inner strength at a time when he felt totally alone.
• Friendship and trust - Michael and Kensuke's bond is at the heart of the story.  It shows how two very different people from different backgrounds can become like family when they open up to each other. Even Michael's relationship with the Orangutans as it grows shows the trust that can develop.  It is these relationships that make the story so powerful.
• Respect for nature - Kensuke takes care of the island and the animals as though they're his own children.  The importance of protecting the natural world is a powerful message in this story.  Animals matter, and they deserve protection.
• Loss and healing - both Kensuke and Michael have lost their family, but by helping each other they gain a new family that helps them heal and feel whole again. In a way, Michael becomes the son that Kensuke had lost all those years ago
• War - the story shows the human side of loss when war occurs, and we see how deeply this has affected Kensuke.

Final Thoughts

This is more than an island adventure.  It's a really beautiful story that comes to life with some really amazing animation.  The story is so powerful that you actually forget that it's animated.  I was left wanting to know more - what happens once Michael is found by his family?  Where do they travel to next? What happens to Kensuke and the island? 

Top tip: I went with my Mum, and she's been known to cry at adverts for dog food. If you take your mum to watch this with you, and she's as soppy as mine, it might be worth taking some tissues with you.