An American Tail (1986)

An American Tail (1986)

6/10

Starring the voices of

Cathianne Blore

Dom DeLuise

John Finnegan

Madeline Kahn

Christopher Plummer

Directed by Don Bluth

An American Tail is a delightful animation that holds up well. Its quality matches that of any other animation from the era, proving it could stand alongside Disney’s best from the 1980s. The movie was a collaboration between Don Bluth (All Dogs Go to Heaven) and Steven Spielberg, and their combined efforts paid off beautifully.

The movie is enjoyable, and the musical score is, for lack of a better word, sweet.

The story takes a darker turn compared to most children’s films. As you watch, you see a young mouse face a series of challenges: he gets lost, sold into a sweatshop, escapes, is swallowed, escapes again, and nearly perishes in a fire. These events, paired with memorable musical interludes, unfold at a fast pace, making it an unforgettable and fun experience for children.

Some reviews suggest that the darker themes might disturb or lose the interest of younger viewers. However, I don’t think the movie is so grim that children can’t enjoy it or learn from the determined young mouse, Fievel.

The movie touches on Jewish themes but avoids delving too deeply into them, likely to keep the story free of political overtones.

Set in 1885, the plot follows a Jewish mouse family living in Russia in the home of a human. Papa Mouse gives his children gifts for Hanukkah, and they sing and play together. He shares a hopeful belief that there are no cats in America. However, their home is soon raided, and the family decides to immigrate to America to escape the cats terrorizing them.

During the boat journey, Papa’s young son, Fievel, wanders off exploring and ends up lost at sea, presumed dead. Heartbroken, the family settles into their new home, mourning his loss. Meanwhile, the audience learns that cats indeed exist in America, even though Papa initially refused to believe it.

Fievel survives and washes ashore, where he is rescued by a pigeon who encourages him to "never say never" and search for his family. Taking the advice to heart, Fievel begins his journey, which quickly turns dangerous. He moves from one perilous situation to another, but his unwavering determination to reunite with his family keeps him going.

I enjoyed how his journey introduced him to new friends and strengthened his resolve to find his parents.

The movie was a huge box office success, despite the mixed reviews it received, and it remains a joy to watch even now in 2020.