Song of the Sea (Tomm Moore, 2015)

What's it about? A young Irish boy discovers his mute little sister is a selkie (half human, half seal) and must help her find her voice in an enchanting Gaelic faerie-tale.

Is it any good? A massive seal of approval for a gorgeous slice of animated folklore. Irish viewers will probably find it particularly lovely, but, like Studio Ghibli (to which this has been favourably compared), its themes and visuals should have universal appeal. In this age of CG-animation, there is something captivating about traditional 2D hand-drawn animation, especially when it is a wonderfully realised as this, with almost every frame infused with Celtic swirls and pleasingly symmetrical compositions. The beautiful, ethereal visuals are perfect for the story which blurs together the real and mythical worlds of humans, giants, faerie-folk and witches in a magical realist parable which explores themes of family, grief and loss, by emphasising the importance of our emotions. It may sacrifice focus for whimsy at times, but if your own emotions aren't stirred by the end, an owl-witch must have them captured in a jam-jar somewhere. Watch it if you've ever believed in faeries, or listened to a sea-shell, or loved a pet dog, or rubbed dockleaves on a nettle-sting. Simply magical.

I don't trust you. What do others think? Oscar nominated for Best Animated Film at the 2015 Oscars and currently riding high with a score of 99% on Rotten Tomatoes, it seems that no-one is immune to its charms. The future looks bright for Tomm Moore and his talented team at the Kilkenny-based studio Cartoon Saloon. If you haven't already done so, check out their first animated feature, the equally beautiful The Secret of Kells, which garnered their first Oscar nomination a few years back. Or catch their lovely pre-school children's show Puffin Rock on TV. It's fun, even if you don't have kids.

Anything else I should know? Listen out for the distinctive voice talent of Moone Boy's David Rawle, Brendan Glesson, Fionnuala Flanagan and d'Unbelievables in key roles. Also, here's an interview with Moore in which he reveals the inspiration for the film, including his experience of a seal-cull on the West coast of Ireland.

What does the Fonz think? Tá sé an-iontach. Dhá ordóg suas.