Kensuke's Kingdom (2023)
Kensuke's Kingdom has quite the pedigree. Not only is it adapted from the children's book of the same name by beloved War Horse author, and former Children's Laureate Michael Morpurgo, but the script was adapted by acclaimed screenwriter and novelist Frank Cottrell Boyce. And that's without mentioning the brace of Oscar winners and nominees that can be found in the voice cast.
Kensuke's Kingdom is produced by Lupus Films and directed by Neil Boyle and Kirk Hendry. The film made its debut at the Annecy Festival in 2023, before screening at the BFI London Film Festival. It features the voices of Sally Hawkins, Cillian Murphy, Raffey Cassidy, Aaron MacGregor and Ken Watanabe.
The story follows a family who embark on a round-the-world boat trip. Young Michael (a fictionalised version of author Michael Morpurgo) smuggles the family dog aboard. When a storm strikes Michael is washed overboard while trying to save the dog, He is washed ashore on a mysterious island. It soon transpires that he is not alone, as the island is also home to an enigmatic Japanese man, Kensuke.
The "castaway" story is not exactly new but Kensuke's Kingdom puts enough of a spin on it to make it feel fresh. At the film's heart is the unexpected friendship that develops between Michael and Kensuke. It is a friendship that transcends cultural and language barriers, age and nationality, and depicts two souls finding the humanity in one another. The fact that the film manages to depict this while using hardly any dialogue is all the more impressive. Kensuke is a taciturn individual, but Ken Watanabe manages to have quite the impact with a relatively small number of lines.
The other 'star' of the film is the beautiful animation itself. The characters are well drawn, distinctive and well animated but it is the locations that are really eye-catching. The backgrounds are simply stunning and help create a real sense of wonder. Mixed in with the island's menagarie of convincingly animated wildlife, and it really does make it feel like a paradise.
The film adds some additional pathos to Kensuke's backstory, in a stunning ink-painted flashback, which reveals the fate of his family. For the most part, his past remains shrouded in mystery, so this offers a welcome glimpse into his life before the island.
Although the film has an ecological, pro-nature message, it never feels preachy or as if it's being rammed down your throat. It's simply conveyed naturally through the story.
Kudos must also go to Sally Hawkins, Cillian Murphy and Raffey Cassidy who also do a fine job as Michael's family in the film's pre-island opening sequence. Aaron MacGregor also impresses in his debut role, anchoring the film with a strong performance.
The gorgeous score by Stuart Hancock serves as the icing on this rather delicious cake, and makes sure that it's as beautiful to listen to as it is to look at.
Kensuke's Kingdom is a heartwarming, moving tale of friendship. Powered by Cottrell Boyce's masterful, deceptively simple script, it does justice to its lauded source material. Exquisitely animated, and full of heart, this is one island paradise you won't want to leave in a hurry.
In A Nutshell
A goregous and heartfelt eco-fable that will stay with you long after the credits have rolled
★★★★☆
