The King of Kings Review: Charles Dickens’ Unique Retelling of the Jesus Story in Animation
The King of Kings offers an enchanting yet peculiar animated retelling of the life of Jesus Christ, narrated by none other than Charles Dickens himself, voiced compellingly by Kenneth Branagh. Set in the creative landscape of Dickens’ imagination, this film draws inspiration from a story he penned for his children that remained unpublished until 1934. Let’s delve deeper into this interesting cinematic experience, where Dickens journeys back in time to present the New Testament in a way that captivates both the young and the young at heart.
A Journey Through Time: Dickens Meets the Gospel
Imagining Dickens narrating the life of Jesus is, in itself, a intriguing concept. The film unfolds as Dickens recounts the divine tale to his inquisitive son Walter (voiced by Roman Griffin Davis) and an impish cat, igniting a narrative spark that competes with Walter’s fascination for King Arthur. As they traverse the landscapes of Jesus’s life—from the miraculous nativity to the poignant crucifixion—the duo appears reminiscent of Scrooge’s spectral companions in A Christmas Carol, darting through poignant moments in history. However, one might find this journey occasionally languorous, especially given the attention span of its intended audience.
Visuals and Animation: A Beautifully Mixed Bag
From a technical perspective, The King of Kings provides a visual feast that is breathtakingly rich in detail. The backgrounds sparkle with texture, and the lighting is quite commendable. Still, the character animation leaves something to be desired. Jesus is portrayed with an unnervingly elongated neck supporting a head reminiscent of a bobblehead—complete with the usual long, silky hair that many associate with His image. This animated representation can seem somewhat cartoonish, detracting from the seriousness of the story.
Moreover, the design choices for the disciples and other characters lean towards the caricatured, particularly the portrayal of the "Pharisees," whose exaggerated features stir discomfort rather than empathy. It’s crucial to note that the film shies away from openly addressing the broader cultural contexts of the Jewish community during this period, leading to a depiction that feels imbalanced.
Stellar Voice Cast: A Silver Lining
One of the undeniable assets of The King of Kings is its impressive voice cast. Oscar Isaac delivers a wonderfully nuanced performance as Jesus, balancing gravity with a gentle authenticity. Supporting him is Forest Whitaker as an earthy Peter, bringing warmth to his character, and Pierce Brosnan, who channels a sinister yet charming Pontius Pilate. Interestingly, the design of Brosnan’s character draws uncanny parallels to Charles Dance, adding an unintended layer of humor to the film.
Final Thoughts: A Serviceable Offering
While The King of Kings may not reach the elevated standards set by some of cinema’s greatest biblical epics, it delivers a serviceable retelling of a profound story. Whether you’re drawn in by the intriguing narration of a literary giant or the charming intentions behind the animation, the film succeeds in sparking conversations about Jesus’s legacy.
The King of Kings hits UK and Irish cinemas on April 11 and will be available in Australian theaters on April 10. For more insights into cinematic masterpieces, feel free to explore additional film reviews and critiques.
Whether you’re a Dickens aficionado or simply on the lookout for novel interpretations of biblical tales, this film promises an experience worth considering. Would you take the plunge into this richly animated world?
