Bermuda International Film Festival 2009

Across North Africa can be found colourful, intricate murals, depicting the zenith of the Arabian empire and Michel Ocelot has recreated this rich tapesrty with wonderful results. In an original fairytale, reminiscent of Scheherazade's Arabian Nights, Azur, the blonde, blue-eyed son of a noblewoman, and Asmar, the dark skinned and dark-eyed child of the nurse, are brought up together until they are cruelly separated by Azur’s father and Asmar is banished. Years later, remembering the nurse’s childhood stories of her homeland and of the legendary Djinn-fairy waiting to be released from her chamber by a good and heroic prince, Azur sets sail for this land. Arriving in a strange place, he is rejected on account of his “unlucky” blue eyes, so he resolves never to open them again and ends up a blind beggar. Meanwhile, Asmar has become a dashing horseman and the two are destined to meet again as young men in their respective quests for the heart of the Djinn fairy. Themes include class struggle, discrimination, honour and respect. Children of all ages will love this.