Ferdinand: A Gentle Bull’s Tale of Courage and Compassion
This is a delightful animated tale about a Spanish bull who defies expectations and refuses to participate in bullfighting.
Unlike other bulls in Spain, Ferdinand has no desire to lock horns or dream of performing in the bullring. Instead, he finds joy in smelling flowers and admiring the beauty of nature. When his father doesn’t return from a bullfight, Ferdinand escapes from the bull-breeding ranch and finds refuge on a flower farm. There, he is lovingly cared for and never pressured to fight. The happy little bull grows into a massive, gentle giant, but his kind nature remains unchanged. However, when he accompanies his human family to a flower festival, Ferdinand inadvertently causes chaos in the town. The authorities mistakenly believe he is a dangerous rogue and return him to the bullfighting ranch. There, a legendary matador is preparing to choose the most powerful bull for his final performance.
The film is based on Munro Leaf’s children’s book, “The Story of Ferdinand.” First published in the United States in 1936, it was banned in Spain until the death of dictator Franco.
A Spanish Tale with a Modern Twist
What better way to respond to Pixar’s “Mexican” blockbuster, “Coco,” than with a “Spanish” animated film? Blue Sky Studios, the creators of “Ice Age” and “Rio,” have crafted a movie filled with Southern charm. However, instead of glorifying Spain, “Ferdinand” serves as a reminder that the country has yet to abandon the barbaric tradition of bullfighting, which is considered animal torture in most of the civilized world.
In 1938, Walt Disney Studios created a short film about Ferdinand, which won an Oscar for “Best Animated Short Film.”
Like “Coco” and many other contemporary animated films, “Ferdinand” champions the right of individuals to be themselves and live life on their own terms, rather than conforming to societal expectations. However, Carlos Saldanha’s film goes a step further, illustrating that sometimes, playing by the rules imposed by society is a losing game.
Challenging the System
A bull can be brave or cowardly, weak or mighty, but when he plays by the rules of the livestock industry, he has little hope. The weak are slaughtered, and the strong are killed in the arena, which is just a more agonizing and sadistic slaughterhouse. The only way to survive is to challenge the system, like Ferdinand, and not fear the ridicule of those short-sighted bulls who believe the game is fair and that they can win.
Paradoxically, this gentle, kind-hearted pacifist, who avoids fights and runs from danger, proves to be more resolute, heroic, and wise than the eager bulls who dream of bullfighting, prepare for it, and see each other as rivals rather than potential allies in a group escape. Like the protagonist of the recent war drama “Hacksaw Ridge,” Ferdinand demonstrates that what may appear as weakness can be a sign of great inner strength. A pacifist may not become an avenger, but he can become a savior.
A Family Film with a Message
This is a rather harsh and serious message, and the film contains tragic and dramatic moments that may make “Ferdinand” too intense for the youngest viewers. However, it is still a family film, not a bloody “adult” movie. Its revolutionary core is presented with a generous helping of unoriginal but well-executed children’s humor. The film is full of jokes and gags, and it features very comical characters, such as the hyperactive goat who tries to train Ferdinand for the bullfight. In the original version, this character is voiced by the popular comedian Kate McKinnon, and her comedic energy, bordering on the absurd, is unmistakable even in the dubbed version.
The first half of “Ferdinand” is mostly dialogue-driven, but in the second half, the action becomes fast-paced and almost like an action movie, with a lengthy chase scene in the best Hollywood tradition. So, there’s no chance of getting bored during the screening. The film also offers plenty to admire: stunning landscapes, vibrant colors (and flowers), and beautifully animated characters with charming appearances. The main character is especially endearing, even though he is a massive bull weighing almost a ton.
A Universal Story
The film’s music incorporates “Latin” motifs (specifically “Latin,” not exclusively Spanish), but “Ferdinand” doesn’t overdo the national flavor. Unlike “Coco,” it doesn’t try to be an encyclopedia of Spanish life or encompass everything that can be said about Spain. Above all, it is a touching and cheerful story, and at its core, it is quite universal. It is perhaps the best film from Blue Sky since the first “Ice Age.”