MOVIE REVIEW
Kensuke's Kingdom
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Genre: Adventure, Animation
Year Released: 2023, 2024
Runtime: 1h 25m
Director(s): Neil Boyle, Kirk Hendry
Writer(s): Frank Cottrell-Boyce, Michael Morpurgo (based on the novel by)
Cast: Aaron MacGregor, Cillian Murphy, Sally Hawkins, Ken Watanabe, Raffey Cassidy
Where To Watch: in select theaters nationwide in the U.S. and Canada on October 18, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: KENSUKE'S KINGDOM sweeps us into a voyage of emotions as it explores the story of Michael (Aaron MacGregor,) a young castaway, and Kensuke (Ken Watanabe,) a war veteran secluded in self-imposed exile. Their serendipitous meeting on a remote island develops into a rich tale of friendship and survival against all odds. This film melds classical hand-drawn animation with modern digital styles, crafting scenes that burst with life and detail that challenge the conventions of traditional animation.

Watanabe's vocal performance in Japanese (with subtitles) enriches the narrative's depth and heightens the emotional stakes. This choice adds a layer of immersion and challenges audiences to engage with the film on a visceral level, enhancing its themes of isolation and the indelible scars of war. MacGregor's portrayal of Michael offers a poignant counterbalance, providing a window into the soul of a boy wrestling with newfound hardships and unexpected alliances.

The animation acts as a narrative vehicle, transforming the lush island wilderness into a living, breathing entity within the film. This attention to detail elevates the setting beyond a mere backdrop to an integral part of the story, with each frame painted with precision and passion akin to the most revered works of animation. The island, with its flora and fauna, becomes a sanctuary for the characters and the audience. With that said, the animation, especially regarding the people’s faces struggle, the style has an almost uncanny valley effect where things feel slightly off.

The score incorporates a complex emotional journey that mirrors the visual storytelling, with melodies that underscore Michael and Kensuke's journey's soaring highs and profound lows. This harmonious blend of sight and sound immerses the viewer, making KENSUKE'S KINGDOM a film to experience.

KENSUKE'S KINGDOM explores the themes of adaptation and resilience, physical survival on an isolated island, and emotional and psychological. Michael and Kensuke transform throughout the film, adapting to their circumstances and each other's presence. Their evolution is portrayed with nuance, showing how they learn from each other’s different life experiences. Kensuke teaches Michael about the world and survival skills, while Michael's youthful perspective and resilience ignite a renewed sense of purpose in Kensuke. This underscores the film's broader message about the power of change and the human capacity to find common ground, even in the most unlikely settings. This storyline enriches the journey, making it a compelling study of characters thrust out of their comfort zones who must forge new paths.

KENSUKE'S KINGDOM is a reflective piece that prompts introspection on broader themes of human connectivity and the profound impact of our pasts on our present lives. It redefines the survival and coming-of-age genre, offering new perspectives and deep, resonant themes that speak to both young audiences and the young at heart. This film is more than an adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s novel; it explores resilience, the power of bonds, and the beauty found in unexpected places.

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[photo courtesy of BLUE FOX ENTERTAINMENT, LUPUS FILMS]

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