MARCUS CHEONG watches the new animated feature from Angel Studios, ‘The King of Kings’…
The King of Kings (AU-PG/UK – PG/US – PG)
In a word: Immersive
A still from The King of Kings. PICTURE: Courtesy of Angel Studios.
Angel Studios, who are most famously known for The Chosen, are now presenting the story of Jesus in the fully animated, star-studded feature: The King of Kings.
“[T]he world of ancient Israel, and the point of view of a young child hearing the Gospel for the first time, fuse together in an engaging and emotional experience.”
With an ensemble of talent that includes Kenneth Branagh (Charles Dickens), Uma Thurman (Catherine Dickens), Mark Hamill (King Herod), Pierce Brosnan (Pontius Pilate), Forest Whittaker (Peter), Ben Kingsley (Caiphas) and Oscar Isaac (Jesus), it is clear this is an ambitious production with an impressive depth of talent involved.
The creativity of The King Of Kings is apparent from the opening scene where we see Charles Dickens performing the story of Scrooge in a theatre. Here we are introduced to the narrative device that frames the film: Dickens is the story teller, and the tales he describes become fully realised in the imagination of the audience. After a bitter argument between Charles and his son, Walter, they begin to reconcile over the telling of the story of the The King of Kings – Jesus.
With this style of storytelling, the world of ancient Israel, and the point of view of a young child hearing the Gospel for the first time, fuse together in an engaging and emotional experience.
It is somewhat reminiscent of the classic Princess Bride where the content of the story breaks a fourth wall to the storyteller and the listener. The young boy from the Victorian era is fully immersed in the world of the Gospel, and we, the cinematic audience, join vicariously in this immersion.
We rely on our readers to fund Sight's work - become a financial supporter today!
For more information, head to our Subscriber's page.
The King of Kings gravitates towards the conflict that surrounded Jesus, from a wicked King to plotting priests all intent on destroying Jesus. Miracles are portrayed in all their glory, with a highlight being the dramatic scene of Jesus walking on water.
At times, the ambitious nature of this project attempts to cover so many stories from the Gospel that it can seem disjointed at times. However the quality of the storytelling, voice acting and animation make this one of the most impressive Gospel presentations captured on film.
Timed for a global release this Easter, The King of Kings has the potential to be a film that will be shared with young and old for generations to come.
