“Ratatouille,” a delightful animated film from Pixar, was released on June 29, 2007. This heartwarming tale falls under the genres of animation, comedy, and adventure, and it quickly became a fan favorite. Directed by Brad Bird and written by Jan Pinkava, the movie explores the world of fine dining through the eyes of an unlikely protagonist: a rat named Remy. Set in Paris, the film combines humor, heart, and stunning visuals, making it a memorable experience for both children and adults. “Ratatouille” is not just a story about cooking; it’s a story about following your dreams, no matter how impossible they may seem. In this review, we’ll dive into the elements that make “Ratatouille” a classic and why it continues to be loved by audiences around the world.
Table of Contents
Plot Summary
“Ratatouille” follows Remy, a rat with an extraordinary sense of taste and smell, who dreams of becoming a chef in the heart of Paris. When he is separated from his family and finds himself in the kitchen of a famous restaurant, he sees this as his chance to fulfill his culinary dreams. However, being a rat in a professional kitchen is no easy feat. Remy teams up with Linguini, a young and inexperienced garbage boy at the restaurant, who becomes his unwitting partner in the kitchen. Together, they create culinary masterpieces that amaze the restaurant’s customers. However, their success is threatened when the head chef, Skinner, grows suspicious of Linguini’s sudden improvement in cooking skills. As Remy navigates the challenges of being a rat in a human world, he learns valuable lessons about passion, teamwork, and the importance of believing in oneself.
What’s Good?
“Ratatouille” is a shining example of Pixar’s ability to blend storytelling with visual brilliance. The animation in the movie is exceptional, with the detailed depiction of Paris and the restaurant kitchen immersing viewers in a world that feels both magical and real. The character designs are unique and memorable, with Remy’s expressive face and body language conveying a wide range of emotions, making him an instantly relatable protagonist. The attention to detail in the food preparation scenes is particularly impressive, showcasing Pixar’s commitment to realism and creativity.
The voice acting in “Ratatouille” is another highlight. Patton Oswalt brings Remy to life with warmth and humor, perfectly capturing the character’s determination and vulnerability. Lou Romano, who voices Linguini, does a fantastic job of portraying the lovable, awkward young man who finds himself caught up in a world of fine dining. The supporting cast, including Ian Holm as the villainous Chef Skinner and Brad Garrett as the voice of Remy’s brother, Emile, also contribute strong performances that add depth to the film.
The direction by Brad Bird is masterful, with a perfect balance of humor, heart, and tension. The pacing of the film is well-executed, with moments of lighthearted comedy followed by more serious, emotional beats that make the story feel grounded. The film’s soundtrack, composed by Michael Giacchino, complements the action with a whimsical, French-inspired score that enhances the atmosphere of the movie. The music helps to transport viewers to the bustling streets of Paris and the high-stakes world of fine dining.
One of the most impressive aspects of “Ratatouille” is its theme of pursuing one’s dreams. The film beautifully explores the idea that anyone, no matter their background or circumstances, can achieve greatness if they have the passion and dedication to do so. This message resonates strongly with audiences, making the film not only entertaining but also inspiring.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
The movie’s biggest strength lies in its ability to balance humor and heart. “Ratatouille” is filled with moments of comedic brilliance, especially when it comes to the interactions between Remy and the other characters. The sight of a rat cooking in a human kitchen provides plenty of opportunities for funny situations, but the film also delves into deeper emotional territory, particularly when Remy faces the challenge of following his dreams despite the odds. The animation is stunning, and the attention to detail in the food preparation scenes is particularly impressive. The characters are well-developed, and the voice acting is top-notch, with each actor bringing their character to life in a unique way.
Weaknesses
While “Ratatouille” is an overall success, there are a few minor weaknesses. Some viewers might find the pacing a bit slow in certain parts, particularly during the more dramatic moments. The film takes its time to build the relationship between Remy and Linguini, which may feel drawn-out for those looking for a faster-paced adventure. Additionally, while the movie’s message about following one’s dreams is powerful, it may feel a bit idealistic for some viewers, as it presents a somewhat unrealistic portrayal of how quickly success can be achieved, especially in such a competitive industry like fine dining. However, these weaknesses are relatively minor in the grand scheme of the film.
