Azur And Asmar: The Princes' Quest

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If you've broken or misplaced your Sega Game Gear and really can't do without another crack at Prince Of Persia, this animation, such is its style, might tide you over in the meantime. A strange-looking animation, Azur and Asmar is an array of bright and beautiful colours that can dazzle the eyes; the movement of the characters is very stiff, however (think those cartoons in our First Class religion books coming alive). A fairy tale with a message very much rooted in today's politics, Azur and Asmar sees two childhood friends - the blond, blue-eyed Azur (Kynman) and the dark-hair, dark-eyed Asmar (Pilkington) - grow up in a nobleman's household. Azur (the son of the nobleman) is raised by Asmar's servant mother, and the two 'brothers' bicker all day long, striving to put one over on the other. Years later, after Azur is sent away to complete his education, he embarks on a hazardous mission, which takes him across the seas to Maghreb to find the magical Djinn fairy and marry her. However, Asmar, who has prospered in his absence, has his sights on the fairy too, and the two must team up to overcome the odds. Respect, accommodation and an open mind to those different from you are what director Michel Ocelot wants people to come away with after watching his film. However, the flashing of a nipple in the opening scene might get the censor in a dizzy and elevate the rating above the age group its pitched at.