Ricardito the Shark: the Italian animated film between ocean and ecology

“Ricardito the Shark” is an animated film that combines adventure and environmental sensitivity, offering a story suitable for the whole family. Directed by a team of expert animators, the film aims to raise awareness of ocean issues, while maintaining a light and accessible tone.
The plot: a journey to protect the sea
The story follows Ricardito, a shark unusual for his species: small and shy, far from the image of the “scary shark” typical of pop culture. The protagonist lives in a colorful seabed threatened by pollution and intensive fishing. Determined to protect his habitat, Ricardito embarks on a journey to unite sea creatures against these threats.
During his adventure, he meets different and interesting characters, each with a specific role in overcoming obstacles. Among them, a crab with a strong character and a turtle who loves surfing, who add a touch of humor and dynamism to the narrative.
Animation and visual style
The visual rendering of “Ricardito the Shark” is neat and colorful, with particular attention to the details of the marine environments and the creatures that populate them. The use of bright colors and fluid action sequences contribute to making the film visually pleasing, even if some stylistic choices may seem already seen in other animated titles.
Main themes
The film's message focuses on the importance of protecting the marine environment. Topics such as pollution and working together to address common challenges are presented in a simple way, suitable for even the youngest audiences. Despite the linear narrative, the educational message emerges clearly, without being too didactic.
A family film
“Ricardito lo Squalo” manages to balance comic moments and more thoughtful situations. The gags and light dialogues make it suitable for children, while the themes addressed offer food for thought for adults as well. However, it does not particularly stand out for innovation or depth compared to other similar animated films.
Conclusions
“Ricardito lo Squalo” is a solid animated film, which offers a simple story with a clear educational message. While not revolutionizing the genre, it represents a valid option for a family evening, thanks to its pleasant characters and refined aesthetics. A light vision, but with an important goal: to raise awareness among the new generations on the importance of safeguarding the sea.