The King and the Mockingbird

The King and the Mockingbird

Year: 2014

Runtime: 83 min

Language: French

Director: Paul Grimault

FantasyRomanceAnimationFamily

A chimney sweep and a shepherdess find themselves fleeing from a ruthless king's tyranny, setting off on a magical and wondrous adventure. This enchanting fantasy romance, celebrated for its rich animation and timeless charm, has become a beloved French classic, captivating audiences with its heartwarming story and beautiful visuals over the years.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The King and the Mockingbird yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – The King and the Mockingbird (2014)

Trace every key event in The King and the Mockingbird (2014) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

King Charles V's Reign

King Charles V + III = VIII + VIII = XVI rules the kingdom of Takicardia with an iron fist, earning the hatred of his subjects. His reign is marked by his unpredictable temper and a tragic cross-eyed condition that he hides from the world.

Takicardia
2

The King's Hunting Passion

The King enjoys hunting but often finds himself missing his targets. This leads to unfortunate consequences where he occasionally kills the mates of the birds, further endearing him to no one.

Palace Grounds
3

The Shepherdess and the Chimney Sweep

The King obsesses over a beautiful shepherdess, whose portrait he keeps in his hidden apartment. However, he is tormented by the fact that she is in love with a chimney sweep, whose image hangs opposite her portrait.

King's Apartment
4

Paintings Come to Life

As night falls, the paintings in the King's apartment magically come to life, depicting the characters yearning for freedom. The King, in his animated form, hunts them down, showing a stark contrast between his whimsical doppelgänger and his real self.

King's Apartment
5

The Escape to the Lower City

The shepherdess and chimney sweep escape into the murky alleys of the lower city, a stark contrast to the brightness of the palace. This place has never known sunlight, symbolizing their desperate plight.

Lower City
6

The King's Robot Assault

In a demonstration of his wickedness, the King calls forth a robot of his creation to attack the village. This mechanical menace captures both the shepherdess and the chimney sweep, showcasing the King's brutal nature.

Village
7

The Organ-Grinder's Dilemma

The King places the blind organ-grinder among fierce lions and tigers, showing his sheer cruelty. This act exemplifies the King's disregard for life and the extent of his tyrannical rule.

King's Dungeon
8

Forced Engagement

The King threatens the chimney sweep's life to coerce the shepherdess into an engagement. The emotional turmoil drives the shepherdess to accept under duress, showing the depths of the King's desperation.

Palace
9

The Sculptor's Task

Under the King's command, the chimney sweep and the bird are forced to produce sculptures of the King's head. Their rebellion escalates as they begin to spoil the King's creations, leading to their subsequent imprisonment.

King's Workshop
10

The Lion's Assistance

In jail, the blind organ-grinder captivates the attention of the lions and tigers, drawing them into the conflict. The bird persuades these fierce creatures to help the shepherdess, highlighting the bonds forged in desperation.

Prison
11

The Great Escape

With the lions' help, the shepherdess escapes from her confines, illustrating a thrilling turn of events. This moment ignites a rampage against the King's forces as they storm the chapel.

Chapel
12

Demolition of the Castle

The bird and its progeny seize control of the King's robot, initiating a full-scale demolition of the castle. This act symbolizes the rise of the oppressed against their tyrant, bringing chaos to the once-glorious structure.

Castle
13

Rescue and Freedom

As dawn approaches, the robot discovers one of the bird’s offspring trapped in a cage. This moment leads to a heartwarming rescue, marking a pivotal point in the struggle against the King's tyranny.

Dawn Castle Grounds
14

The King’s Downfall

Following the chaos and destruction, the King faces the consequences of his reign. His downfall serves as a celebration for the villagers who had long suffered under his rule.

Castle Ruins
15

The Joyous Celebration

The film concludes with a joyous celebration as the shepherdess and chimney sweep are reunited. Surrounded by friends—including the King's dog and the flock of the bird's sons—they signify hope and triumph over oppression.

Village

Last Updated: November 16, 2024 at 18:08

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Whimsical escapes from tyranny like in The King and the Mockingbird

Charming underdogs outwit oppressive rulers in fantastical, enchanting worlds.If you enjoyed the charming rebellion in The King and the Mockingbird, you'll love these movies where lovable characters use cleverness and magic to outwit tyrants. Discover similar animated fantasies and enchanting adventures filled with playful defiance and triumphant, heartwarming conclusions.

whimsicaltriumphantplayfulenchantingrebelliousheartwarmingwondrous

Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a clear pattern: a whimsical but menacing ruler poses a threat to innocent protagonists, who then embark on a magical journey to escape. Their success often relies on clever tricks, loyal allies (sometimes magical or animal), and the exploitable flaws of the oppressor, leading to a satisfying and triumphant victory for the underdogs.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here for their shared blend of lighthearted charm with themes of resistance. They share a specific mood where peril is present but never overwhelming, replaced by a sense of wonder, playful mockery of authority, and a fundamentally hopeful, joyful outcome.

Enchanting animated journeys like The King and the Mockingbird

Beautifully animated fantasies with gentle pacing and a wondrous, lighthearted feel.Seeking more movies with the rich animation and timeless charm of The King and the Mockingbird? This list features similar enchanting animated fantasies known for their beautiful art, steady-paced magical adventures, and a light, heartwarming feel that delights families and animation lovers alike.

enchantingwondrousheartwarmingwhimsicalmagicalcharmingplayfultriumphant

Narrative Summary

These narratives are typically straightforward or moderately complex quests or journeys set within a fully realized fantastical world. The plot serves as a vehicle to explore wondrous settings and showcase stunning animation, with emotional stakes that are engaging yet never overly heavy, ensuring a consistently enchanting and uplifting experience.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by a primary focus on visual artistry and a specific, gentle mood. The similarity comes from the combination of fantasy animation, a steady narrative flow, and a tone that balances wonder with lightheartedness, creating a cohesive and deeply charming viewing experience.

Unlock the Full Story of The King and the Mockingbird

Don't stop at just watching — explore The King and the Mockingbird in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The King and the Mockingbird is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The King and the Mockingbird Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The King and the Mockingbird, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The King and the Mockingbird Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The King and the Mockingbird

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape The King and the Mockingbird. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in The King and the Mockingbird

The King and the Mockingbird Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of The King and the Mockingbird that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

The King and the Mockingbird Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The King and the Mockingbird

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The King and the Mockingbird: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The King and the Mockingbird