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.
