Hull Independent Cinema: Kensuke’s Kingdom

Dir Neil Boyle & Kirk Hendry | United Kingdom, Luxembourg, France | 2022 | 83 mins | Rated PG | English

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.

Starring Cillian Murphy, Sally Hawkins, Raffey Cassidy

AWARDS AND FESTIVALS
British Animation Awards: Winner, 3 awards inc Best Feature & Best Writing
New York International Children’s Film Festival: Winner, Grand Prize Feature
Mon Premier Festival: Winner, Best Music

REVIEWS
“The unlikely friendship between Michael and Kensuke is the heart of a film that touches lightly on environmental themes, loss and history.” ★★★★ Tara Brady, The Irish Times

“There are moments of real splendour, especially in the evocations of the seascapes and the island.” ★★★★ John Bleasdale, The Times

“The film is thoughtful, tender and generally quite beguiling…” ★★★★ Tim Robey, The Daily Telegraph

“Remaining loyal to the source material, Boyle’s Kensuke’s Kingdom greets fans of the novel with a safe cinematic counterpart” Joel Oiku, Little White Lies