Ferdinand
Built to Fight. Born to Love.
Overview
Ferdinand, a little bull, prefers sitting quietly under a cork tree just smelling the flowers versus jumping around, snorting, and butting heads with other bulls. As Ferdinand grows big and strong, his temperament remains mellow, but one day five men come to choose the "biggest, fastest, roughest bull" for the bullfights in Madrid and Ferdinand is mistakenly chosen. Based on the classic 1936 children's book by Munro Leaf.
Backdrop
What makes this movie Worth Watching
Ferdinand's story, rooted in Munro Leaf's classic children's book, can be seen as a commentary on pacifism and resisting societal pressures to conform to violent expectations. The film implicitly critiques bullfighting culture and promotes a message of peaceful coexistence, especially relevant in a world often grappling with conflict and aggression.
- Beautiful animation style and vibrant color palette.
- A heartwarming story about embracing individuality and challenging stereotypes.
- Engaging voice acting performances, particularly from John Cena as Ferdinand.
- Positive messages about kindness, empathy, and standing up for what's right.
Fun Facts
- John Cena reportedly felt a strong connection to the character of Ferdinand, stating he could relate to being judged by his size and appearance.
- The film was dedicated to Ricardo Rodriguez, a Blue Sky Studios artist who worked on the film and passed away before its release.
- The German version of the film has a slightly different ending that is considered to be more emotional and reflective.