Kensuke's Kingdom

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1:52

Kensuke's Kingdom

PG

Released Oct 18

1h 25m

Kids & Family

Adventure

Animation

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

96%

Tomatometer

28 Reviews

Popcornmeter

Fewer than 50 Ratings

A young boy and his family set off on a sailing trip of a lifetime until a violent storm erupts, sweeping Michael and his dog overboard. After washing up on a remote island, terrified, they struggle to survive and adjust to life alone, One day, Michael discovers he is not alone when he is confronted by a mysterious Japanese man who has lived there secretly since World War II, angry that Michael has arrived. However, as dangerous invaders threaten their fragile island paradise, Michael and the old man, Kensuke, join forces to save their secret world.

Critics Consensus

Remaining loyal to its source material, Kensuke's Kingdom is a quietly engaging story with meticulous 2D animation that's more profound than average offerings

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Kambole Campbell

Time Out

Maudlin when it goes directly for the heartstrings, but it’s a pleasant enough coming-of-age fable. It’s hard not to wish for the film to lean a little more on its assured visual craft, especially as its story feels a little by the numbers.

Rated: 3/5

Sep 11, 2024

Full Review

Yasmin Omar

Empire Magazine

Though low-stakes for an adventure film, this is nonetheless an engaging, found-family eco-fable that imparts an important conservationist message with considerable, at times impressionistic, style.

Rated: 3/5

Aug 7, 2024

Full Review

Joel Oiku

Little White Lies

Remaining loyal to the source material, Boyle’s Kensuke’s Kingdom greets fans of the novel with a safe cinematic counterpart... remaining within the boundaries of the original narrative, arriving at set expectations and nothing more.

Rated: 3/5

Aug 7, 2024

Full Review

Joel Copling

Spectrum Culture

Kensuke’s Kingdom is an adventure story in the classical tradition, defined by patience and attentiveness to its characters.

Oct 24, 2024

Full Review

Chris Sawin

Bounding Into Comics

The character animation seems purposely flat so that the elaborate backgrounds pop with rich detail and eye-catching color. The film is so visually complex that it’s kind of heartbreaking that its writing is so simple.

Rated: 3/5

Oct 21, 2024

Full Review

Todd Jorgenson

Cinemalogue

Visually striking and emotionally affecting, this animated adventure offers a delightful coming-of-age fable about conservation, courage, and self-discovery that resonates beyond the formulaic narrative trappings.

Oct 18, 2024

Full Review

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Jesus Gonzalez

this movie was incredible, the animation is like an art canvas so beautiful

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/26/24

Full Review

Jason B

Fabulous film for the whole family.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

10/21/24

Full Review

Craig C

This is a beautifully animated film and a lovely story. It is perfect for all ages and is complimented with a wonderful touching and playful musical score. I’d be surprised if it’s not at least in the conversation for Academy Awards.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/23/24

Full Review

Spencer P

Emotionally affecting and beautifully animated! This is a must watch for families this year!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/22/24

Full Review

Ryan O

I wrote out a very thoughtful review and unfortunately there was an error with uploading the review, so unfortunately only the abridged version will make it onto the Internet. In short, don’t miss out on this one, and try to go in knowing as little as possible (I didn’t even know the title until the movie started). This movie will likely not get the level of appreciation it deserves, but everyone of all ages will have something to get out of this movie (yes, even very little ones). Plenty of artistic brilliance and moving storytelling on display here. Families need look no further, and general audiences should find the experience refreshing from what they typically see (even amongst the medium of animation).

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/20/24

Full Review

Mali W

My family and I went to see the movie Kensuke's Kingdom. We had to travel a bit farther since it was only showing in one theater, but it was definitely worth the trip. The graphics and artwork were just amazing, with such artistic attention to detail that it felt like a work of art. The music was equally captivating, blending perfectly with the visuals and creating an atmosphere that fully immersed us in the story. It was beautiful, like a rich, immersive experience that felt so carefully crafted. But beyond how great it looked and sounded, the film had real emotional depth. There were so many layers to it, making it meaningful for viewers of all ages. It’s one of those films that leaves a lasting impression on both kids and adults.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/19/24

Full Review

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Neil Boyle

Director

Kirk Hendry

Director

Cillian Murphy

Dad

Sally Hawkins

Mum

Raffey Cassidy

Becky

Aaron MacGregor

Michael

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Kensuke's Kingdom: Trailer 1

1:52

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Synopsis

A young boy and his family set off on a sailing trip of a lifetime until a violent storm erupts, sweeping Michael and his dog overboard. After washing up on a remote island, terrified, they struggle to survive and adjust to life alone, One day, Michael discovers he is not alone when he is confronted by a mysterious Japanese man who has lived there secretly since World War II, angry that Michael has arrived. However, as dangerous invaders threaten their fragile island paradise, Michael and the old man, Kensuke, join forces to save their secret world.

Director: Neil Boyle, Kirk Hendry
Producer: Ruth Fielding, Camilla Deakin, Stéphan Roelants, Sarah Radclyffe, Barnaby Spurrier, Jean Labadie, Anne Labadie, Adrian Politowski, Martin Metz
Screenwriter: Frank Cottrell Boyce
Distributor: Blue Fox Entertainment
Production Co: Bankside Films, Align, British Film Institute
Rating: PG (Violence|Thematic Content|Peril)
Genre: Kids & Family, Adventure, Animation
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 18, 2024, Limited
Runtime: 1h 25m
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)