Azur and Asmar - The Princes' Quest

Not only is this a wonderful story very much in the vein of 'The Arabian Nights' but the animation, although presented almost in 2D, is far superior and much more intelligent than any Disney film. in that this far more simplistic style is much better suited to the story. The backgrounds are particularly stunning and in fact on several occasions, I caught myself paying more attention to these than the action happening in front!

The cross-cultural references are interesting and make for wide appeal. As the film itself and the story can be enjoyed on several levels, this is going to appeal to both adults and children of the more discerning kind.

A lucky find after watching 'Kyrikou' by the same director, I am eagerly anticipating the release of 'Tales of the Night'.

Exquisite, enjoyable and pleasing on all aspects. The story line kept me glued to the movie. The differences in culture was done tastefully as was the movie itself. It's like no other movie. This film is for all ages. I will be buying this dvd! Well done! A+++

This animated movie is one of the best I have ever seen.

I keep watching it again and again with my eight year old daughter and it is always a joy.

The animation is incredibly beautiful, the story is not only moving but gripping and, on top of this, the music is also enchanting.

I found its overall message of courage, acceptance and brotherly love very edifying as well.

A gem.

This is the most beautiful animated film that I have ever seen. My 8 year old granddaughter was transfixed. I have now bought it so that we can all watch it over and over again.

It reminded me of our holidays in Morocco.

A wonderful fairytale about two young men searching for a beautiful Princess in a far away land. One boy is dark skinned, the other white. Both are brought up together by the mother of the dark skinned boy. They are separated as boys, but reunited later in their quest. Initially set in (I think) somewhere in medieval Europe, and later somewhere in Arabia, the story I believe intentially brings up the subject of racism, although this is not laboured, and is not the main focus.

The visual presentation is very unusual, it is a 3D animation but where only a small part of each frame moves. The rest of the frame is typically a stunning still image which is made to look like an illustration from a story book. These include scenes like wonderful flower covered meadows of Europe, star-lit nights in the Arabian desert, and busy markets ablaze with the vibrant colours of the robes that the Arab people wear. The real show stopper however is the innumerable scenes inside of Mosques, Palaces, and houses of the Arab people. These interior scenes are dazzling displays of colour and pattern in tiled walls and floors, and in the ornate decorations of ceilings and archways. At times these scenes are reminiscent of Escher drawings, where patterns are used to confuse the eye, and to challenge you to make sense of them .

Watch this film without the expectation that it will look and feel like a Disney blockbuster, and you will not be disappointed. Indeed you will be rewarded with a magical experience. Just lovely.