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Ferdinand, a giant bull with a big heart, is mistaken for a dangerous beast, he is captured and torn from his home. Determined to return to his family, he rallies a misfit team on the ultimate adventure in order to return to his family. Based on the classic children's book, and filled with non stop fun and laughs. Ferdinand proves you can't judge a book by its cover!
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I only knew of Ferdinand being a book due to watching The Blind Side when it came out (and a few times since) but have never read it myself and it isn't a book that my kids have ever picked out at the library, so I went into this 'blind'. Ferdinand follows a sweet little bull with zero interest in fighting, who finds a peaceful home and then looses it, to end up back where he started, but now a huge bull with zero interest in fighting. There are some fun characters, my kids and I enjoyed the Hedgehogs, Lupe was worth a laugh or two and Angus the Scottish bull was fun as he attempted to see where he was going (and I didn't realize till after that it was voiced by David Tennant, I clearly haven't heard his real accent often enough).
This is a sweet tale about learning to stay true to who you really are, and there were some amusing parts such as Ferdinand being a literal bull in a china shop. I didn't really enjoy this film as much as I thought I would, whilst set in Spain, all the accents are American (other than Angus, and if he could have an accent why couldn't everyone else?) and the plot was nothing amazing, you knew exactly where each part of the story is going. It is good, though, that it highlights that sad ending to all bull fights, though it could easily have touched on it a little more... My kids enjoyed this film a lot more than I did, which at least means I didn't waste the money on the ticket. We've watched it again since, I it still isn't fab for me, but at least someone in my house enjoys the lighthearted fun.
I have never heard of the fable of Ferdinand before and had no idea what to expect. As soon as I realised it was about Bull Fighting I wanted to turn it off but then my husband jumped in and gave a quick summary of what the story was about - so we decided to carry on watching, and I am so glad I did, because it is so beautifully done.
We laughed, we cheered and we laughed some more. If you ever wanted to see a Bull twerk then this is the movie for you. It has to be one of the best dance off movies we have ever seen. Horses vrs Bulls and a Goat thrown in for good measure had his laughing so much and what is even better in the Extras on the DVD there is a Dance lesson and they break down dance moves which had my daughter very entertained for the past twelve hours. You just knew when Ferdinand ended up in a china shop it was not going to end well. There were lots of plays on words that my daughters did not quite get but it made for a very entertaining movie for both my husband and myself.
It touches on so many valuable life lessons but most importantly to always be yourself and treat others like you would love to be treated yourself. I love how Ferdinand stuck to his beliefs and never let anyway sway the way he thought or acted. I especially loved the scene where the bull and matador flipped personalities and you are shown who the real beast is. It had both of my girls discussing this afterwards and I am so impressed that the message was conveyed in such a way that they both understood it - a real credit to the movie.
It is an animated movie and it is just so special the pictures are very lively and the picture is so clear. The voices are perfectly fitted and the story holds your attention from start to finish. The special features of the DVD are very watchable especially building your own flower garden using egg shells and John Cena discussing how to get the best out of life just by eating healthy and having a positive mindset and it had some very valuable lessons for both of my girls. As I have mentioned beforehand there is also the dancing and it is very commendable.
With Christmas just around the corner I can recommend this movie as it touches on bullying and right and wrong and it is such a treasure of a movie. Well worth watching for the whole family and one I am sure we will be watching again very soon.
The story of Ferdinand is a classic tale that most of us have heard at some point in our childhood. The creators of the Ferdinand movie have taken this story and woven into it a mix of comedy, love, resilience, and friendship.
I found this movie had such a rich tapestry of characters and a wonderful humorous element throughout the film. The director even managed to add the classic, 'Bull in a china shop' into the film, but this is done in such a manner that the laughs are natural, and yes I did laugh out loud many times throughout the movie. There are moments that tug on your heartstrings, and I noticed all the viewers leaned in a little several times throughout the film, always a sign that you're invested in the movie and you don't want the tragic event to unfold.
The producer has introduced many new animals, but the story is delivered in such a way that they are naturally woven into the tale, and you don't question the introduction of a crazy goat or some spoiled horses! The animation is incredible, capturing the story and bringing all the characters to life.
The movie itself sends a message to viewers that you don't need to run with the crowd, it's important to stay true to yourself, and to look after your friends. The anti-bullying message is neatly part of the story, as is the 'don't judge a book by its cover' message.
I think this movie will earn a place in families hearts, it takes the classic tale and adds layers of complexity, and humour. This is a must-see movie, it will appeal to both young and old, boys and girls, and it can be enjoyed over and over.
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