Ferdinand

Ferdinand is a captivating and heartwarming 2017 computer-animated comedy-adventure film brought to life by the creative minds at Blue Sky Studios and 20th Century Fox Animation. The film features an impressive voice cast led by popular professional wrestler and actor John Cena. Cena lends his voice to the titular character, adding both nuance and charm to Ferdinand. Other noteworthy voice talents include the hilarious Kate McKinnon and versatile actor Bobby Cannavale. Directed by Carlos Saldanha, the helmsman of the globally adored "Ice Age" and "Rio" franchises, this kid-friendly movie is based on the iconic children's book "The Story of Ferdinand" by Munro Leaf.

The nationalist and festive milieu of Spain serves as the backdrop for Ferdinand - a tale of a unique bull with an unusual perspective on life compared to his compatriots. The central character, Ferdinand, is a massive bull with a proportionally large heart. Despite being a bull, Ferdinand shuns the violent culture of bullfighting that dominates his world. Instead, he is more content with the peaceful pursuit of smelling and enjoying flowers, an activity that allows him to express his gentle nature.

However, Ferdinand's pacifist approach is often met with misunderstanding. His gigantic size and breed make him an automatic target of fear, misunderstanding, and prejudice. His peaceful demeanor is challenged when he's mistakenly seen as a dangerous beast, leading to his capture and removal from his peaceful home. His journey towards seeking freedom and happiness forms the crux of the storyline.

John Cena breathes life into the character of Ferdinand and convincingly portrays the bull's affable personality and passive stance against violence. Kate McKinnon, lending her voice to a calming goat named Lupe, is Ferdinand's self-appointed coach, trying to prep him for the world of bullfighting, but more importantly, becomes a caring friend to Ferdinand. Bobby Cannavale voices Valiente, a competitive bull and Ferdinand's antagonist, who believes in the traditional notions of bull destiny.

The film showcases themes of pacifism, acceptance, friendship, and the courage to be true to oneself, no matter the pressure to conform. Amidst all its fun and humor, Ferdinand takes a definitive stance against violence and bullfighting, encouraging its viewers, particularly younger audiences, to respect and value all forms of life. The narrative also underscores the message that appearances can be deceptive, illustrating this through the character of Ferdinand who, despite his imposing size and strength, is a gentle soul who would rather enjoy the scent of flowers than engage in fights.

Ferdinand is more than just an entertaining film; it carries layers of poignant messages, enveloped in beautifully-designed animation, typically associated with Blue Sky Studios' works. The underlying commentary on the brutal sport of bullfighting is subtly and thoughtfully conveyed, aimed predominantly at the younger viewers glued to the screen.

The narrative also offers a variety of charming and humorous characters, such as a trio of mischievous hedgehogs and a group of competitive, dancing horses, providing timely comedic relief and fun diversions throughout Ferdinand's journey.

With an engaging storyline, lovable characters, vibrant animation, and an important, socially-relevant theme, and powered by the quality voice work of Cena, McKinnon, and Cannavale, Ferdinand is a delightfully entertaining movie for all ages. It seamlessly keeps viewers engaged with its wholesome content, valuable lessons, and visually appealing animation, making it a must-watch film for families. The heart of Ferdinand lies in its warmth and positive message - it teach audiences to be true to themselves, to not judge a book by its cover and, above all, that being gentle does not equate to being weak.