By Keith Walther | Rose Law Group
Whether you are a believer or not, there is no story more impactful or more inspirational than the story of Jesus Christ. “The King of Kings” is an animated adaption of Charles Dickens’ short story titled “The Life of Our Lord,” which he specifically wrote for his children. Distributed by Angel Studios, which is known for their dedication to storytelling, this is the perfect movie to experience with your family to ring in the Easter holiday.
Bonding with his daydreaming son Walter (Roman Griffin Davis) while balancing a busy career has not been easy for Charles Dickens (Kenneth Branagh). Obsessed with King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, young Walter is enamored with that story, idolizing Arthur as the ultimate king. Charles’ wife Catherine (Uma Thurman) encourages the famed writer to regale the young boy with a different tale that dwarfs even King Arthur.
Charles decides to share the story of Jesus Christ (Oscar Isaac) with Walter, the true king of kings. As he recounts the life of the son of God, Walter’s vivid imagination transports them to that long ago time. As Charles’ words come to life, his son eagerly soaks up and learns of all the miracles and lessons Jesus imparts to his followers, deepening his relationship with his father.
The story of Jesus has been depicted in film many times over in a variety of ways, with the most successful being 2004’s “The Passion of the Christ.” However, very few have attempted to relay biblical stories as an animated feature film. In fact, the last most notable theatrical, religious based animation was in 1998, “The Prince of Egypt,” which told the story of Moses. “The King of Kings” takes the creativity one step further by telling this famous story from the perspective of one of the greatest writers of all time, Charles Dickens.
This is the directorial debut of Seong-ho Jang, who has been a pioneer in visual effects in South Korean film. He does a remarkable job of relating this story in an easy-to-understand manner for young kids to follow, purposefully interrupting the storytelling with the young Walter character asking questions about some of the more confusing elements or biblical terms that helps provide him, as well as the younger audience, with detailed clarification. At the same time, he also keeps adults invested with the unique storytelling method reminiscent of “The Princess Bride,” incorporating a touching father/son relationship at the film’s core. Here is where the film truly shines, fostering an emotional connection to the Dickens family.
The visual style of the animation is very well done, especially during the transitions between the Dickens’ timeframe and Jesus’, seamlessly integrating the characters together without disrupting the pace. This should come as no surprise, considering the animation studio is MOFAC, which is Korea’s most experienced visual effects company. Just as important is the sound and score, and Seong-ho does not disappoint with crisp sound effects and music that compliments the more impactful moments of the story. Coupled with terrific voice acting from an all-star cast that includes Kenneth Branagh, Oscar Isaac, Uma Thurman, Ben Kingsley, Mark Hamill, Pierce Brosnan, and Forest Whitaker, this is a movie that resonates with viewers of all ages.
Celebrate this Easter by taking your family to the theater to watch this moving story told through the eyes of Charles Dickens. “The King of Kings” is the first animated feature film from Angel Studios and should be considered as an early Oscar contender for Best Animated Feature of the year. With so few films that provide heartwarming gratification these days, this story’s positive messaging of love and courage is refreshing, especially for fathers with young sons.
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