Avez-vous déjà rêvé de suivre les traces d’un rat gourmet à travers les ruelles enchantées de Paris ? If you feel it’s time to understand the last phrase, learn French and enjoy a superb animation, Ratatouille is the best way to motivate you.

Ratatouille: A film that was produced in 2007, and it is one of the best animated films that brings out the real spirit of France, especially Paris, with a great story that depicts the struggle of a gourmet rat who dreams of becoming a fine chef in a professional kitchen. This is a great film on the art of cooking or as most critics referred to it, it is a masterpiece in the cinema and in the kitchen as this is a product of Pixar Animation Studios Brad Bird as the director.

Positives:

Quite definitively, one of the most impressive aspects of the film is director Brad Bird’s ability to recreate the atmosphere of Paris in every detail. It is also one of the most elaborate and visually appealing ones where viewers can see recognizable identifiers like the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the River Seine. From the cobblestoned roads and charming markets to the café corridors in Paris, it all looks and feels like the genuine love letter to the city. Concealed messages and influential French elements engaged hosts and guests as key (and joyous) components to French culture.

The casting for Ratatouille is outstanding, and the voice acting by all actors and actresses is creative and descriptive. Sly Remy, a rat with amazing culinary abilities, is voiced by Patton Oswalt. Here, the voice of Remy is vivid and life-loving and the character created by the actor is simply adorable as a protagonist. As for the movie’s secondary characters, Lou Romano does well portraying Linguini, an awkward but sincere and kind-hearted man who serves as the film’s cook. This film would not be complete without the complex Skinner played with an added touch of villainy by Ian Holm, nor without Peter O’Toole whose Anton Ego emerges as a fierce food critic with a certain weakness deep inside of him.

In the course of the film, one is treated to some meaningful and timeless quotes. Small “mottos” such as ‘Anyone can cook, but only the fearless can be great’, said by Chef Gusteau reflects the main driving force of the movie – the pursuit of dream and discovering who one wants to be. The ideas that Remy has about life and its many surprises, as well as the insight that Anton Ego has about the nature of screamed greatness, are not only philosophical but provide deeper meaning to even the most simple and basic of animated movie storylines making it not only entertaining, but also captivating.

One of the standout aspects of Ratatouille is its enchanting soundtrack composed by Michael Giacchino, which perfectly complements the film’s narrative and Parisian setting. The highlight of the soundtrack is undoubtedly the song «Le Festin,» sung by the talented French artist Camille.

«Le Festin» serves as both a thematic and emotional centerpiece in Ratatouille. Its lyrics, penned by director Brad Bird and translated into French by Boualem Lamhene, beautifully capture the essence of the film’s message about following one’s dreams and embracing life’s unexpected joys. Camille’s delicate yet powerful vocals evoke a sense of longing and determination, making the song resonate deeply with audiences.

Besides, the plot of Ratatouille is thrilling and funny, and carries a valuable lesson about following one’s dreams. Essentially, it tells the story of outcasts and friendship and the need to fight the norms that are set by the society. Remy, the protagonist, transforms from a rat with the ability to appreciate food to a chef who wants to be appreciated in the best way possible. Despite the fact that Linguini at first did not understand him, and it was rather difficult for them to communicate, they trusted each other, and this shows that the main idea of the movie is in the pursuit of success and the ability to overcome the difficulties with the help of cooperation.

The music selected by Michael Giacchino adds to the overall appeal of the movie by giving it a Parisian feel, while the music that was composed for the movie is thrilling. The tone of the music fits perfectly into the overall process of animation and conveys the atmosphere of a working kitchen, as well as the passion and charm of the night in Paris.

Weak Points:

Even though Ratatouille is usually considered to be as close to perfect as any film can get, some of its fans might feel that its pace is too slow at times. Although this pace may be quite slow, it benefits the creation of characters and their interactions, which enriches the story.

In Conclusion:

It is not only a movie, but also an example of an attempt to create something artistic in the context of animated films. It is the enchantment of a city, the delight of preparing food, and the search for identity no matter who you are. As the film offers impactful messages, incredible visuals, and remarkable characters, it remains one of the most loved animated movies. In my view, it is one that is impossible to argue against, 10/10 – a movie that touches and affects people in the best sense.