Ratatouille
Ratatouille is an animated comedy produced by Pixar Animation Studios and directed by Brad Bird, released in 2007. It tells the heartwarming story of Remy, a rat with an extraordinary sense of smell and a dream of becoming a gourmet chef, despite the objections of his family and the obvious challenges of his species. He forms an unlikely partnership with Alfredo Linguini, a clumsy garbage boy at a famous Parisian restaurant, controlling his movements by hiding under his chef's hat. Together, they aim to impress a formidable food critic and defy expectations. The film is known for its stunning animation, witty humor, and themes of pursuing one's passion and the idea that "anyone can cook." Targeted at a broad family audience, the movie carries a G rating from the MPAA. While generally considered appropriate for children, parental reviews suggest it is best suited for those aged 6 and up due to several intense scenes, thematic complexities, and some mild suggestive content. The film delves into themes of ambition, family dynamics, societal prejudice, and finding one's true calling, offering rich discussion points for families. Its enduring appeal lies in its engaging characters, culinary artistry, and universal message about defying limitations.
Concerns
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
MediumWhile Ratatouille contains no explicitly LGBTQ+ characters or relationships, academic and fan communities widely interpret Remy's journey and 'otherness' through a queer lens. Scholars suggest his character arc, including hiding his passion and seeking acceptance despite societal norms, parallels a 'coming-out story.' The 'closet' metaphor is applied to Remy hiding under Linguini's hat.
1. Remy's struggle to embrace his identity as a chef, which goes against his family's rat norms, is often analyzed as a metaphorical 'coming-out story,' with his secret life under Linguini's hat symbolizing a 'glass closet.' 2. Remy's father, Django, and brother, Emile, are depicted as representing a 'heteronormative' rat society, where they mock Remy's 'slight frame' and question his 'snobbery,' which some interpretations see as subtle coding related to his 'otherness' and perceived alternative masculinity.
Violence
MediumThe movie contains several instances of slapstick cartoon violence and intense chase scenes, though without graphic gore or severe injuries. Rats are frequently in peril, facing attacks from humans and environmental hazards.
1. An elderly woman uses a shotgun to repeatedly shoot at Remy and Emile, causing their home to be destroyed and creating a chaotic scene with flying bullets and shattering glass. 2. Colette, a chef, demonstrates an aggressive training method by pinning Linguini's shirt to a table with a sharp kitchen knife and brandishing another knife, presenting a threatening situation.
Romance and Sexual Content
MediumRomantic elements are present through the developing relationship between Linguini and Colette, including kissing. There is also a plot point involving a child born outside of marriage, which may be a point of discussion for some families.
1. Linguini and Colette engage in several romantic interactions, including two passionate kisses, such as one in the kitchen after a tense moment. 2. A significant plot reveal is that Linguini is the illegitimate son of the late Chef Gusteau, a detail explicitly noted in parental reviews.
Substance Use
MediumThe movie depicts alcohol consumption, including scenes where characters drink wine. One character becomes visibly intoxicated. There is no depiction of illegal drug use or smoking.
1. Chef Skinner attempts to get Linguini to reveal secrets by having him drink an entire bottle of wine, resulting in Linguini becoming obviously drunk and later passing out on the restaurant floor. 2. Other chefs are shown toasting and drinking wine in a celebratory context when Linguini achieves culinary success, portraying casual alcohol consumption.
Scary & Intense Content
MediumSeveral scenes in Ratatouille contain suspense, peril, and frightening moments, particularly for younger viewers. These include chaotic chases, near-death experiences for the rats, and separation from family.
1. Remy is separated from his rat colony early in the film, appearing alone and scared in the vast city of Paris, which can be a distressing experience for young children. 2. During an escape from an angry old woman, Remy and his brother Emile are subjected to a high-intensity sequence involving electrocution and being shot at with a shotgun, causing widespread destruction in their home as they narrowly avoid injury.
Disrespect & Rebellion
MediumA significant plot element involves Remy's consistent rebellion against his family's traditional ways and his father's direct commands regarding his passion for cooking. Other characters, such as Skinner, also exhibit negative behaviors like greed and manipulation.
1. Remy repeatedly disobeys his father, Django, who warns him against interacting with humans and cooking. This disobedience leads to the discovery and displacement of the entire rat colony. 2. Chef Skinner actively works against Gusteau's legacy and tries to fraudulently claim Gusteau's restaurant and recipes, displaying extreme greed and disrespect for his former mentor's wishes and legal heirs.
Profanity
LowThe film features minimal and very mild coarse language. Specific words like 'hell' are mentioned, and there are instances of curse words being cut short. Stronger profanity is not present.
1. The word 'hell' is used once, for example, when Skinner says, 'Welcome to hell' in reference to the kitchen environment. 2. Characters occasionally use truncated expletives, such as Linguini exclaiming 'Son of a—' when Remy bites him, and Remy saying 'What the—' during a chaotic escape sequence.
Witchcraft & Occult
LowThere are no elements of witchcraft, sorcery, or the occult. The character of Gusteau appears to Remy as a mentor figure, but is explicitly presented as a figment of Remy's imagination and conscience, not a supernatural entity or ghost.
1. The deceased Chef Gusteau appears as a 'ghostly' image to Remy throughout the film, providing guidance and encouragement; however, the narrative clearly establishes that Gusteau is an imaginary manifestation of Remy's inner thoughts, not a true spirit. 2. Remy frequently converses with this imagined Gusteau, whose advice helps him navigate challenges, but these interactions are internal and psychological rather than supernatural or magical.
Anti-Christian Themes
LowThe movie does not contain explicit anti-Christian themes or overt criticism of Christianity. While some parental reviews from a Christian perspective discuss thematic interpretations, such as a child born out of wedlock, or draw parallels to historical religious struggles, these are not direct anti-Christian messages within the film itself.
1. The plot reveals that Linguini is the biological son of the deceased Chef Gusteau, born out of wedlock, which some Christian viewers might find morally questionable or an opportunity for discussion on family values. 2. Some academic and cultural interpretations suggest that Remy's story, particularly the rats being viewed as 'vermin' and their struggle for acceptance in the human world, can be metaphorically linked to historical experiences of persecution or assimilation by Jewish communities, rather than an anti-Christian stance.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
6-8+ years, due to mild cartoon violence, some intense scenes, implied romance, and themes of disobedience and alcohol use that younger or more sensitive children might find complex or mildly unsettling, despite the MPAA G rating. Many parental review outlets suggest this age range.
Additional Notes
The film does not have direct feature-film sequels or alternative cuts that significantly change its content. Its primary messages revolve around pursuing dreams, embracing individuality, the importance of family (found and biological), and overcoming prejudice, which can be positive discussion points for families. The complex themes and rapid pacing might be more engaging for children aged 6 and above.
Related Reviews
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