Die Katze des Rabbiners

For animation buffs, the visuals are superb, so it isn't a surprise that it won some French award for that. The story, however, is another matter. Since I am unfamiliar with the original material, of which the movie is based, I can only speak to the adaptation.

You can read about the plot or the synopsis for the story line. I think the plot does capture "cattish" behavior quite well. The problem for me was the PC world view of the story. Forget 1920. Despite the period piece timing, the story is very much 2120. Everyone gets along or, more to the point, everyone should get along. Christian, Muslim, Jew, believer and atheist, black and white--you name it, it is here. That utopia awaits should not surprise anyone.

I would say the movie is for animation buffs for the most part. Animal lovers, and particular feline lovers as myself, will get drawn in but lost in the shuffle.

One expects to enjoy this based on its reputation and the awards it received, but still I'm so very pleased with just how good it is. One part comedy and one part adventure, the writing is very sharp as it plays lightly and only in a heartfelt, good-natured way with various real-life notions. While broadly encouraging fraternity and honoring religion (and Judaism particularly), 'The rabbi's cat' talks of the differences and commonalities between faiths, and likewise between people; dismisses zealotry of any nature; acknowledges the tendency in established belief systems toward racism, misogyny, and otherwise prejudice, and pokes at religious belief versus scientific truth; recognizes antisemitism as a sad reality; and more. And still all this is treated in a way that's fun and thoughtful, in a story that involves a talking cat. Much love to creator, co-writer, co-director, and co-producer Joann Sfar, for this is a very balanced and well-rounded movie, and well worth its ninety minutes.

A few select scene changes give the animators a chance to toy with different styles, but in those and in the predominant method the visuals are rich with detail that's a real treat as a viewer. There's not necessarily anything wholly remarkable about the animation, but it's very well done, and the designs for backgrounds and characters alike are a minor joy in and of themselves. Beyond those airs of light humor and adventure, and the greater underlying intelligence, Sfar and his collaborators are to be commended for an engaging, satisfying viewing experience, with a story that's easy to get invested in whether one is giving their full attention or seeking a more casual watch. The voice cast lend splendid personality to their characters, and as a cat lover I'm especially happy with how the titular feline is portrayed, definitely illustrating that those behind this production are ailurophiles themselves. While music and sound effects take a back seat to the writing, they're well done and flavorful as they add to the entertainment value.

'The rabbi's cat' is no revelation; for all the smart things it has for us to ponder, overall it's on the more frivolous and irreverent side of the medium. By all means, however, it's all that it needs to be, and I had a good time watching. Given a couple instances of violence or situations of a slightly more adult nature I'm not entirely sure that I'd say this is appropriate for all ages, at least not by American standards. Putting that aside, though, I think this is certainly something that anyone could enjoy, and surely take a little something more away from it in addition to the amusement it immediately stands to offer. It may not entirely be something you need to go out of your way to see, but if you have the opportunity to watch 'The rabbi's cat,' this is very well done and worth ninety minutes for one and all.

A delightful animated film from France. From one style to another, it plays so elegantly all the way through. Discussing the topic of religion without sugarcoating it to stereotypical fashion. It is a smart and funny comedy that I hope you enjoy.

I really enjoyed this film. It's brilliantly drawn, charming, discusses real events from history, and touches on philosophy. It also takes its time, which is refreshing nowadays. Clearly a lot of work went into this piece of art, which doesn't attempt to be a money making blockbuster.

It was neat to see another famous cartoon character make a cameo appearance midway through the film.

I'd really like to see more films like this. 8/10. Great work.

And now my usual Lorem Ipsum to satisfy IMDb's ten line requirement: But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful.

What an excellent animation, a very pleasant surprise ! Able to talk (not to much insisting on the religious side) about Judaism, Jews and Muslims all together without being heavy, pedant nor dogmatic and with a great touch of humour, I loved that. The drawing are very well made, the dialogues (rather simple, like my comment) have the right touch to make you smile... and the cat is just perfect !

Usually I avoid every movie talking about Judaism, not because of Judaism itself (I am an atheist), but for political reasons : since 1967, I am fed up with all the propaganda made for (sionism and) Israël. I mean the state, not the people living there. For a country created on foreign lands which did not belong to the Jews more than it did to the Palestinians... and the last mentioned were already there... ! Personnaly, I have no problem to speak and communicate with any Israelis, Arabic or Jew, unless he/she comes along with his/her Uzi or AK-47 and puts it in front of my noise :-) And I am also fed up with the brainwash in most newspapers and in TV channels made since WW2, as if the Jews were the only ones who suffered and died during the six sad long years... Why Russian or Polish couldn't also lament for 70 years ?! Imagine the newspapers, filled with these types of articles : it could last for 300 years !!!

Well, back to this funny animation, I will recommend it to my friends and/or to anyone who could enjoy something fresh, original, out of the main stream blockbusters. I agree there are some missing explanatory parts, but I don't care, I enjoyed the whole part.

10/10

A film is never really good unless the camera is an eyes in the head of a poet Orson Welles