Coming to theaters April 11th from Angel Studios, THE KING OF KINGS invites viewers to rediscover the enduring power of hope, love, and redemption through the eyes of a child.
In 1864–1869, Charles Dickens wrote The Life of Our Lord, which told the Gospel story to a special audience: his own children. Based upon the Charles Dicken’s story, Angels Studios’ THE KING OF KINGS releases to theaters during Holy Week.
The film is created by South Korea’s Mofac Animation and is the directorial debut of Seong-ho Jang, who wrote the script and produced the film. Executive Producers are Dennis Won Kuk Cho, Jamie Thomason, David Fischer, and Jared Geesey, with Woo-hyung Kim as producer. In addition to Seong-ho Jang, other writers are Hoseok Sung, Rob Edwards, and Jamie Thomason. The film is voiced by an all-star cast including Kenneth Branagh, Oscar Issacs, Pierce Brosnan, Uma Thurman, Mark Hamill, Roman Griffin Davis, Sir Ben Kingsley and Forest Whitaker.
About THE KING OF KINGS
In the opening of his book, “The Life of Our Lord,” Charles Dickens wrote to his children:
“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.”
Based upon Dickens’ book Angel Studios’ THE KING OF KINGS opens with Charles Dickens telling the story of “A Christmas Carol” to a theater audience. His youngest son Walter is delighting the audience with his child-like exuberance about King Arthur, while creating havoc for his father. Once home, Dickens’ wife Catherine encourages her husband to tell their son the story of the true King of Kings.
Dickens tells Walter the greatest story ever told, and what begins as a bedtime tale becomes a life-changing journey. Through Walter’s vivid imagination, the boy walks alongside Jesus, witnessing His miracles, facing His trials, and understanding His ultimate sacrifice.
From start to finish, the production values of THE KING OF KINGS are stellar. Seong-Ho Jang’s cinematic expertise in large-scale epics is evident throughout the rich and colorful animation, giving audiences a visually stunning and emotionally vibrant experience.
King of Kings. Feeding the Multitude
It moves to the adult Jesus (Issac) as He is baptized and then calls Peter (Whitaker), along with the rest of the disciples, to follow Him. It continues with Jesus’ ministry, including the feeding of the multitude; Jesus walking on the water and calling Peter to step out of the boat: His teachings: His healings and raising Lazarus from the dead. It goes through the events of Passion Week, from the Triumphant Entry to the Resurrection. The film delicately handles the difficult parts of the Gospel; the scenes of the beating and crucifixion are presented in a way that does not detract from the event, yet does not display graphic violence.
The actors who voice these characters bring these people to life.
Branagh portrays Dickens’ as a loving—yet distraught—father of an overly energetic son and as the gifted storyteller weaving literary reflections into the retelling of Jesus’ story. Uma Thurman, as Catherine Dickens brings the personal and emotional backdrop to the historical narrative. Roman Griffin Davis plays Walter Dickens filled with youthful energy and emotional range that contributes to the family’s story within the film’s narrative.
Issacs’ moving portrayal of Jesus is a wise, commanding, and loving depicting of the Messiah’s life, ministry, and ultimate sacrifice. Forest Whitaker’s portrayal of Peter is an intuitive and relatable journey of faith, fear, and redemption.
Mark Hamill conveys a sinister gravitas to King Herod. Sir Ben Kingsley brings a commanding presence to the role of the High Priest Caiaphas who ultimately orchestrates the crucifixion of Jesus. Pierce Brosnan Best brings a nuanced performance as the Roman Governor Pontius Pilate.
With a run time of 1 hour, 40 minutes, THE KING OF KINGS is rated PG for “thematic material, violent content, and some scary moments.”
Opening in theaters during Holy Week, THE KING OF KINGS is a must see for viewers of all ages, but especially families with young children.
Recent Comments