Watch Tintin et le lac aux requins

Tintin et le lac aux requins (Tintin and the Lake of Sharks) is an animated adventure film that takes its inspiration from the beloved comic book series created by the renowned Belgian cartoonist Hergé. Released in 1972, the movie is not a direct adaptation of any of the comic books but rather an original story, which was developed specifically for the screen under the supervision of Hergé. The film was directed by Raymond Leblanc and features the voices of Jacques Careuil as Tintin, Georges Atlas as Captain Haddock, and Jacques Balutin among others.

The movie plunges the intrepid young reporter Tintin into a thrilling new saga when a holiday at Syldavia's scenic Lake of Sharks turns into a perilous expedition. Tintin, along with his trusty canine companion Snowy, sets out to visit his old friend Professor Calculus, who is residing in a villa on the lakeshore. The typically tranquil setting is soon disrupted, however, by a series of mysterious events signaling the presence of malevolent forces at work.

As the story unfolds, Tintin quickly discovers that the lake is not as serene as it appears. Strange occurrences and suspicious characters hint at a larger conspiracy lying beneath the waters of the lake. Tintin's sharp intuition leads him to uncover evidence of a high-tech underwater operation, steered by a shadowy figure poised to exploit Professor Calculus's latest invention for nefarious purposes.

Tintin is joined by his friends, Captain Haddock and the erratic but brilliant Professor Calculus, as well as by the mischievous but endearing twin detectives Thomson and Thompson. Their seemingly peaceful vacation turns into a race against time as they delve deeper into an intrigue that spans the depths of the lake, hidden caves, and even an isolated castle perched at the water's edge.

The setting of Syldavia, a fictional Eastern European country that is a recurring location in the Tintin series, adds an air of exoticism and political intrigue to the story. This backdrop is made all the more captivating through the colorful animation and attention to detail that breathes life into Hergé's distinctive ligne claire ("clear line") style, where characters and environments are rendered in a way that emphasizes clarity and simplicity.

The narrative of Tintin et le lac aux requins is marked by the classic Tintin blend of humor, suspense, and action. The film stays true to the characters' personas, with Tintin embodying courage and tenacity, Captain Haddock providing a touch of humor with his boisterous nature and penchant for Loch Lomond whiskey, and Professor Calculus as the distracted genius whose inventions are at the core of the unfolding drama.

The titular "Lake of Sharks" is a place of both wonder and danger. Its depths harbor a hidden world where advanced technologies and a secret lair set the stage for the unfolding adventure. The antagonist, whose identity and motives are part of the mystery Tintin must unravel, is a mastermind of cunning and resourcefulness—a worthy adversary for our intrepid young reporter.

Throughout the film, Tintin and his companions engage in a series of escapades that test their mettle and wit. Viewers can expect to be treated to a cinematic journey that melds espionage, science fiction, and adventurous exploits—a recipe that has long defined the globetrotting experiences of the Tintin franchise.

For fans of the original Hergé comics, Tintin et le lac aux requins serves as a respectful and affectionate continuation of the universe they love. While the film was crafted specifically for the screen, it preserves the spirit of the source material, with each character playing their part as if lifted directly from the comic's pages.

The movie incorporates not only compelling storytelling but also offers an evocative musical score and captivating animation techniques of the era. The result is a Tintin adventure that feels both timeless and emblematic of the era in which it was created.

Though Tintin et le lac aux requins may not be among the most famous of the Tintin adventures, it is a cherished installment within the larger universe of the Tintin oeuvre. Accessible to both new audiences and dedicated Tintinologists, the film presents an entertaining and coherent story that stands on its own, embodying the spirit of adventure and ingenuity that fans have come to expect from the name Tintin.

Tintin et le lac aux requins is a 1972 animated movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 13 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.