While this story isn't really about turtles, the sea turtles do provide the perfect backdrop for the plot, serving a purpose similar to that of a Greek chorus. The movie is about two wayward souls who bond over their shared obsession with some sea turtles in a English zoo. The turtles are ensconced in a tank that is far too small for them, and witnessing the animals' plight stirs something in each of the two main characters, played expertly by Glenda Jackson and Ben Kingsly. As the two develop a strange bond over their shared sense of personal imprisonment they hatch a plan to free the turtles, assisted by the zookeeper.
In a typical Hollywood production of this story, we would be distracted by an inevitable romance between Jackson and Kingsly, a romance that saves both characters. Or perhaps we would see the turtles bond anthropomorphically with the humans. Thankfully there are no such cheap devices used here. Jackson and Kingsly become stronger and freer as the plan takes shape, but the two only become better defined people by their friendship with each other. As the story evolves, our characters become emancipated. Kingsly's development into a strong, independent man is hilariously illustrated through his confrontations with a slovenly house mate over a dirty bathtub. Both characters develop romances, but not with each other.
It is a lovely story of imprisonment and freedom, well told and beautifully acted. It is a shame this hasn't been released on DVD.
In a typical Hollywood production of this story, we would be distracted by an inevitable romance between Jackson and Kingsly, a romance that saves both characters. Or perhaps we would see the turtles bond anthropomorphically with the humans. Thankfully there are no such cheap devices used here. Jackson and Kingsly become stronger and freer as the plan takes shape, but the two only become better defined people by their friendship with each other. As the story evolves, our characters become emancipated. Kingsly's development into a strong, independent man is hilariously illustrated through his confrontations with a slovenly house mate over a dirty bathtub. Both characters develop romances, but not with each other.
It is a lovely story of imprisonment and freedom, well told and beautifully acted. It is a shame this hasn't been released on DVD.