Charles Dickens Retells the Greatest Story Ever Told in “King of Kings”
Imagine Charles Dickens, the celebrated author, struggling to captivate a discerning audience with his rendition of “A Christmas Carol” on stage. However, his most critical audience member awaits him backstage: his young son, Walter Dickens. Walter, engrossed in the legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, disrupts his father’s already faltering performance with his playful antics. The show is ruined, Dickens is exasperated, and a scolding awaits his son. But their mother intervenes, reminding Charles of a fresh manuscript he’s penned specifically for their children. Why not share this new tale with the restless Walter? Not just a story of kings, but of the King of Kings: Jesus Christ.
Still from the animated film “King of Kings”
A Stellar Team Behind the Animation
“King of Kings” marks the directorial debut of Chang Sung-ho, a seasoned expert in visual effects. Sung-ho’s impressive resume includes work on acclaimed films like “Joint Security Area” and “The Isle,” as well as international productions such as “The Last Knights” and “Spartacus: Blood and Sand.” The voice cast is equally impressive, boasting A-list talent like Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley, Uma Thurman, Forest Whitaker, Kenneth Branagh, Oscar Isaac, and Mark Hamill. While the Russian dubbing may feature different voices, the sheer star power associated with the project is reason enough to take notice.
Still from the animated film “King of Kings”
A Personal Retelling of a Timeless Story
“The Life of Our Lord,” a lesser-known work by Charles Dickens, was originally written for his children and not intended for publication. However, it was published posthumously in 1934. This deeply personal text, infused with Dickens’ characteristic wit, sets “King of Kings” apart from other biblical adaptations. The film presents the story through the lens of a renowned storyteller, who filters the events of the New Testament through his own experiences and worldview for his most cherished audience.
Still from the animated film “King of Kings”
Simplifying the Sacred for Young Audiences
The narrative structure, a father telling a story to his son, justifies the simplified storytelling and imbues the film with warmth and sincerity. Graphic depictions of violence are avoided, and the complexities of Judas’s betrayal are softened for young viewers. “King of Kings” smooths over potentially disturbing elements and re-emphasizes certain aspects. This animated film serves as an introduction to the Bible for children, instilling a sense of reverence and faith. As they grow older, children can delve into the intricacies of Christ’s Passion and teachings. For now, they can learn about the key events and miracles, understanding that unwavering faith can overcome any obstacle.
A Bible Story for Bedtime
“King of Kings” is a retelling of the New Testament framed as a personal story from a parent to a child, akin to reading a “Children’s Bible” together. It offers a chance for quality time while safely introducing Christian principles. By identifying with Walter, the young viewer can easily engage with the religious narrative. However, the animation itself may not be as appealing to children. While 3D animation is commonplace, the execution in “King of Kings” doesn’t always achieve visually pleasing results. To truly captivate an audience, a film needs to excel in both content and form. Nevertheless, the animation’s shortcomings may be less of a concern for parents who are intentionally showing “King of Kings” to their children. Casual viewers, however, may find the film’s straightforwardness, predictability, and lack of visual appeal more problematic than the less-than-charming depiction of the twelve apostles.