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Azur & Asmar: The Princes' Quest (2006)

Director: Michel Ocelot

Time Out rating

Average user rating

2 reviews

Movie review

From Time Out London

This traditionally animated film from the director of ‘Kirikou and the Sorceress’ breathes new life into a dying art. Trouble is, it remains to be seen how most kids will take to such a languorously paced film.

‘The Princes’ Quest’ is a wondrous, if overly simplified, spin on the ‘Arabian Nights’ series of Middle Eastern stories that centres on two competitive boys from different backgrounds: Azur is the blonde, blue-eyed son of a nobleman, while olive-skinned Asmar is of Arabian descent and the son of Azur’s nanny, Jenane. She reads them stories about the incarcerated Djinn fairy and they become so besotted with the tale that, years later, they compete in a quest to rescue the legendary pixie.

But which lad will get there first? Michel Ocelot’s enchanting parable is admirable in the way it tackles the concepts of prejudice, respect and tolerance, but it’s the vivid quality of the inspired, enchanced silhouette animation that leaves the most lasting impression.
Splendid stuff.

Author: Derek Adams

Time Out London Issue 1955 Feb 6 to 13, 2008

User reviews of this film

SJY said...

Posted on May 02 2008 13:02 Fantastic. Absolutely not to be missed. A real hidden gem of modern children's cinema which is visually a beautiful work of art.

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Graham said...

Posted on Feb 18 2008 19:42 My son, aged 4, was transfixed. Yes at times he fidgeted. And at times he insisted on having one too many chewy sweets but he came away wanting to see it again on DVD (though a small screen won't do the animation justice.)

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Nige said...

Posted on Feb 16 2008 08:07 A must see - one of the most beautifully expressed fight against racism

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Jonathan said...

Posted on Feb 06 2008 12:10 Such a beautiful film

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