Strings is an inventive, decidedly unusual historical drama, depicted entirely by puppets, both wooden and porcelain. Within the first few seconds, you're transported to a dark shady world where figures move very cleverly by visible strings.

A powerful king, the Emperor of Hebalon, is up against his archenemies, the Zeriths. After he dies in a surprising manner, young Prince Hal (voiced by James McAvoy) sets out to avenge his father's death, but while his ideas towards the Zeriths change, others are plotting to overthrow him and enforce a violent outcome. The question is, can Hal ensure that war doesn't break out and discover who is plotting against him?

Making a film entirely with marionettes is quite an undertaking, although having such an impressive voice cast will help attract an audience. It's a tribute to Anders Ronnow-Klarlund that the characters really do come alive in the way that they do. The story is told with considerable ingenuity and also a little humour from a team fully in touch with their puppet world.

That said, there are times when you want the story to speed along, because it can be ponderous, quite apart from the world of children's animation, or real life drama. Spending time in such a gloomy atmosphere of conspiracy becomes something you yearn to get out of.

It is not easy to see at whom this film is aimed. Adults might be bored by the visuals and really young ones scared by the air of malevolence. Strings may be too dark for comfort, but is well made all the same.