Movie Review: ‘The King of Kings: A Story Told by Charles Dickens’ (2025)
A Mesmerizing Journey through Christ’s Life
When I first took my family to see The King of Kings, I was uncertain of what to expect. The trailers hinted at a delightful animated film, perfect for a family outing as Easter approached. However, what unfolded was a heartfelt retelling of the life of Christ, narrated through the lens of a father sharing the story with his son. This simple yet powerful storytelling approach can resonate deeply; sometimes, less truly is more.
The Creative Vision Behind the Film
Angel Studios’ The King of Kings, directed by Seong-ho Jang, draws inspiration from Charles Dickens’ manuscript, The Life of Our Lord. The film begins with Dickens himself (masterfully voiced by Kenneth Branagh) delivering a stage rendition of A Christmas Carol, only to be hilariously interrupted by his boisterous son, Walter (featuring Roman Griffin Davis). The duo’s antics, complemented by a cheeky family cat, create an engaging backdrop for the primary story — the tale of the King of Kings.
Catherine, portrayed by Uma Thurman, encourages Charles to harness his manuscript to strengthen his bond with Walter. As the father and son navigate through the narrative, we witness Christ’s birth, crucifixion, and resurrection coming to life. Their dynamic offers moments of levity and warmth, reminding viewers that storytelling can heal and foster connections.
A Captivating Tale with Heartfelt Performances
As a believer myself, I found this movie profoundly moving in its simplicity. The storytelling was competently executed, with minimal deviations from scripture. The artistic liberties taken were subtle yet effective. The voice cast’s commitment was palpable; none seemed to merely go through the motions.
Oscar Isaac delivers an emotionally compelling portrayal of Jesus, while Mark Hamill brings a humorous flair to his role as King Herod. Ben Kingsley and Forest Whitaker also contribute noteworthy performances, enriching the film with their depth and talent.
This kid-friendly adaptation echoed the emotional resonance of films like The Prince of Egypt, which resonated further with audiences seeking meaningful storytelling.
Stunning Visuals and Sophisticated Animation
Visually, The King of Kings embraces a cartoony aesthetic that effectively captivates its audience. The animation is top-notch, and the vibrant environments are rich in detail, serving to enhance the film’s emotional core. Complementing the visuals is Kim Tae-seong’s evocative score, which immerses viewers in every poignant moment. Alongside Woo-hyung Kim’s cinematography, the visuals create a stunning portrayal of the biblical narrative.
The film approaches sensitive topics, such as Jesus’ crucifixion, with grace, avoiding graphic imagery while maintaining a powerful impact— a thoughtful choice for parents to consider when viewing with young children.
Minor Flaws in an Otherwise Stellar Film
One minor critique involves the film’s 101-minute runtime. I noticed my child beginning to fidget as we neared the conclusion, highlighting the challenge of condensing such a monumental story without losing its essence. Nevertheless, this issue is minor compared to the overall impact of the film.
A Must-See for All Audiences
In conclusion, The King of Kings serves as a remarkable rendition of Jesus’ life, designed not only for children but for adults seeking inspiration and reflection as well. I wholeheartedly recommend it as a must-watch this Easter season. Happy Easter to you and your family!
★★★★★
Learn more about The King of Kings here!
