The Fourth King (1997)

The Fourth King Poster
Original Title: Il quarto Re

Alazar, a simple farmer who is also a beekeeper, meets the Three Wise Men Caspar, Melchior and Balthazar, who have set off to celebrate the arrival on earth of the Messiah. Alazar's magic bees become magically transformed into the tail of the bright comet which leads the four of them to the manger. At first, the brave young farmer's son is on the point of leaving the Wise Men to their fate because he has been forced against his will by their magic powers to leave his pregnant wife Izirah behind. He only very reluctantly agrees to the Kings' request to accompany them. Although the Three Wise Men make it very clear to him how important the Messiah's arrival on earth is, the relationship between the four men remains very tense. Nevertheless, despite all disagreements, our travelling companions soon become firm friends -and after several exciting adventures they finally succeed in locating the manger. The Three Kings then allow Alazar to return home to his loving wife.

Overview
"The Fourth King" is a 1997 animated movie directed by Ted Sieger. The motion picture follows the journey of a 4th sensible male named Mazzel, who embarks on a journey to join the other 3 in their quest to satisfy the newborn King in Bethlehem. The film spans categories, integrating aspects of experience, funny, and inspiration, all while anchoring its story in a Christmas-themed setting. The story is distinct as it provides a fresh perspective on the widely known nativity story by including a fourth king, Mazzel, into the mix, making it appealing to both children and grownups alike.

Plot
The story begins with the celestial signal of a brand-new king's birth that draws in four kings rather of 3. Mazzel, a modest and kind-hearted king, signs up with Melchior, Balthasar, and Gaspar - the universally acknowledged Three Wise Men - towards Bethlehem. He brings along a box of lovely, luminous stones as a present for the newborn king. Nevertheless, Mazzel's journey is riddled with unpredicted obstacles and hold-ups that sidetrack him from his initial mission.

Along the method, he encounters and assists struggling beings such as a pack of hungry animals, a group of oppressed bugs, and a tricked neighborhood of nocturnal creatures thinking it is always night. Mazzel, in each scenario, takes part in the act of generosity by giving away his jewels, conserving them from their miserable circumstances. As a result, his selfless acts make him their steady admiration and commitment.

Characterisation
Mazzel, the fourth king, stands as the embodiment of altruism and self-sacrifice. Throughout the story, he assists the less lucky, with no expectation of thankfulness or benefit, affirming his generous nature. His character drives the plot and adds depth to the storyline, underlining the movie's central style - the act of providing. Moreover, his interactions with the animal and insect kingdom inject humor and light-heartedness into the extensive story.

The other entities - the animals, insects, and nighttime animals - each contribute substantially to the story. Regardless of their preliminary battles, they humorously and admirably recuperate and, in turn, contribute to the story's general appeal.

Conclusion of The Film
Mazzel gets here in Bethlehem much behind the other three kings, having handed out all his beautiful stones. To his surprise, he is rewarded with a vision of the Christ Child himself, verifying that he has actually supplied the most valuable gifts of kindness and compassion, effectively done his objective.

Significance and Message
"The Fourth King" successfully provides the message of kindness, selflessness, and the genuine spirit of giving. By integrating the character of Mazzel, the narrative difficulties the conventional principle that provides are materialistic, suggesting that acts of love and kindness are much more precious. Regardless of being set in a nativity background, the film communicates universal worths, making it an engaging and thought-provoking look for everybody, despite faith or age.

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