Kensuke’s Kingdom is a captivating animated adventure film helmed by directors Neil Boyle and Kirk Hendry, featuring a screenplay by Frank Cottrell-Boyce. This movie draws inspiration from the beloved children’s novel by Michael Morpurgo, which was first published in 1999. The film is produced by the talented team of Camilla Deakin, Ruth Fielding, and Stephan Roellants.
This animated feature premiered in U.S. theaters on October 18, 2024, and according to Rotten Tomatoes, the film’s description reads:
“A young boy and his family embark on a life-changing sailing journey until a fierce storm strikes, causing Michael and his dog to be thrown overboard. As they wash ashore on a secluded island, they must face their fears and learn to survive in isolation.”
The narrative further states:
“One fateful day, Michael realizes he’s not alone as he encounters a reclusive Japanese man who has inhabited the island since World War II and resents Michael’s unexpected arrival.”
The synopsis wraps up with:
“With the threat of dangerous intruders looming over their tranquil island home, Michael and the elderly man, Kensuke, unite to protect their hidden paradise.”
Cast of Kensuke’s Kingdom: Cillian Murphy, Sally Hawkins, and More
1) Aaron MacGregor as Michael Morpurgo
Aaron MacGregor lends his voice to the character of Michael Morpurgo, the film’s protagonist. Stranded on a deserted island, he forges a friendship with Kensuke, who has been the island’s sole inhabitant.
Alongside his role in Kensuke’s Kingdom, Aaron voiced Marvin in the 2023 production Puffin Rock and the New Friends. His television credits include appearances in Outlander, Super PupZ, and Princess Mirror-Belle.
2) Sally Hawkins as Mrs. Morpurgo
Sally Hawkins provides the voice for Michael’s mother, who initially becomes separated from her son during their adventure but ultimately reunites with him on the remote island in a pivotal moment of the film.
The acclaimed English actress has showcased her talent in films such as Blue Jasmine, The Shape of Water, Wonka, Paddington, Maudie, The Lost King, and Spencer, among others.
Moreover, Sally has contributed to several notable television series, including Mammals, Man to Man with Dean Learner, Little Britain, Tipping the Velvet, and Twenty Thousand Streets Under the Sky.
3) Cillian Murphy as Mr. Morpurgo
Cillian Murphy voices Mr. Morpurgo, Michael’s father who embarks on a maritime adventure with his wife and children but finds himself separated from Michael during a tempest. Ultimately, he reunites with Michael towards the end of Kensuke’s Kingdom.
The illustrious Irish actor has appeared in numerous acclaimed films such as 28 Days Later, A Quiet Place II, Red Eye, Sunshine, Anthropoid, and Breakfast on Pluto. Furthermore, he has collaborated with Christopher Nolan on several projects, including The Dark Knight trilogy, Inception, and Dunkirk, and recently won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in Nolan’s Oppenheimer in 2024.
Additionally, he is widely recognized for his portrayal of gangster Tommy Shelby in the hit series Peaky Blinders.
4) Ken Watanabe as Kensuke
Ken Watanabe portrays Kensuke, the film’s key character who resides in solitude on a distant island until Michael’s arrival disrupts his peace. As they develop a bond, Kensuke teaches Michael about the island’s wildlife and survival skills.
Ken is an accomplished Japanese actor known for his powerful performance as General Tadamichi Kuribayashi in Clint Eastwood’s poignant film Letters from Iwo Jima. He has also featured as Lord Moritsugu Katsumoto in the iconic film The Last Samurai alongside Tom Cruise.
His impressive filmography includes appearances in Godzilla, Godzilla: King of the Monsters, Batman Begins, Memoirs of a Geisha, Inception, and Pokémon Detective Pikachu.
5) Raffey Cassidy as Becky
Raffey Cassidy lends her voice to Becky, Michael’s sister, in Kensuke’s Kingdom.
Raffey has appeared in various notable films such as Snow White and the Huntsman, Dark Shadows, Vox Lux, White Noise, and Tomorrowland. Additionally, she has featured in television series like Mr Selfridge and 32 Brinkburn Street.
The voice cast of the film also includes Alfred Kodai Berglund as Michiya and Kotoko Wertheim as a child soloist.
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