The King of Kings premieres in the UK on 11 April - Simeon Lumgair previews this star-studded new film about the life of Jesus. He finds it a wholesome family viewing experience but thinks it could have provided more depth and nuance
Angel Studios’ The King of Kings is an animated film directed by Seong-ho Jang, loosely inspired by Charles Dickens’ lesser-known work, The Life of Our Lord. Boasting a voice cast so stacked it could pass as a Who’s Who of Hollywood - including Kenneth Branagh, Uma Thurman, Mark Hamill, Pierce Brosnan, Roman Griffin Davis, Forest Whitaker, Ben Kingsley, and Oscar Isaac - the film reimagines the gospel story through Dickens’ eyes, turning it into a bedtime tale for his son, Walter. And if that sounds like a quaint, heartwarming setup, don’t worry - there’s also a cat for comic relief.
A story within a story: Dickens’ retelling of the Gospel
The film’s narrative is structured around Charles Dickens recounting the life of Jesus to his inquisitive young son, Walter, accompanied by their mischievous pet cat, Willa. This storytelling approach makes the film highly accessible, particularly for younger children, as it blends the charm of Victorian London with the warmth and intrigue of biblical history. Dickens’ storytelling is immersive, capturing both the awe of the gospel story and the personal journey of a father trying to instil faith in his son.
the film serves as a gentle, entertaining, and heartfelt introduction to the life of Jesus, particularly for children encountering the story for the first time
One of the film’s greatest strengths is its ability to evoke a childlike sense of wonder. Walter, initially obsessed with King Arthur and the ideals of chivalry, is drawn into the life of Jesus through his father’s narration. Director Seong-ho Jang wonderfully crafts moments of emotional depth, particularly as Walter begins to grasp the gravity of Jesus’ mission and actions. The inclusion of Willa, the playful cat, serves as comic relief, breaking up heavier moments and ensuring younger audiences remain engaged.
Did Dickens really parent like this?
For Christian parents considering this film for their children, The King of Kings offers a reasonably faithful depiction of Jesus’ life, from childhood to ministry, culminating in his death and resurrection. While the film takes some creative liberties, it generally accompanies the storytelling rather than distorts its core message. The imaginative cuts between Victorian England and biblical times create an effective bridge between the two worlds, helping children and adults see the gospel story through fresh eyes.
However, the film’s portrayal of Dickens as a father may raise some concerns. Rather than presenting him as a firm but loving parent, he often comes across as an ineffective wet blanket while guiding Walter’s behaviour issues. The film misses an opportunity to explore the balance between discipline, forgiveness, and grace more profoundly, settling instead for a sentimentally sweet approach that aligns more with chocolate-biscuit-box Victorian era idealism than with the complexities of biblical themes. This may leave some parents feeling that the story shies away from engaging in deeper moral discussions that could have added weight to its message. Essentially, Dickens blames himself for his son’s bad behaviour because of his boundaries in the workplace. Many parents will struggle with this oversimplified, mediocre portrayal of parenting that only works in an idealistic, unrealistic world and doesn’t deal with the heart of the issue.
Animation, visuals, and music
Visually, the film has some beautiful moments, though the character designs could have benefited from a more distinct artistic style. It feels a bit like they found the characters in the Pixar reject bin. Jesus is unsurprisingly but disappointedly depicted as the only handsome character in the story, apart from his abnormally long neck, which makes him stand out as faux-holy or something. He seems to float through scenes, perhaps mirroring the lack of gravitas in the story.
While the Victorian and biblical settings are beautifully rendered, some of the character animation feel generic. A more culturally accurate representation of skin tones and features in the biblical sequences would have been a welcome improvement, ensuring a more authentic depiction of the geographical setting.
The stark contrast between London’s cold, misty streets and the sun-drenched landscape of ancient Israel is striking. The musical score further enhances the emotional impact of the film. The soundtrack swells at key moments, ensuring that the audience feels both wonder and sorrow deeply. Although there are some beautiful images, the film feels better suited to the smaller screen.
Other reviews
New Disney+ series for children Win or Lose has an openly Christian character in it, but that doesn’t mean it’s a complete cause for celebration
Captain America: Brave New World – Can people change (beyond turning into a Hulk…)?
Will the cat save the day?
Having watched this film with children, it’s evident that younger audiences, particularly primary school-aged kids, will be captivated by it. The playful inclusion of Willa the cat’s antics ensures that humour is never too far away, while the sweeping retelling of Jesus’ life holds their attention. Some children in the audience expressed excitement at seeing so many of Jesus’ miracles depicted in a single story, while others appreciated the opportunity for their friends—who may not be familiar with the Bible—to encounter these stories in an engaging way.
the film’s gentle, idealised sentimental take on faith may feel overly simplistic for some viewers who seek a more nuanced exploration of its themes
Older children and adult viewers, however, may find the film less compelling. While it succeeds in delivering moments of wonder and emotion, the narrative remains relatively straightforward and may not offer enough depth for those already well-versed in the biblical account. Additionally, the film’s gentle, idealised sentimental take on faith may feel overly simplistic for some viewers who seek a more nuanced exploration of its themes.
In all honesty, without Willa the Cat, this film would struggle to hold any audience. The cat has probably saved the film from total obscurity.
Final verdict: A heartfelt, if safe, retelling
The King of Kings is a pleasant, animated film that will resonate with younger children and families looking for a faith-based retelling of the gospel story from a Victorian perspective. However, its reluctance to delve deeper into themes of discipline, grace, and the complexities of faith may leave some parents wishing for a more substantial moral takeaway.
Overall, the film serves as a gentle, entertaining, and heartfelt introduction to the life of Jesus, particularly for children encountering the story for the first time. While it may not fully satisfy older audiences, its warmth, humour, and reverence for its subject matter make it a wholesome family viewing experience.
