‘Emotional’ family film that ‘deserves to be a classic’ | UK News

BBC iPlayer has just added a critically acclaimed animated film that is sure to blow you away.

Based on one of probably the most beloved youngsters’s books ever penned, this cherished story of journey and friendship has been introduced to life in gorgeous hand-drawn animation reminiscent of traditional Disney movies.

Following its airing on BBC One this afternoon (Sunday, third August), this pulse-pounding journey of discovery will be obtainable to stream solely free of charge for a restricted period.

Viewers can be assured of the film’s high quality as it boasts an spectacular 97 % ranking on Rotten Tomatoes. Even higher, the film’s runtime is a swift hour and 16 minutes, making it the proper selection for a leisurely afternoon.

Kensuke’s Kingdom, based mostly on the celebrated 1999 novel by Michael Morpurgo, charts the thrilling voyage of a younger boy (voiced by Aaron MacGregor) at sea who ultimately finds himself marooned on a desert island, stories the Mirror.

Fortunately, he soon realises he is not alone. The boy, along with his canine Stella Artois, kinds an unlikely bond with a Japanese man named Kensuke (Ken Watanabe) and the orangutans who have made the island their home, who help him in surviving.

Although Kensuke speaks little English, he step by step unveils his own tragic life story of escaping Japan during the horrors of the Second World War.

This touching story is right for households with barely older youngsters keen to immerse themselves in an epic journey of journey, historical past and survival.

One viewer on Rotten Tomatoes hailed Kensuke’s Kingdom as “a breathtakingly beautiful film that’s gentle on the senses as its delicately delivered themes.”

A five-star Google review concurred, stating: “Magical and emotionally powerful film that deserves to become a family classic.

“Avoiding spoilers right here is tough, but there’s one drop of ink in the film that took my breath away and had my throat in knots. It’s stunning, highly effective, emotional, yet comfortingly acquainted.

“A film to cosy up on the sofa under a blanket with your favourite young family and rewatch every year to remember the important themes of anti-war and respect for nature that run through it. Beautiful film.”

Another reviewer echoed these sentiments, declaring: “Awesome movie with beautiful visuals and meaningful storytelling.”

The acclaim continued on Letterboxd, where one fanatic gushed: “Beautiful and full of heart!

“Simple, acquainted idea but so nicely executed. It’s Cast Away blended with Avatar and shades of Planet of the Apes.

“Very good dosage between feel good and tragedy, had a smile on my face most of the time but I also had tears in my eyes twice.”

Cinema-goers had been equally taken with the stellar voice forged, that includes Oppenheimer Oscar-winner Cillian Murphy and Paddington favorite Sally Hawkins.

“Went to the theatre to hear Cillian’s voice and to have a fun time. Left sobbing uncontrollably,” one moviegoer confessed.

“This film’s message is so beautiful and moving, knowing that Cillian wanted to be part of this project makes me love him even more and I didn’t even know that could be possible.”

Kensuke’s Kingdom is obtainable to stream on BBC iPlayer.