omewhere in Africa south of the Sahara, Kirikou is born. Imbued with supernatural precocity he talks to his mother in the womb, is more knowing than adults at birth and braver and faster than the men in the village. And this is just as well because the village needs Kirikou to save them from an evil sorceress who has dried the springs and is consuming the menfolk.

Kirikou’s quest is full of action and adventure that will thrill the kids, yet the hero’s approach to the sorceress is one of reason not violence. Whether the children make links with another fable involving a thorn and a lion’s paw is another matter, but they’ll notice a contrast with battle-focused action of many animated offerings.

Gorgeous colours, distinctive animation inspired by African and Egyptian sculpture, and music by Yussou N’Dour combine to make this a treat for all the family. Director Michel Ocelot made the decision, controversial in some circles, to stay true to the story’s African origins and when asked to put pants on Kirikou and bras on the women he refused to cover up the nakedness. The overall result is one of the most enchanting animated features in quite sometime.

Insults neither the eye nor the intelligence and can be enjoyed by adults and children alike. Hollywood Reporter.

The director was sensible enough to stay faithful to the story’s original West African origins. The result is an unexpected treat on every level Jamie Russell, BBCi Film.

Somehow, its structures, motifs and conventions awaken something undying in the human heart so that the viewer is sure to become immersed in the narrative he is watching unfold before his eyes. Keith Allen, Movierapture.