I’ve sat and watched a lot of children’s movies and television shows (the joys of motherhood!).  While most of them are cute, entertaining, and educational, I don’t envision them winning an Oscar.  I recently had an opportunity to see The Princes’ Quest, a French animated film.  Here is a little more information about the movie from the site: 

Deemed “Pure magic” by the Hollywood Reporter and “truly entertaining” by BBC Radio’s Live, the meticulous CGI animated fable from acclaimed French filmmaker Michel Ocelot dazzles with its lush visuals. Rich in story, the tale follows Azur, a nobleman’s blond blue-eyed son and Asmar, the nursemaid’s dark-skinned and dark-eyed child.  As kids they fought and loved each other as brothers; as grown-ups, they mercilessly become rivals in the quest to rescue a beautiful fairy princess. 

The movie is visually stunning.  It’s filled with culture, adventure and fantasy.  What I like most about this film (apart from it’s beauty) is that it allows parents and children the opportunity to discuss topics that may not normally come up.  From the begining when the movie opens with a nursing scene to the unforseen ending (which I won’t give away) and the Arabic influences and subtitles, this movie boldly goes where other children’s movies do not.  I would recommend that parents view the film beforehand because some of the themes (discrimination for example) may be too mature for younger children.  Overall, a powerful but simple tale.

The Princes’ Quest in on sale now and retails for $19.97.