Kensuke's Kingdom

When his parents lose their jobs, they decide to sell up and spend a year circumnavigating the globe on their boat - the "Peggy Sue". Unbeknown to his parents, though, teenage son "Michael" has smuggled their dog "Stella" aboard and is feeding her from their supply of digestive biscuits! Of course this isn't a secret he can keep for long, and actually it shows us that "Michael" isn't actually the most grown up of boys as he seems to view parental instructions more like optional guidelines. That rather comes home to roost when a storm hits the boat and both he and his canine companion are washed overboard and then ashore a small island. There's no food, no water - and a baking sun, so you wouldn't think much for his chances - except. Well, they awake to find some hand-prepared sushi and freshly cracked coconut milk on the hollowed out log they were using as shelter. Maybe this island isn't as hostile as he'd first thought? Well the jellyfish certainly have it in for him, and that's when he meets his benefactor - an old gent who would appear to have been on the island for a very long time. Gradually, the two - with no common language - start to trust one and other and "Kensuke" starts to impart to the boy some of his own values as they learn to collaborate with nature on this increasingly attractive paradise. Desperate for rescue when he arrived - is he still so desperate now? We learn a little of the backstory of the island's sole human occupant which adds some richness, and some sadness, to two straightforwardly engaging characterisations and with an animation that reminded me a little, in style, of the "Snowman" (1982) and a fitting musical accompaniment from Stuart Hancock I found this to be a short, sweet and enjoyably poignant story of learning a little about self-reliance and not so much about self-importance.

This must be the most beautiful animation film i have ever seen. Great screenplay, magnificent misic, beautifull characters. A big thumbs up to the guys having made this film. Be advised: there are some "violent" scenes in it. So i wouldn't recommend watching the movie with a five-year-old. Advised age would be rather 7/8.

The animation beautifully captures the essence of the book, bringing to life the breathtaking landscapes and the emotional journey of the characters. The relationship between Michael and Kensuke is heartwarming and poignant, as they learn to trust and rely on each other despite their differences.

The film explores themes of friendship, courage, and the power of nature, as Michael discovers the true meaning of survival and the importance of compassion and understanding. The animation is visually stunning, with vibrant colors and stunning scenery that transport viewers to the exotic island setting.

Overall, "Kensuke's Kingdom" is a captivating and inspiring film that will appeal to audiences of all ages. It stays true to the spirit of the original story while adding its own unique visual style and charm. It's a must-watch for fans of the book and anyone who enjoys heartfelt and adventurous storytelling.

This movie would really tries to be simple and effective in that regard. Which it succeeds in quite well.

Very good scenery at nature and whatnot, characters are not deep, as again it's trying to be simple and effective.

Seeing a 2D movie in this day and age being made is a relief to my heart especially one that is clearly using its 3D assets right. It reminds me of tarazan and treasure planet but I'd argue it is doing a better job than both of them. The art styles pretty nice all the characters are very distinct in drawings and have very good features for you to discern that they are different people.

Very much worth watching. And please do this movie does a lot of traditional things which are dying out nowadays in the animation world.

This film was an awful adaptation of a wonderful book. Every single aspect that made the book special from Individual characters to relationships and even the entire point of the book is missing or twisted to leave a hollow and frustrating experience as a movie. Sad to see. A huge missed opportunity.

Visually the film is nice and with a great cast you'd be fooled into believing that this may be a great watch. From the very first beat to its clumsy conclusion I cannot understand how one could take the book that is rich in characters, story arcs and resilience and then turn out such an empty stinker. Avoid.

I found the animated adaptation of Kensuke's Kingdom by Michael Morpurgo to be both deeply moving and adventurous. It's a heartfelt story of survival on a remote island, the resilience of the human spirit, and an unexpected friendship, while also touching on serious themes like war and the exploitation of nature.

In the first half of the movie, young Michael comes across as an irresponsible and disobedient child, which made it difficult to relate to him-perhaps due to my age. However, as his friendship with Kensuke develops, and he matures into a resilient, nature-respecting survivalist, the story becomes much more engaging. Watching his transformation into a better version of himself adds depth to the film, making the emotional climax all the more powerful.

The movie remains very kid-friendly, avoiding anything too heavy or frightening while still delivering a meaningful message. It's an excellent choice for family viewing, and despite being an animated film, it holds enough emotional weight and artistry for adults to enjoy as well.

One of the standout aspects of the film is its portrayal of the connection between humans and animals, beautifully woven together through music-a hallmark of great animation. The segment depicting the Nagasaki bombing during World War II is particularly poignant, using stunning imagery and traditional Japanese music to convey Kensuke's tragic backstory. The lush, vibrant illustrations of the island's forests are also breathtaking, sparking the imagination and making you wonder what it would be like to be stranded in such a place.

The voice acting adds further depth to the film, with standout performances from Cillian Murphy and Sally Hawkins as Michael's parents. Hearing two of my favorite actors in these roles was an added bonus.

Overall, Kensuke's Kingdom is a beautifully crafted animation that balances adventure, emotion, and thought-provoking themes. Whether you're watching with children or as an adult, it's a compelling and visually stunning film that's well worth your time.