By Romey Norton - March 24, 2025
A work of pure magic. Just in time for Easter, the animated feature The King of Kings brings a classic story to life with a fresh perspective. Directed by Seong-ho Jang, this film boasts an all-star voice cast, including Mark Hamill, Uma Thurman, and Pierce Brosnan, delivering a heartfelt retelling of the life of Jesus Christ through the imaginative lens of Charles Dickens and his son, Walter. It’s a tale of forgiveness, understanding, and imagination.
Inspired by a little-known short story Charles Dickens read to his family every Christmas (only published decades after he died in 1934), The King of Kings takes a unique narrative approach. The film follows Dickens, voiced by Kenneth Branagh, as he recounts the story of Jesus to his young son Walter (Roman Griffin Davis). Along with their mischievous cat Willa, father and son become immersed in the world of ancient Jerusalem, witnessing the nativity, Jesus’ teachings, and ultimately, his crucifixion and resurrection.
The film opens with Dickens giving a performance of ‘Scrooge’ when he is interrupted by his son and their cat. This small conflict leads to Dickens telling his son the sweet bedtime story.
This framing device gives The King of Kings a warm, intimate feel, making the biblical story more accessible for modern audiences. Walter’s vivid imagination transforms his father’s words into sweeping, visually stunning sequences, blending history with Dickensian storytelling flair. The father and son are involved in the story, as if they’ve travelled back in time, allowing audiences to feel immersed in the story.
The array of well-known, famous voices in the cast helps make the story familiar and should bring many audiences to watch this film. Oscar Isaac lends gravitas to Jesus Christ, while Pierce Brosnan delivers a powerful performance as Pontius Pilate. Mark Hamill, best known for his legendary voice work, takes on the role of King Herod, bringing an intensity that makes the character both menacing and memorable.
The animation is a true highlight. From the bustling streets of Bethlehem to the dramatic final days of Christ’s journey, each scene is rendered with care and artistry. Now while adults enjoy animations, this type does lend itself to younger viewers. Very similar to The Secret Life of Pets - realistic but expressive and vibrant use of colours.
The music used throughout is subtle, and orchestral and compliments each scene. Some sections are wonderfully uplifting - a soundtrack you could listen to again and again.
While The King of Kings is a religious film at heart, its universal themes of love, sacrifice, and redemption make it appealing beyond faith-based audiences. The relationship between Dickens and Walter serves as the emotional anchor, exploring the power of storytelling to connect generations. The story of Jesus is very sad and has a terrible ending, but in this animation, they tell it with care and there is nothing too distressing for audiences to see.
The ending is energetic, fun, and full of hope. The King of Kings is a beautifully crafted animation film that blends history, faith, and imagination. Whether you’re drawn in by the voice cast, the animation, or the unique Dickensian framing, it’s a film worth watching this Easter season.
In cinemas April 11
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