A new animated feature film is bringing one of the Bible's most iconic stories to the screen with a fresh perspective and breathtaking visual artistry. 'David', a collaborative production between South Africa's Sunrise Animation Studios and Utah-based Angel Studios, offers a family-friendly retelling of the shepherd boy who became a king.
A Visual Feast from an Unexpected Source
While Hollywood has produced several major biblical epics over the decades, such as The Ten Commandments and The Passion of the Christ, prominent animated adaptations are rare. Dreamworks' The Prince of Egypt (1998) stands as a notable exception. 'David' emerges from outside the traditional mainstream, partially funded through crowd-sourcing, and represents an ambitious technical achievement.
The film's greatest strength lies in its animation. From the intricately designed characters to the vast, detailed backgrounds, the visual presentation is consistently spectacular. Animation enthusiasts will find plenty to admire in the rich textures and careful craftsmanship on display, making the film a genuine feast for the eyes.
The Story of a Shepherd and a Giant
The narrative focuses on the early life of David, voiced by Brandon Engman as a boy and Phil Wickham as an adult. The story begins with the young shepherd in Bethlehem, whose life is irrevocably changed when the prophet Samuel (Brian Stival) anoints him as the future king of Israel. David is soon summoned to play his lyre for the troubled King Saul (Adam Michael Gold), who has fallen out of favour with God.
The film then builds towards its most famous sequence: the confrontation with the Philistine champion, Goliath (Kamran Nikhad). The depiction of the giant is striking—massive in stature but with a curiously small head and pale skin, setting him visually apart from the other characters. The climactic battle, where David's faith and skill with a slingshot triumph over brute force, is handled with expected drama. The film wisely concludes its story before delving into the more morally complex chapters of David's later life as king.
Strengths, Shortcomings, and Target Audience
While the animation is praiseworthy, the film is not without its flaws. The script, while accessible, tends to be lengthy and includes some narrative choices that slow the pacing, such as an unnecessary journey home for David before the Goliath fight. Key relationships, like David's deep friendship with Jonathan, are given scant attention, and the plot assumes a certain familiarity with the source material, potentially leaving viewers less versed in the Bible with questions.
The production is notably sanitised for its family audience, skirting around the inherent violence of the story. The voice cast performs well, chosen for ability rather than celebrity, which likely allowed more budget to be dedicated to the animation process. The soundtrack features pleasant, inspirational pop songs typical of the genre, though they are not particularly memorable.
Ultimately, 'David' is an impressive technical endeavour that successfully captures the epic scale and spiritual core of its source material. It may not reach the narrative heights of the very best animated classics, but its visual splendour and sincere storytelling make it a noteworthy, faith-friendly cinematic experience.
