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Ferdinand

Ferdinand (2017)

Ferdinand, a little bull, prefers sitting quietly under a cork tree just smelling the flowers versus jumping around, snorting, and butting heads with other bulls. As Ferdinand grows big and strong, his temperament remains mellow, but one day five men come to choose the "biggest, fastest, roughest bull" for the bullfights in Madrid and Ferdinand is mistakenly chosen. Based on the classic 1936 children's book by Munro Leaf.

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Directed by Carlos Saldanha

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Carlos Saldanha
Producer
  • Lori Forte
  • Bruce Anderson
  • John Davis
  • Lisa Marie Stetler

Reviews

John
8/10

A fun movie for the kids with a pertinent message about winning a fight without fighting.

Apr 7, 2021

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Thematic Analysis

Ferdinand represents a fascinating example of Animation/Family/Adventure/Comedy cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.

Director Carlos Saldanha brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2017, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Ferdinand took approximately 3 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • With a budget of $111.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 108 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 144 minutes long.
  • The screenplay went through 12 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
  • The film contains approximately 890 individual shots.

Historical Context

  • In 2017, when this film is released:
  • Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
  • Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While Ferdinand shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Ferdinand subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Four Weddings and a Funeral and Fantasia explore similar territory, Ferdinand stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: December 9, 2017
  • Runtime: 1h 48m
  • Budget: $111,000,000
  • Revenue: $295,038,508

Where to Watch

Disney Plus
fuboTV
Freeform