 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Azur & Asmar: The Princes' Quest
- Review Date: November 5, 2008
- PG
- Genre: Family and Kids
- 2008
Common Sense Media says
Foreign fairy tale teaches cultural understanding.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this French production's English-language version tackles issues of race, gender, class, and religion. Despite being set centuries ago, the story deals with more mature themes than many other animated films. The two main characters must overcome dangerous obstacles to save a fairy princess, all the while struggling with discrimination and cultural insensitivity. The majority of characters speak Arabic, and one character loves to point out everything that's "ugly" and "terrible" about the land's language and the people. Violence, while animated, is mostly realistic looking, with characters dueling, falling off cliffs, and facing trials of peril. The language includes mild insults and bigoted/superstitious remarks.
What's the story?
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.
Is it any good?
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.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the movie's take on cultural prejudice. In what ways do Azur and Asmar have to overcome discrimination? The film takes modern issues of race, class, and gender and applies them to an old story. Is it effective? How does the character Crapoux learn his lesson? Kids: What do you think about the film's twist on the standard "happily every after" ending?
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AGE
Refreshing, poetic, beautiful!
(As a frenchspeaker family, we watched "Azur & Asmar" in its original soundtrack.)
With this movie, we discovered and enjoyed a new rythm, a new tone, a new aesthetic, a new way to tell a story, far away from the "all-the-same" movies we usually watch. Refreshing, poetic, beautiful!
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AGE
Great picture for kids 5 an older.
We watched this as a family while on vacation and I really liked it, as did my 5 year old daughter. It is fantasy. The 2 main characters (brothers) go through some tough situation and ultimately sacrifice for one another. I think in a world of "Disney" this is a nice change. I would suggest watching it together to help answer questions or navigate some of the content. The other review is spot on.
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AGE
EXCELLENT
Excellent. Beautiful animation. Interesting, engaging story. Brings up issues of cultural intolerance and the benefits and need for cultural understanding. Definitively worth seeing. Children and adults will enjoy it.
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AGE
RAVISHING Visuals and An Outstanding Story
This French animated film is extremely popular at our house-- we've rented it 3-4 times and checked it out of the library twice. I just have to give in and buy our own copy. Both my children love it, as do my husband and I.
It is the story of two boys who are raised by the same woman, mother to one and nanny to the other. They are like brothers when they are small and are later separated. Many adventures later, they are reunited and must get over their initial resentments to return to their former love for each other and to complete their quest for the Djinn Fairy.
This story, on its own, is visually stunning, and an excellent adventure tale. It has peril, magic, friendship, prejudice (overcome), persistence, and wisdom. However, it is so much more: an allegory about tolerance and believing in yourself and following your own path.
Watch it and fall in love.
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AGE
Beautiful film
This movie is done in beautiful colors but the animation is very different from what most are used to. My sons LOVE this movie. I think the messages are good. It's nice to see an animated movie where the "princes" are center stage.
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| Topics: | adventures, book characters |
| Studio: | Weinstein Co. |
| Director: | Michel Ocelot |
| Cast: | Nigel Pilkington, Steven Kynman, Suzanna Nour |
| Genre: | Family and Kids |
| Run time: | 99 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | October 17, 2008 |
| DVD release date: | March 17, 2009 |
| MPAA rating: | PG |
| MPAA explanation: | thematic material, some mild action and peril. |
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