Rating 7/10
Jesus at the movies has expanded from grand Hollywood epics to crowd-funded productions. Films like Son of God, The Young Messiah, and ensemble pieces such as The Best Christmas Pageant Ever reflect a continuing interest in his life. Serialized storytelling—in TV shows like The Chosen which became a theatrical release — increasingly blurs the line between streaming and cinema. There is an ongoing effort to explore Jesus’ message, especially for new generations. Just in time for Easter, Angel Studios (Sound of Freedom) enters the conversation with their latest release. This animated retelling invites families and believers alike to experience the Gospel story with fresh eyes.
The King of Kings gives a reverent retelling of the earthly ministry of the Messiah. The picture employs a somewhat odd but unique framing device. Author Charles Dickens recounts the Biblical account to his young son Walter. There is some justification for this —Dickens did, in fact, write a private manuscript called The Life of Our Lord for his children, which was published posthumously in 1934 and serves as the inspiration for this narrative approach.
Charles Dickens (voiced by Kenneth Branagh) narrates Jesus’ mission to his young son Walter (Jojo Rabbit’s Roman Griffin Davis) and their family cat, Willa (Dee Bradley Baker), who unexpectedly plays a significant role. Wife and mother Catherine (Uma Thurman), adds warmth to the family scenes. We witness various events unfolding before their eyes as the beloved English novelist tells the tale. It allows for their observations, some educational and others humorous. When Dickens introduces the apostles, they appear as tiny animated figures, walking past Willa one by one. When Judas is named, the cat hisses on cue. I chuckled.
The voice cast is surprisingly impressive: Oscar Isaac is Jesus Christ, Forest Whitaker is Peter, Pierce Brosnan is Pontius Pilate, Mark Hamill is King Herod, and Ben Kingsley is High Priest Caiaphas.
Directed by Seong-ho Jang and produced by Mofac Animation—a South Korean visual-effects studio—the chronicle covers key moments in Jesus’ time on Earth, from the Nativity and childhood to his baptism and miracles. Scenes like the Feeding of the 5,000, Walking on Water, and the Calming of the Storm are beautifully animated. As the Son of God’s ministry begins to challenge the status quo, tension with religious leaders grows, ultimately leading to his crucifixion and culminating in the resurrection.
The King of Kings strikes a nice balance between theological depth while remaining accessible to younger viewers. The presentation is visually engaging but also has genuine emotion. I found it to be an entertaining and meaningful tale that will connect with Christian families.
I remember back in 2004 when many parents were taking their children to see The Passion of the Christ. That picture was intense –far too bloody and graphic for young children. The King of Kings offers a gentler, age-appropriate introduction to the greatest story ever told. While it softens the delivery, it doesn’t shy away from the gravity of what happens. Parents looking to share the life of Jesus with their kids will likely be in <ahem> heaven.
04-10-25