Azur & Asmar: The Princes' Quest (PG, 2008)

In this English-language edition of an acclaimed, animated French production, the two titular characters, Azur (voiced by Steven Kynman) and Asmar (Nigel Pilkington), are both raised by Asmar's mother, Jenane (Suzanna Nour). Azur is a nobleman's son, and Asmar is the Arabic-speaking nanny's son. Despite being from opposite worlds, the two act like brothers until the lord of the house kicks Asmar and Jenane out and sends Azur to boarding school. Years later, Azur -- who believes Asmar and Jenane are dead -- travels to "the land across the sea," where he's determined to find and liberate the Djinn Fairy, an imprisoned fairy princess Jenane used to tell the boys about when they were young. When Azur arrives with his cursed blue eyes, he must overcome local superstition and his own bigotry to find the fairy -- something other adventurous suitors are also trying to do.

Although the animation itself is quite stylized, the film's story and colors are original and beautiful. It's rare to find a children's film that tackles issues of race, class, and religion head-on, without sugar-coating them. There's nothing subtle about the way Crapoux, Azur's companion, trash-talks the Arabic language, the local superstitions, and the people themselves. Late in the film, when Azur and Asmar are reunited and accomplish their goal together, the story proves that underneath all of our differences, we're all the same. It's a lovely message and adds to why the whole family will enjoy this memorable adventure.