Ferdinand (2017)
Synopsis:
Ferdinand is a gentle bull who would rather sit peacefully under a cork tree smelling flowers than engage in the rough-and-tumble antics of his fellow bulls. Despite growing big and strong, Ferdinand maintains his calm and mellow nature, preferring tranquility over aggression. His peaceful life takes an unexpected turn when five men arrive to select the biggest, fastest, and roughest bull for the prestigious bullfights in Madrid. Through a case of mistaken identity, the peace-loving Ferdinand finds himself chosen for the arena, setting him on an adventure far from the quiet life he cherishes. This animated family comedy follows Ferdinand's journey as he stays true to his gentle spirit while navigating a world that expects him to be something he's not.
Where To Watch: Ferdinand
Parental Feedback
Ferdinand offers a gentle, heartwarming experience built around themes of nonviolence and staying true to oneself. The pacing is steady and accessible for younger viewers, blending lighthearted humor with moments of emotional depth as the story explores identity and acceptance. Families will encounter themes of friendship, courage, and the importance of choosing peace over aggression, all wrapped in colorful animation and a tone that balances comedy with sincere character moments.
Why Kids Should Watch Ferdinand
This animated adventure provides several valuable lessons wrapped in an entertaining package that appeals to family audiences.
The central message about embracing individuality and rejecting violence offers children a powerful example of staying true to personal values even when facing pressure to conform. Ferdinand's gentle nature and preference for flowers over fighting demonstrates that strength comes in many forms.
The voice cast, including John Cena as Ferdinand and Kate McKinnon as Lupe, brings warmth and humor to characters that model friendship and loyalty. The diverse ensemble of bulls and other animals creates opportunities for children to see different personalities working together.
The animation from Blue Sky Studios presents vibrant visuals and engaging action sequences that maintain interest without relying on intense or frightening content. The Spanish setting and bullfighting backdrop introduce cultural elements in an age-appropriate context.
Themes of compassion, acceptance, and finding peaceful solutions to conflict provide discussion points for families about handling disagreements and respecting differences in others.
Why Kids Shouldn't Watch Ferdinand
While generally family-friendly, some elements may require parental consideration depending on individual sensitivities.
The bullfighting premise, though handled gently, introduces the concept of animals being selected for combat and potential harm. Some children may find the underlying threat to Ferdinand and the other bulls concerning, even though the film advocates against violence.
Certain scenes involving the bulls' fear of their fate or moments of separation and danger could prove emotionally intense for very young or sensitive viewers. The stakes involve life-and-death circumstances that, while not graphically depicted, form the story's tension.
The runtime of 1 hour and 48 minutes may challenge the attention span of younger children, particularly those under five who might struggle with the longer narrative arc and more complex emotional themes.
Verdict: Parent Approved
Ferdinand earns approval for its positive messages about nonviolence, individuality, and compassion, delivered through engaging animation and characters that make meaningful themes accessible to children.
What Parents Should Know About Ferdinand
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this Movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | Yes, Ferdinand consistently models kindness, nonviolence, and staying true to oneself despite peer pressure, providing clear examples of choosing peaceful solutions over aggression. |
| Does this Movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | Yes, scenes involving the bulls' fear about their uncertain futures and moments of separation or danger may prove emotionally challenging for sensitive or younger viewers. |
| Does this Movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | Yes, characters who choose aggression or cruelty face negative outcomes, while those who embrace friendship and compassion find positive resolutions. |
| Does this Movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | Yes, the story emphasizes friendship, cooperation among different personalities, and the importance of supporting others, particularly through Ferdinand's relationships with the other animals. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | Yes, the central message that being true to yourself and choosing peace over violence is both brave and valuable comes through clearly throughout the narrative. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Parents generally appreciate the film's positive messages about nonviolence and individuality, noting that it provides valuable conversation starters about staying true to personal values and treating others with kindness. Many families find the humor accessible across age groups while appreciating the emotional depth that doesn't talk down to children. Some parents note that the bullfighting context, though handled sensitively, may require brief explanations for younger viewers unfamiliar with the cultural practice. The voice performances and animation quality receive consistent praise, with families highlighting the film's ability to entertain while delivering meaningful themes about compassion and acceptance that resonate beyond the viewing experience.
Official Ferdinand Trailer
Why Kids Love Ferdinand
Ferdinand delivers nonstop cartoon-style chaos when a massive bull crashes through a china shop, sending plates and teacups flying in every direction. The slapstick comedy ramps up as Ferdinand tries to tiptoe carefully but ends up smashing everything anyway, creating hilarious destruction that keeps kids giggling at the absurd mayhem.
The fast-paced action kicks into high gear with wild chasing scenes as Ferdinand and his animal friends scramble to escape danger. Lupe the goat adds silly jokes and goofy energy as a funny sidekick who bounces around causing her own brand of trouble, while the colorful Spanish countryside provides a bright, eye-popping backdrop for all the madness.
Kids love watching Ferdinand prove himself against the other tough bulls who snort and charge around the ranch. The brave hero stands out by doing things his own way instead of butting heads like everyone expects, creating funny moments when the biggest bull refuses to act tough and scary.
The cartoon chaos explodes when Ferdinand gets mistakenly chosen for the bullfights in Madrid, launching a series of wild escapes and close calls. Animal friends team up for daring rescues filled with slapstick stumbles and last-second getaways that keep the energy bouncing from one exciting set piece to the next.