The King And The Mockingbird review

Swooping back into cinemas...

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A tyrannical king living in a labyrinthine castle comes between a beautiful shepherdess and a brave, good-hearted chimney sweep. Only a plucky mockingbird can save the day.

Sixty years in the making (it was started in 1948, partially finished in 1952 and reworked by director Paul Grimault for a limited 1980 release), TKATM is a masterpiece of animation and imagination.

Hayao Miyazaki cites it as a major influence, and fans of Studio Ghibli will thrill to the tenderly explored themes – class, nature, love, grief – and poetic, witty visuals.

Editor-at-Large, Total Film

Jamie Graham is the Editor-at-Large of Total Film magazine. You'll likely find them around these parts reviewing the biggest films on the planet and speaking to some of the biggest stars in the business – that's just what Jamie does. Jamie has also written for outlets like SFX and the Sunday Times Culture, and appeared on podcasts exploring the wondrous worlds of occult and horror.