[Jesus. Photo Credit to Pixabay]

A Korean-made Christian animated film that took a decade to produce has become an unexpected international success story, earning $76 million worldwide and breaking records for Korean cinema in North America.

“King of Kings,” which opened in Korea on July 16, has already attracted 84,000 domestic viewers in just two weeks and is projected to reach 1 million viewers soon. 

The film previously earned $60 million in North America alone after its April 11 release, surpassing “Parasite” to become the most successful Korean film in United States box office history. 

The project is a noteworthy success for Mofac Studio CEO Jange Seong-ho, who is a director, writer, producer, and editor.

Facing considerable challenges in securing investment for religious content, Jang ultimately invested 9 billion won of his personal funds toward the film’s total 36 billion won production budget.

The animated feature draws its inspiration from Charles Dickens’ lesser-known work “The Life of Our Lord.”

Jang adapted the source material into a warm family drama featuring Dickens telling his youngest son, who admires King Arthur, about the true king referring to Jesus Christ.

To ensure theological accuracy, Jang spent three years developing the screenplay in consultation with Pastor Song Tae-geun of Seoul’s Samil Church, faculty from Chongshin University, and professors from Yale Theological Seminary to avoid controversial or distorted religious content.

The film’s exceptional visual quality comes from Mofac Studio’s expertise in computer graphics and visual effects.

The company previously handled effects for major Korean films including “Haeundae” and “The Admiral: Roaring Currents.”

“King of Kings” utilizes Unreal Engine, a 3D game development platform, combined with motion capture technology featuring actors peforming against chroma key backgrounds. 

A surprising element of the production was the participation of major Hollywood talent.

When the COVID-19 pandemic limited many actors’ work opportunities, several stars chose to participate in the meaningful project.

Kenneth Branagh, Uma Thurman, Mark Hamill, and Pierce Brosnan all contributed voice acting to the English version.

The film’s Korean success appears driven by multiple factors.

News of its North Korean triumph initially started domestic curiosity, while Korean churches have organized group viewings.

In addition, Jang employed several strategies to attract a wide range of audiences beyond Christians.

The narrative features a unique time-travel element where a father and son journey back 2,000 years to experience Jesus’s story firsthand, making familiar content feel fresh and engaging.

Jang deliberately emphasized universal themes of love, hope, and forgiveness rather than complex theological doctrine to ensure accessibility for all viewers.

However, the film has faced some religious criticism. 

Pastor Yeom Bo-yeon and other clergy members argue that the movie dilutes essential Christian elements, including Jesus's Trinity, divinity, and the significance of his crucifixion. 

These critics suggest the film treats Jesus more as an inspirational figure than as divine.

Catholic reviewers have offered mixed responses, appreciating the gentle presentation of Jesus's love for children and non-believers while noting the absence of Trinity doctrine and limited references to Mary.

Additional controversy emerged regarding the film's distribution through Angel Studios, a company founded by devout Mormon believers, raising questions about potential doctrinal influences. 

However, Jang clarifies that Angel Studios handled only distribution and had no involvement in funding or creative development.

When asked about his vision for the film in the interview, Jang hopes it will transcend religious boundaries.

“I want many people, regardless of their religious background, to watch this movie and find comfort and courage through Jesus’s life,” he stated.