Not just for children, this clever animation is both an exploration and celebration of fine cuisine.
Remy the Rat is a would-be-chef and food lover whose enthusiasm for ingredients, flavours and creativity is the driving force of the narrative and is illustrated beautifully by the graphics. His mentor, the late Auguste Gusteau (clever plays on words abound), famously declared that “Anyone Can Cook”. The film shows that, while this is true, dedication combined with a love and understanding of food is also extremely important. Linguini, the heir apparent, is sadly lacking in these areas and it is only with Remy’s assistance that he can succeed in the restaurant business.
Other characters are well-executed stereotypes. Tyrannical and unprincipled Skinner represents the fast food industry, while the feisty female chef, Collette, is trying to make her mark in a male-dominated world. Anton Ego, the food critic, is cold, thin and evil until he experiences the ratatouille which reminds him of his childhood.
Many themes are explored throughout the film. The relationship between rats and humans is always a tenuous one, founded on mistrust and challenged by Linguini’s dependence upon Remy. There is also conflict within Remy’s family as he is torn between loyalty to his family (who want him to allow them access to the storeroom) and his own ambition.
The animation itself is superb. The movement of the rats shows fine observation while the atmosphere of Paris and the ‘life’ of a professional kitchen are captured perfectly. There is a documentary as part of the DVD package which discusses the similarities between producing a fine film and a fine plate of food (creativity, hard work, visualisation of the effect on the recipient, etc.)
The characters are voiced by a host of famous names such as Brian Dennehy, Ian Holm and Peter O’Toole but they all work well. Janeane Garofolo is superb as Collette and Jamie Oliver is the health inspector.
Of course we know there will be a happy ending but how this happens is interestingly played out and it is only when everyone is honest and open that they achieve real success.
This film is surely an inspiration for children and I can imagine that many will want to try cooking after watching it.
Watch the trailer:
