By Dr. Joe McAleer
Charles Dickens and Jesus Christ may seem like strange bedfellows, but the master storyteller proves a good match with “The King of Kings,” an imaginative new animated film, in cinemas April 11. This is ideal viewing for the entire family, arriving just in time for the observance of Holy Week and Easter.
“The King of Kings” is the latest offering from Angel Studios, makers of “Cabrini” and “Sound of Freedom.” Written and directed by Seong-ho Jang, the film is inspired by a book Dickens wrote called The Life of Our Lord, which he read aloud to his children every Christmas. The book begins:
My Dear Children, I am very anxious that you should know something about the History of Jesus Christ. For everybody ought to know about Him. No one ever lived who was so good, so kind, so gentle, and so sorry for all people who did wrong, or were in any way ill or miserable, as He was.
The book was published in 1934, 67 years after Dickens’ death. It serves as the framing device for the movie.
Grand storytelling
Dickens (voice of Kenneth Branagh) is an exasperated father, desperate to gain the attention of his young son Walter (voice of Roman Griffin Davis). The tyke is only interested in two things: his fat cat Willa and emulating his swashbuckling hero, King Arthur.
“I’d like to tell you a story, my son,” Dickens says.
“If it’s not about a king,” says Walter, “then I’m not interested.”
“It just so happens that this story is about a king, the King of Kings.”
“Does this story have dragons?”
“Better. It has angels and wicked kings, jealous rivals and miracles. Some say it’s the greatest story every told. In fact, your King Arthur story is based on this story.”
And so father and son settle in for an evening of grand storytelling.
“The King of Kings” covers a lot of ground in a brisk 90+ minutes, from the birth of the Savior right through to the Resurrection. A clever device is having Walter appear in the story as it unfolds, as he becomes an interested bystander to the wonder, miracles, and high drama alongside Jesus and His apostles. No doubt young viewers will also imagine themselves in the story, gaining new appreciation and inspiration.
Parents will be impressed by the cavalcade of stars lending their voices to the film, including Oscar Isaac (Jesus), Forest Whitaker (Peter), Mark Hamill (Herod), Ben Kingsley (Caiaphas), Pierce Brosnan (Pontius Pilate), and even Uma Thurman as Mrs. Dickens.
Purists will quibble at omissions and some liberties taken with dialogue (nothing contrary to Scripture), but no matter: “The King of Kings” is a superb and entertaining introduction (or refresher) for kids and adults alike to the Greatest Story Ever Told.
For more information on "The King of Kings," visit the website.
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