Kensuke’s Kingdom: Film Review
If you’re looking for a delightful, heartwarming film to entertain your children this summer holiday, I urge you all to seek out Kensuke’s Kingdom. It hasn’t been promoted as heavily as some of the other family titles but it is well worth your time.
Based on Michael Morpurgo‘s 1999 novel of the same name, this animated film follows a fictional version of the author (voiced by newcomer Aaron MacGregor) as he goes on an around-the-world voyage with his parents (Sally Hawkins and Cillian Murphy), sister Becky (Raffey Cassidy) and dog Stella. During an almighty storm, Michael and Stella are swept overboard and they wash up on the shore of a remote island.
With no food or drinking water, Michael and Stella have to fight for survival on their tiny patch of beach. That’s until they realise they’re not alone – a Japanese man named Kensuke (Ken Watanabe) has been living in solitude on the island for many years.
In an age of digital animation, it’s lovely to see the traditional 2D hand-drawn style on-screen again. The landscapes are beautiful and the island paradise is all the more jaw-dropping because you know it was painstakingly drawn by hand. The moment when you first see the whole of the island is stunning. There is also a cleverly animated black-and-white sequence that tells the story of how Kensuke ended up there.
Naturally, after decades of his own company, Kensuke is quite cold and grumpy and does not take too kindly to newcomers interrupting his routine and peaceful way of life. But despite the language barrier and initial confrontation, he and Michael form a sweet familial bond and grow fond of each other’s company. He teaches Michael how to survive on the island and to protect its animals and resources from outside forces.
I didn’t expect this film to pack such an emotional punch! I watched on in horror during a poacher sequence and the ending really hit me in the feelings (in a beautiful, profound way).
Kensuke’s Kingdom looks like a swashbuckling island adventure on the surface but there is much more heart and emotion underneath. They don’t make them this anymore so please go and check it out.
In cinemas from Friday 2nd August