Combining epic action with lyricism and psychological depth, this beautiful and moving film broke new ground in placing the theme of death at the center of a child's world. Little Karl is terminally ill and afraid of dying. But the end of life becomes the beginning of adventure when Karl and his big brother Jonathan are reunited in the fairytale land of Nangijala, a place beyond death, where the boys embark on a perilous journey to defend a peaceful valley from a tyrant.