Movieo
Poster for To the Sea

To the Sea

Filmed in the second-largest coral reef system on the planet!

2010 · 1h 13m · G Documentary, Drama, Family
Directed by Pedro González-Rubio

Seen it?

Overview

Before leaving for Rome with his mother, five year old Natan is taken by his father, Jorge, on an epic journey to the pristine Chinchorro reef off the coast of Mexico. As they fish, swim, and sail the turquoise waters of the open sea, Natan discovers the beauty of his Mayan heritage and learns to live in harmony with life above and below the surface, as the bond between father and son grows stronger before their inevitable farewell.

Director and cast

Critics on Rotten Tomatoes

Top critics, in their words

All reviews
91%
Tomatometer
Fresh

So little is said on any subject that we're free to make our own conclusions about the world Natan inhabits.

Linda Barnard, Toronto Star
Fresh

"Alamar" takes a lyrical approach to a story about father-son bonding in the tropics. It's as sketchy as it is beautiful.

John Hartl, Seattle Times
Fresh

It is to Gonzalez-Rubio's credit that he can celebrate nature so joyously, yet suggest neither the preferred lifestyle of either parent is superior to the other.

Kevin Thomas, Los Angeles Times
Fresh

As much home movie as neorealist non-narrative, Alamar provides a nearly hypnotic immersion in the brilliantly aqua, impossibly tranquil Caribbean -- a Paradise Regained not just for Natan but for everyone.

J. Hoberman, L.A. Weekly
Fresh

Moving but never sentimental, ambient but rigorously focused, this is an assured, refreshingly simple film where the dramas and responsibilities of parenthood exist inside a bubble of blissed-out tropicalia.

David Jenkins, Time Out

Comments

Talk about the film with other members

More films