Movie Review: ‘The King Of Kings (animated)’

by | Apr 10, 2025 | Featured Post, Movie Reviews, Movies | 0 comments


Greetings again from the darkness. We don’t typically look to South Korea for animated children’s stories recounting the history of Christianity, yet this first film from Angel Studio delivers just that … well specifically, the story of Jesus for Easter. Seong-ho Jang has made a name as a Visual Effects expert, and with this directorial debut, he tells the Jesus story in a way that should keep most kids engaged. The screenplay was written by director Jang, Rob Edwards, Jamie Thomason, and Hoseok Sung.

We open with the great Charles Dickens on stage reciting his “A Christmas Carol” to an audience. Backstage, Dickens’ three kids are a bit rambunctious and interrupt the show to the point that tests the patience of Charles. Young Walter, obsessed with tales of King Arthur, is especially troublesome. Upon arriving back home, Charles promises Walter a story with even more adventure and excitement, although the boy is a bit disenchanted that there will be no dragons.

Charles, with an assist from wife Catherine, proceeds to tell the story of Jesus … despite Walter’s initial rebuff of “a baby story”. We watch as the story plays out (often with Walter in the scene), although the movie does periodically bounce back to the study where Charles is weaving the tale and Walter is (mostly) mesmerized. Most of the familiar segments of the story of Jesus are included: the manger, plagues, parting of the Red Sea, John the Baptist, Satan tempting Jesus, feeding the masses. We meet the twelve apostles, and see miracles performed, the story of Lazarus, the Last Supper, Peter’s three denials, Judas’ betrayal, and of course, the crucifixion and the resurrection.

The voice cast is outstanding. Kenneth Branagh is Charles Dickens, while Uma Thurman is his wife Catherine. Roman Griffin Davis voices Walter, the kid whose shenanigans are the reason behind the story. Others include Oscar Isaac as Jesus, Mark Hamill as King Herod, Pierce Brosnan as Pontius Pilate, Ben Kingsley as Calaphus, and Forest Whitaker as Peter. The film is visually appealing and told in a way that kids should easily follow (through the eyes of Walter) … and some will be surprised at the similarities to King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.

Opening in theaters on April 11, 2025

David Ferguson
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