An instant classic, Ratatouille just might be the best film yet from both director Brad Bird (The Iron Giant, The Incredibles) and Pixar Studios.
A rare computer-animated movie made by artists, not just technicians, the film combines a heartwarming story with some of the most accomplished animation I´ve seen – and a lovable, irrepressible rat.
CGI has grown a lot in recent years, but this is the first film to truly blend it with the artistry of classic, hand-drawn animation.
The characters move fluidly and the ‘camera´ takes us to a world that that we´ve never been to; instead of mimicking live-action techniques, as so many animated features try to do, the filmmakers understand the art behind animation and Ratatouille does things that no live-action movie could hope to do.
Remy (voiced by Patton Oswalt) has a desire to discover all the flavors in the world, and to put them together in various combinations – in short, to become a chef.
There´s only one problem – he´s a rat; his brother can´t understand his desires, and his father employs his talents only to sniff garbage for rat poison. But after Remy is separated from his horde, and washes ashore in the sewers of Paris, he finds the restaurant of recently deceased Auguste Gusteau, beloved chef and author of ‘Anyone Can Cook´ – it´s here he will attempt to realize his dream.
His talents are soon discovered by Linguini, new garbage boy at the restaurant; despite the fact that the two can´t really communicate, a plan is devised where Remy hides in Linguini´s hat and controls his motions by pulling his hair, transforming the clumsy garbage boy into a master chef.
There´s something simplistic about the ugly duckling storyline, a small town rat becoming a big city chef, but the filmmakers pull it off with gusto, tying in a number of sideplots and pulling them all together beautifully. And Remy is absolutely delightful – rarely have I felt as much affection for an on-screen character. I loved this film.
Co-directed by Prague-born filmmaker Jan Pinkava, who left Pixar before the film was completed; Ratatouille marks his feature-length debut.
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