The Black Cauldron (1985) Review in 2025
The Black Cauldron is an animated fantasy adventure film set in ancient Wales, following the journey of a young pigkeeper named Taran and his companions as they try to stop the evil Horned King from obtaining the Black Cauldron.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
This movie is suitable for children aged 8 and above, but parental discretion is advised due to some scary scenes and mild violence.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is worth watching if you're a fan of classic Disney animation or enjoy fantasy adventures. However, it's not a must-see, and some scenes may be too scary for younger viewers.
Spoiler Alert!
Hover to reveal spoiler summary
The film takes a darker turn as Taran and his friends discover the Horned King's true intentions and must face their fears to stop him from unleashing a terrible evil on the world.
Review Details
story7.00/10
The story is engaging and full of action, but it's not particularly original or memorable. The pacing is well-balanced, but some scenes feel rushed.
acting6.00/10
The voice acting is decent, but some performances feel wooden and unconvincing. The characters' emotions and motivations are not always clear or believable.
characters6.00/10
The characters are well-developed and relatable, but they lack depth and complexity. Taran is a likable protagonist, but his friends feel more like caricatures than fully fleshed-out characters.
direction7.00/10
The direction is solid, with some impressive animation sequences. However, the film's tone is inconsistent, veering wildly from light-hearted to dark and scary.
cinematography8.00/10
The animation is stunning, with detailed backgrounds and character designs. The color palette is vibrant and immersive, but some scenes feel overly dark and murky.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The Black Cauldron has some impressive animation sequences, a engaging story, and a likable protagonist. The film's world-building is also noteworthy, with a richly detailed fantasy setting.
Cons
The movie's tone is inconsistent, and some scenes feel too scary or dark for younger viewers. The characters lack depth and complexity, and the story is not particularly original or memorable.
Notable Quotes
"Taran: 'I'm not afraid of you, Horned King!'"
"The Horned King: 'You shall not pass... into the land of the living!'"
