O Menino e o Mestre

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!

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.

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.

Giving this an 8/10 rating

Another great animated film based on another book, and this film shows how a good family film should be done. This time the book is written by Michael Morpurgo, it's an adventure story set at sea and land. Frank Cottrell Boyce helps adapt the book, Neil Boyle and Kirk Hendry are the directors who have done a great job and give us a great different looking animated feature.

This is a film that shows that action, speaks louder than words, as there is more done, than said, so the cast done really have much on script, so everything is left up to the visuals and sound design, and it's a nice treat, a simple story of island life that is seen by two points of view, driven by circumstance.

Also the island and wildlife are characters in their own right. A very thoughtful movie.

Possibly the worst adaptation of a book of all time. Genuinely surprised to see such a high rating on here. Taking such a well written story and cramming it into an hour and 24 minutes felt really cheap. It's like they were ticking off boxes as they went along too. Must cram this bit in, include this tiny detail. Yeah it stuck to things that happened in the book, but to no real depth at all. No character development, no arcs. I had such high hopes for this film after loving the book. But it's just one big let down. If you've read the book leave it at that. The movie does nothing but ruin Michael Morpurgo's work.