An American Tail (1986)

As a child, there were three mainstays of full length animated films I could go to for my fix. There was Disney, with their songs and wholesome messages; there was Ralph Bakshi, with his adult themes and often surprising and different animation and there was Don Bluth, who fell somewhere in the middle. Bluth's films were more geared towards children, but they didn't shy away from some hefty stuff. Remember when Littlefoot's mom died in 'The Land Before Time'? That's what I mean.

'An American Tail' might by Bluth's best known work, even though I feel that 'The Secret of Nimh' is a better film. It is darker than what Disney put out and Bluth often has messages or critiques stuck in his stories. This one is no different and makes the early migration to America by European people more tangible for kids. You switch out people for mice and it's easier to digest.

The Mousekewitz family live in Russia, but after their village is sacked by Cossak troops (and their cats), they decide to emigrate to America. They are told it is a land with many riches and - more importantly - no cats. During the trip, Fievel (the son) gets thrown overboard in a storm. Not the best start to a new life. Fievel survives, but now he must find his family. He is lied to by Warren T Rat and sold into child slavery, and his family believes him to be dead (except for his sister Tanya).

See what I mean with the pretty hefty subject material?

Very soon though, Fievel and his family discover that America isn't all sunshine and dewbells, as there are in fact cats in America and a great many immigrants are tossed into poverty or have to work immensely hard for nearly no pay.

There is a parallel to the real world here somewhere...

Eventually, the mice come up with a plan to get rid of a band of cats known as the Mott Street Maulers, so they can at least live in relative peace, and Fievel is instrumental in getting this done. And with a little luck, he is reunited with his family and they can finally begin their new life in earnest.

So, yes: there is a happy end. It coincides with the Statue of Liberty being finished and winking at Fievel and Tanya as they set out in the light of the setting sun, so the world feels filled with promise. But holy schmoly, there is some heavy, depressing stuff that comes first. But if kids get to learn about the harsh reality of those early migrants this way, why not through the medium of animation?

Of course, the reason the Mouskewitzes have to migrate is because of the Pogroms (they are Jewish). New York first feels inviting, but poverty, orphaned children, forced labour, racketeering: it all was (is?) a harsh truth for new inhabitants. And even though the film does have positive notes and ends well, it doesn't shy away from these things. Even the clear class separation is touched upon.

See what I mean when I said Don Bluth often has messages embedded? He doesn't slap you around the ears or pushes your face in it, he shows you things and lets you decide yourself and does so in a wonderful way.

That also makes 'An American Tail' a lot darker than most Disney stuff, for example. Sure, there are songs here as well. 'Somewhere Out There' is a little on the off key side of things, but just try and get 'There Are No Cats in America (and the Streets Are Made with Cheese') out of your head. I dare you. I've been humming it for two weeks straight...

Not everything works in this one's favour, though. I really don't like the character of Tony, who is written and portrayed a little too much like a clichéd Italian wiseguy from Brooklyn. Think of the stereotypical guy with the cocky accent and you've got him nailed. He just gets on my nerves. Also, the fact that on several occasions, Fievel is literally about three feet from his family and yet they never hear or see each other is infuriating. I know, tensionbuilding and all that, but still. But other than that, the film is wonderfully animated, the characters are lively and well written (most of them, anyway) and the subject material is interesting without ever becoming tedious.

Do I love this one? Yes. But I do love 'The Land Before Time' and 'The Secret of NIMH' more.

I am however a massive fan of Warren's cockroach, though. That one is hilarious.