Watch The Knight and the Princess

The Knight and the Princess is a 2019 animated adventure film from Egypt, directed by Bashir El-Deek and Ibrahim Mousa. The film is a retelling of a classic love story from Arabic folklore and follows the journey of a young knight named Mohammed, who is tasked with delivering a princess named Laila to her future husband. The story is set during the period of Arab-Byzantine Wars in the 7th century and the animation style and color palette capture the period's majesty and grandeur in a unique and stunning way.

Mohammed is a brave and determined knight who sets out on this mission with great zeal. Laila, on the other hand, is quite the opposite - rebellious, strong-willed, and fiercely independent. Despite initial hesitations and many disagreements, the two form an unlikely bond over the course of their journey that is filled with action, danger, and several plot twists.

The Knight and the Princess is a visually impressive film that offers something for viewers of all ages. Children, particularly, are bound to love the colorful and imaginative world of Arabian Nights-style magic and adventure that is depicted in the film. There are plenty of entertaining moments that will make them laugh and get them invested in the story. Adults, on the other hand, can appreciate the film's solid narrative structure and animation techniques.

One of the strengths of the film is how it incorporates classic elements of Arabic folklore into the story. The characters, settings, and magical elements all help to create a world that is rooted in the region's cultural heritage. It is refreshing to see an animated film that embraces the history and mythology of the region, and that is not afraid to tell stories from that perspective.

The animation in The Knight and the Princess is of a high standard, particularly for a regional production, and stands out for its attention to detail, particularly in the intricate designs of the characters' armor and weapons. Movement is fluid and natural, and the battle scenes feel authentic without being overly graphic for younger viewers.

Another standout aspect of the film is the voice acting. Aiemzy, who voices Mohammed, delivers a strong and nuanced performance, while Mohamed El Dafrawy captures the rebellious spirit of Laila. The two actors have great chemistry and their performances bring depth to their characters. Lekaa El Khamisy also shines as the villainous Zirzameen, who is a formidable and sinister foe for the duo.

It is worth noting that there are some musical numbers in the film, which help to add to the film's charm and whimsy. However, some viewers may find them unnecessary or over the top.

In terms of themes, The Knight and the Princess is a story about love, friendship, and bravery, but it also touches on topics such as self-discovery and cultural identity. The film deals with the idea that tradition and cultural heritage can be both a source of pride and a constraint, and that it is possible to forge a new path that balances the two.

One minor critique of the film is that it does feel somewhat formulaic at times, particularly in terms of the structure of the story. The film follows a familiar hero's journey narrative, and while it is executed well, it may not offer many surprises for viewers who are familiar with this type of story.

Overall, The Knight and the Princess is an enjoyable and well-crafted animated adventure that is sure to delight both children and adults. Its stunning animation, engaging characters, and regional flair make it a standout film in the genre.

The Knight and the Princess is a 2019 animated movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.8.