From his mother’s songs to his clash with Goliath, David’s journey from humble shepherd to anointed king tests the limits of faith, courage and love – culminating in a battle for the soul of a kingdom. Source: Australian Catholics.
There have not been many animated films with characters from the Jewish Scriptures. Which means that this film, from South African Sunrise Studios, in collaboration with Angel Studios in the US, distributors of so many religious films and with a million-strong membership, has received wide circulation.
This David offers an opportunity for younger audiences to learn quickly and easily something of the initial history of King David. It is the kind of film, similar to the Jesus animated film of 2000, The Miracle Maker, that would be effective for primary school religion classes and for Sunday School meetings. While adults may enjoy David, the film has not been geared for as adult audience. The animation style is familiar – characters are drawn clearly, brightly and colourfully. David is cheerful; Saul, the Philistines and Goliath, menacing.
Audiences familiar with these stories will be anticipating the episodes. Younger audiences may follow with delight and some astonishment.
On reflection, we might realise that so many of the biblical films are made by Christians. And, this is the case here. However, the writers-directors have a sensitivity towards the Jewish community and their reading of the Scriptures, the language of shalom, a song of shalom, a background of rituals, anointings and prayer. Which means that this animation film would be a fine interfaith meeting place for Jewish and Christian.
Review by Fr Peter Malone MSC, Jesuit Media.
DAVID: Voices of: Phil Wickham, Brandon Engman, Mark Jacobson, Adam Michael Gold. Directed by Brent Dawes, Phil Cunningham. 108 minutes.
FULL REVIEW
DAVID (Australian Catholics)
