Watch The Tale of Despereaux

The Tale of Despereaux is a 2008 animated adventure fantasy film that follows the story of a tiny, brave mouse named Despereaux who dreams of becoming a knight. The film is based on the book of the same name by Kate DiCamillo. The movie is set in the fictional kingdom of Dor, a place of darkness, despair, and sadness. The once-happy land has been cursed after the queen dies of heartbreak when her beloved daughter Princess Pea disappears. The king, in his grief, outlaws soup, music, and stories, blaming them for his kingdom's unhappiness.

Despereaux, voiced by Matthew Broderick, is not like the other mice who live in the castle's dungeon. Instead of being afraid of humans and living in darkness, Despereaux is curious and longs for adventure. He spends his days reading books about knights and princesses, dreaming of rescuing damsels in distress and saving kingdoms.

Despereaux's bravery is put to the test when he falls in love with the princess and discovers that rats have kidnapped her. Despite everyone in the castle being afraid of the rats, Despereaux sets out to save the princess, believing that knighthood is about keeping one's promises.

Along the way, Despereaux encounters a cast of colorful characters who help him on his mission. One of them is a rat named Roscuro, voiced by Dustin Hoffman, who is haunted by his past and wants to make amends for his mistakes. Another is a servant girl named Miggery Sow, voiced by Emma Watson, who dreams of becoming a princess.

As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Despereaux's journey is not just about saving the princess but also about restoring hope and happiness to the kingdom. The movie shows that even the smallest creatures can be brave and that love and forgiveness can heal even the deepest wounds.

The animation in The Tale of Despereaux is spectacular, with vibrant colors and detailed textures that bring the characters and surroundings to life. The film's score is also noteworthy, with a mix of classical and contemporary music that adds to the movie's emotional depth.

Overall, The Tale of Despereaux is a heartwarming and entertaining film that appeals to both children and adults. It delivers a powerful message about courage, forgiveness, and the importance of believing in oneself.

The Tale of Despereaux is a 2008 adventure movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1 and a MetaScore of 53.