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.