After falling off a boat in a storm, young boy Michael washes up on a remote island and forms a bond with his only other human inhabitant, Kensuke.
In the era of digital animation, it’s rare to see the traditional hand-drawn 2D style on the screen.
The makers of Kensuke’s Kingdom use this animation technique to bring to life Michael Morpurgo’s 1999 novel of the same name.
The story follows a young boy named Michael (voiced by newcomer Aaron MacGregor) as he embarks on an around-the-world adventure with his parents (Sally Hawkins and Cillian Murphy), sister Becky (Raffey Cassidy) and dog Stella.
On one fateful night, Michael and Stella are swept overboard by a storm and they wash up on the shore of a remote island. After days of fighting for survival on a tiny strip of beach, they are saved by a mysterious benefactor who leaves them food and drink.
They eventually track down Kensuke (Ken Watanabe), a Japanese man who has been alone on the island since World War II.
Naturally, after decades of solitude, Kensuke is cold and grumpy and unimpressed with these newcomers shattering his peaceful way of life. After an initial dispute and despite the fact they do not speak the same language, Michael and Kensuke form a bond and become like family.
The old man teaches Michael how to survive on the island, protect its turtles and orangutans, and avoid drawing the attention of outsiders.
Knowing this film was painstakingly drawn by hand by a team of artists makes the visuals all the more impressive. The scenery is gorgeous and Michael’s first full view of the entire island will make your jaw drop. The characters don’t speak much so the story is told through the animation, which convincingly conveys their thoughts and emotions.
This is a story that creeps up on you emotionally – you think you’re watching a lovely film about two very different people learning to co-exist and then all of a sudden, hunters show up. The film becomes very intense, gripping and emotional after that. Who knew this would pack such an emotional punch?!
Kensuke’s Kingdom is a heartwarming island adventure that teaches the power of understanding and finding common ground. They certainly don’t make them like this anymore!
In cinemas from Friday 2nd August.
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