The Shivering King 1957
In "The Shivering King (1957)", a haunting puppet animation short directed by István Imre, a tyrannical wooden monarch ruled his frozen kingdom with ruthless indifference—until a small act of defiance ignited unexpected change.
Director: István Imre
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Shivering King (1957) about?
This puppet animation short tells the story of a heartless wooden king who rules his frozen kingdom with cruelty, burning all available wood until he faces resistance from an unlikely source—a young girl who dares to challenge his tyranny. The film blends folklore with social commentary, exploring themes of power, greed, and the transformative impact of empathy.
Who directed The Shivering King?
The Shivering King was directed by István Imre, a filmmaker known for his innovative approach to puppet animation and storytelling.
Who stars in The Shivering King?
The Shivering King (1957) features puppet figures designed by Ottó Foky, marking his debut in the role of puppet designer.
Is The Shivering King (1957) worth watching?
At just 17 minutes long, this short film offers a visually striking and thematically rich experience that fans of classic animation and fable-like storytelling will appreciate. While unrated on IMDb, its unique blend of folklore and social commentary makes it a compelling watch for those interested in lesser-known animated gems.
How long is The Shivering King?
The Shivering King (1957) has a runtime of 17 minutes.
About The Shivering King (1957) — A chilling puppet fable about tyranny and redemption
In "The Shivering King (1957)", a haunting puppet animation short directed by István Imre, a tyrannical wooden monarch ruled his frozen kingdom with ruthless indifference—until a small act of defiance ignited unexpected change. This 17-minute film weaves a poignant fable about power, greed, and the fragile nature of empathy, all set against a stark, wintery landscape that mirrors the king's icy heart. Adapted from Ferenc Móra's poem-fable, the story follows the monarch's descent into destruction as he consumes the very wood that sustains his people, only to be challenged by a child whose courage gradually melts his frozen resolve.
Director István Imre crafts a visually striking and thematically rich puppet film that debuted the creative talents of Ottó Foky as designer of the puppet figures. The atmosphere oscillates between eerie stillness and explosive tension, with the king's heartless actions serving as a stark critique of unchecked authority. As the young girl's voice grows louder, the film explores themes of innocence versus oppression, environmental exploitation, and the redemptive power of compassion in a world ruled by cold logic.