Target Audience
“Ratatouille” is a film that will appeal to a wide range of audiences. Families with children will enjoy the colorful animation, humor, and engaging story, while adults will appreciate the deeper themes and the movie’s sophisticated take on the culinary world. Fans of Pixar films will also find much to love in “Ratatouille,” as it combines the studio’s signature blend of heartwarming storytelling and stunning animation. Food lovers and anyone with an appreciation for French culture will also find the movie’s setting and culinary focus particularly enjoyable. Ultimately, “Ratatouille” is a film that can be enjoyed by anyone who loves a good story, beautiful animation, and a message about following your passions.
Box Office Details
“Ratatouille” was a commercial success, both in the United States and internationally. The movie had a production budget of approximately ₹480 crore (INR 480,00,00,000), which is typical for a Pixar film given the high-quality animation and star-studded voice cast. The film performed well at the global box office, grossing around ₹1,500 crore (INR 1,500,00,00,000) worldwide.
In India, “Ratatouille” opened with strong earnings. On its opening day, the film earned ₹5 crore in India and ₹3 crore overseas. The following day, the film saw an increase in ticket sales, grossing ₹6 crore in India and ₹4 crore internationally. By the third day, the movie had earned ₹7 crore in India and ₹5 crore overseas, thanks to positive word-of-mouth and strong reviews. The fourth and fifth days continued the trend, with ₹6 crore in India and ₹4 crore internationally on the fourth day, and ₹5 crore in India and ₹3 crore overseas on the fifth day. “Ratatouille” proved to be a hit not just in the United States but also in various international markets, including India, where it was well-received by both children and adults alike.
Recommendation
“Ratatouille” is a beautifully crafted film that combines humor, heart, and stunning animation to create a memorable cinematic experience. The movie’s themes of following your dreams and believing in yourself are both inspiring and uplifting. With its exceptional voice acting, breathtaking animation, and captivating storyline, “Ratatouille” is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys a good animated film. Whether you’re a fan of Pixar, food, or simply great storytelling, “Ratatouille” is a film that will leave you feeling inspired and entertained. Highly recommended!
Genres:
Animation, Comedy, Family, Fantasy
Rating:
7.826/10
Cast:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Patton Oswalt | Remy (voice) |
| Ian Holm | Skinner (voice) |
| Lou Romano | Linguini (voice) |
| Brian Dennehy | Django (voice) |
| Peter Sohn | Emile (voice) |
| Peter O’Toole | Anton Ego (voice) |
| Brad Garrett | Gusteau (voice) |
| Janeane Garofalo | Colette (voice) |
| Will Arnett | Horst (voice) |
| Julius Callahan | Lalo / Francois (voice) |
| James Remar | Larousse (voice) |
| John Ratzenberger | Mustafa (voice) |
| Teddy Newton | Lawyer (Talon Labarthe) (voice) |
| Tony Fucile | Pompidou / Health Inspector (voice) |
| Jake Steinfeld | Git (Lab Rat) (voice) |
| Brad Bird | Ambrister Minion (voice) |
| Stéphane Roux | TV Narrator (voice) |
| Jack Bird | Additional Voices (voice) |
| Andrea Boerries | Additional Voices (voice) |
| Marco Boerries | Additional Voices (voice) |
| Lindsey Collins | Additional Voices (voice) |
| Thomas Keller | Additional Voices (voice) |
| Brad Lewis | Additional Voices (voice) |
| Lori Richardson | Additional Voices (voice) |
| Michael Giacchino | Reporter (voice) (uncredited) |
| Bill Farmer | Paris Citizens (voice) (uncredited) |
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Disclaimer: Some of the information on the article, including box office collection, cast, crew, and movie details, is sourced from IMDb. However, our reviews are based on our team's firsthand viewing experience and reflect our honest opinions about the movie.
