King of Kings
The film is a powerful tribute to the role of imagination in shaping a child’s moral and spiritual understanding.
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Technical: 4.5
Moral: 4.5
MTRCB rating: PG
CINEMA rating: PG
King of Kings (2025) is a faith-based animated film that reimagines the life of Jesus Christ through a unique narrative lens. Set in 1850s London, the story follows Charles Dickens (voiced by Kenneth Branagh) as he narrates the story of Jesus to his son, Walter (Roman Griffin Davis), using the boy’s fascination with King Arthur to frame the tale. Through Walter’s vivid imagination, he embarks on a journey alongside Jesus (Oscar Isaac), witnessing His miracles, trials, and ultimate sacrifice. This storytelling approach is inspired by Dickens’ lesser-known work, The Life of Our Lord, and aims to present the Gospel in an accessible manner for younger audiences .
Directed by Seong-Ho Jang in his debut, the film showcases a blend of richly textured backgrounds and striking lighting, creating a visually engaging experience. The voice cast is a standout, featuring Oscar Isaac as a subdued and respectful Jesus, with strong performances from Pierce Brosnan as Pontius Pilate, Mark Hamill as King Herod, and Forest Whitaker as Peter. However, the character animations could benefit from more refinement to match the quality of the backgrounds and voice acting. It is also noticeable that while the Birth of Jesus is depicted with visual grandeur and emotional warmth, the Resurrection is given surprisingly modest screen time and a subdued presentation. We would have wanted this mystery, arguably the cornerstone of the Christian faith, to be the film’s most luminous and awe-inspiring moment.
The best thing about King of Kings is its “story within a story” structure, with Charles Dickens narrating the life of Jesus to his young son whose imagination defies the boundaries set by the walls of their home. This framing device doesn’t just serve as a narrative hook — it becomes a gentle yet powerful tribute to the role of imagination in shaping a child’s moral and spiritual understanding.
As young Walter envisions himself walking beside Jesus, witnessing His miracles and His mercy, the film subtly affirms that storytelling can be a sacred act, capable of planting seeds of empathy and faith. It’s a moving reminder that truth, when told with creativity and love, can come alive in the hearts of the young.
King of Kings at its core emphasizes themes of hope, love, and redemption. The narrative encourages viewers to rediscover the enduring power of faith and the importance of understanding Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice. By presenting the story through the eyes of a child, the film invites children to walk imaginatively with Jesus, reminding us that the greatest stories when told with love can open hearts, illuminate truths, and spark faith that endures. This fresh perspective on a well-known story could bridge generational gaps, make complex theological concepts more accessible, and present the life of Jesus in a way that is both engaging and meaningful for all.
EDITOR’S NOTE: While King of Kings may be an enjoyable and uplifting Easter film for the whole family, CINEMA suggests only children aged 7 and up be allowed to watch, in order to spare younger children from certain scenes depicting cruelty and violence.
