The King of Kings
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 1/2 (out of 5 stars)
The Life of Our Lord was written by Charles Dickens for his children and was not published until 1934, 64 years after his death. This handwritten manuscript was a cherished story shared with his children at Christmas every year by the famed novelist. The original manuscript was eventually passed on from the family to be held in the Free Library of Philadelphia. It has now been brought to the big screen by Angel Studios.
The King of Kings is the first animated feature film based on a biblical story to be released since The Prince of Egypt (1998). A tale told through the masterful storytelling abilities of Charles Dickens (Kenneth Branagh), who hopes to capture the imagination of his son, Walter (Roman Griffin Davis), who is preoccupied with King Arthur. Yet, when the child is told of a king who never drew a sword, but saved the world, he is captivated by the life accounts of Jesus (Oscar Isaac). The Dickenses become immersed in the journey of a babe in a manager who would become a carpenter, then gather people to him to heal their bodies, feed thousands and eventually be nailed to a cross for the world's salvation.
What becomes a master class in sharing the accounts of Jesus to children shows how to share this story as if talking to a child. Yet, not watering down the story or skipping over the essential elements that define this historical account. Instead, director Seong-ho Jang manages to honour Dickens' style and package Gospel stories for young eyes and ears to see how this true story applies to them. Not to say that the adults cannot be swept away by the majesty of the Saviour’s story. What parents can gain is to see how they, too, can share this beloved narrative in a manner that proves that this is a captivating story that continues to change lives.
Even though many elements of the Gospels are not shared in this film, nothing is skipped over to diminish the heart of Jesus’ life. The quality of the animation and storytelling rivals anything coming out of Disney, Pixar or Illumination Studios. The voice cast includes Uma Thurman, Mark Hamill, Pierce Brosnan, Forest Whitaker and Ben Kingsley to support Oscar Isaac and Kenneth Branagh to back up these stunning visual elements. The only downside to this offer to families over Easter is how it will leave you wanting more of Jesus’ story to be told. Thankfully, the Bible is available to fill in the gaps many may yearn for after leaving the cinema.
The King of Kings has a place for those who hold this story close to their hearts and desire to share it with those they love. Also, this film opens the curtain for those curious about how Jesus’ life and death could apply to their lives. It is a true-to-life tale as told by Charles Dickens, who was able to take the greatest story ever told and prove how it transcends time to capture the imaginations and souls of young and old.
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What should parents know of The King of Kings?
Over the years, people have asked about a film that helps parents tell their children about Jesus without scaring them. Until now, there have been few on offer. Thankfully, Angel Studios does not hold back on the realities of the darker elements of Jesus’ life and death. Yet, they depict the overall message without the graphic elements that might scare a small child. The film is suited for children four years and up.
The film-makers cannot cover every aspect of the Gospel accounts. Still, this movie will allow parents, grandparents, and guardians to open the Bible with their children and show them how Jesus’ story is for us all.
If you would like to discuss topics from this film and the Bible. Reach out to us at Third Space. We would love to chat about this and more.
