Le roi et l'oiseau

The King and Mr Bird, as it was known in England makes most Disney output seem poor in comparison. It is actually stitched together using an old forties (I think) animation called "The Shepherdess and the Chimney Sweep" and modern footage.

It is the modern stuff which gives it the edge as we are whisked through the Kingdom of Tachycardia, a futuristic city run by a vain king. Mr Bird is a symbol of freedom who brings anarchy to the kingdom.

Best bits. All of it but the ride in the lift is recommended as well as the scenes with the giant robot.

I remember this movie in almost every scene in my head. The version I had was in English and was of course translated to "The King And The Bird." I watched it tirelessly as a child after my mom picked up the tape from somewhere. I could even repeat the bird's soliloquy at the beginning off by heart. The animation and the story are both excellent. I think it's one of the finest pieces of animation ever created. Sadly my tape of this great movie went missing years ago. If anyone knows where I may find another copy, preferably the English version but the French or German version will do despite my lack of understanding of the two languages, I would greatly appreciate it. Seems that this is quite an obscure title and very hard to find despite its winning the Dullec prize in the 80s when it came out.

-Sam

I wasn't partly familiar with it's existence till recently. But it's worth discovering over off the internet.

The King and the Mockingbird is a little hard to understand without knowing any French. I don't know any so I just watched it and see what I can make out of the story by the actions and scenes. Takes place in a serial kingdom utopia. Where lived a king who was passionate with his image and power over people. Also in the kingdom lived a Mockingbird who watches over his kids and is a real nuisance to the King. As well as a young couple who magically came to life from the King's art gallery.

The rest of the story is bazaar and fantastic at the same time. The movie is very hard to find in R1 DVDs. Not as well known as "Triplets of Belleville" another great French movie. But there's yet to be a Special Edition that would include English translation for all English speaking countries to enjoy this masterpiece. Since the French do have their small share of animation producing.

The animation is old quality, because it began production as far back as the 40s. The likeness is a combination of Max Flechier/early Disney animation. And was created by a French animator, who was known as the Disney of France. I haven't seen any of his other ones. But this one here is his most well known work over in Europe.

So if you ever come across this title be sure to see it if you like foreign animation.

I was reminded of this film recently and it instantly became an obsession for me to find the English dubbed copy that I remember as a child. Finally got my hands on a copy and wow this movie is better than anything I ever saw while I was young! Sometimes you go back and watch something you loved as a child and realize how terrible it was but this film sent chills through my body, each scene playing through exactly as I remembered it in perfect detail. Anyone who saw this as a child will know what I'm talking about. The level of nostalgia that comes with this fantastic animation is above anything any other film has ever had for myself. The music is absolutely epic, beautifully written and goes with the movie perfectly. The level of storytelling that this film does is amazing despite the small amount of dialogue. Truly a classic, it is unfortunate that this film is so rare to find, especially in English. If anyone is interested please contact me.

I saw this movie only once in a cinema, as a child, shortly after it was released. I still remembered scenes and bits of it more than 20 years later! I recall feeling particularly moved by the poor people kept captive underground, which evidences that children's stories must not necessarily be devoid of suffering and injustice. On the contrary: this kind of plot may feed children's sense of indignation and thus ultimately contribute to a better world.

This film is one of those rare pieces of art that are a true explosion of fantasy that will capture a child's imagination completely, combined with an underlying message that will also fascinate adults.

I bought the superbly produced "Édition Collector 2 DVD" set (Zone 2) through Amazon France about a year ago and it has become one of the favorite movies of my 5-year-old son, too, although neither of us speaks a word of French...