Kensuke's Kingdom

I was really sceptic after watching the trailer. That I did after seeing the cast. I wanted to make sure my kids will be on board, but the trailer pushed one of them out of the watchers list. Then we waited and finally we set, as a family, to watch the whole movie and damn...that was a good one.

Now I will look for the book for me and the kids. It is very simple story, that reminded me of "Tarzan" or "Jungle Book" and off course a sprinkle of "Cast Away", it had the magic of both, with a twist. It is a story about a small bubble, that demonstrate that all men can live together, with animals also and without devouring each other.

Michael and his family are going for a world-wide tour, in a boat. Michael will drop from the boat and then will be discovered on an island by an older Japanese survivor, that made himself a private kingdom out of the island and is not willing to share or change anything, while living in the nature.

It is a heart warming and touching story that is simple, short and well performed, as talking about the animation and dubbing. It's book's background (by Michael Morpurgo) and simple, but very successful script (Frank Cottrell Boyce) makes the difference between another kids' movie to this exciting and Heart-wrenching film, that conquers you from the get go.

It's not very often that a movie hits me on an emotional level, but this really did. This is a stunning story bought to life with incredible passion. The score is magnificent and wouldn't be out of place in a AAA Hollywood movie, but it works phenomenally well in this intimate animation. The visual effects are stunning and bring the world of Kensuke's Kingdom to life before our eyes. The details of the story which I won't go into are both utterly heartbreaking and uplifting at once. I wish there were more films of this calibre being made on a regular basis and not just the same old remakes and sequels being churned out year upon year.

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.

If you don't want to cry your eyes out.

I must admit I got bored at the beginning with the main character, and was thinking of giving it up, but I'm a completionist so I had to see it through. And boy am I glad I did!

Everything is amazing - animation, the story, music... one of the best animated movies I've ever seen, especially because it tackles world issues that wound my heart - and the world - the most: animal poaching (leading to species extinction and ecosystem disbalance), stupid wars, but it also shows what a small paradise we could have if we only learned to live within the nature's world, instead of considering ourselves above it, and treasure what it gave us.

I'm sorry that I haven't even known about the book before watching this (there are so many amazing ones, it's impossible to know and read them all! T_T ), but I'll be sure to find and read it!

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.