Ferdinand is a Kind-Hearted, Non-Violent Bull – Based on the Book by the Same Name

Ferdinand is a big bull with an even bigger heart. He has always rejected the ways of the bulls and refuses to fight. He would rather sit under a tree and smell the flowers. Through a series of mishaps, he is captured and taken from his home, but he is determined to find his way back. Can he escape the life of a bullfighting bull? In this Ferdinand The Bull Christian Movie Review, I give parents the info they need before viewing with their children.

All movies reviewed by me are done so at my own expense unless otherwise stated.

About Ferdinand the Bull:

This movie is based on the classic picture book by Munro Leaf, The Story of Ferdinand (with drawings by Robert Lawson) and was first published in 1936. It is a delightful book that is sure to entertain young and old. In 1938 Disney released an animated short based on the book, which won an Academy Award for Best Short Subject (cartoon). The 7-minute film stayed true to the book and is a must-watch.

Blue Sky Studios has released the 2017 Ferdinand production. Because I love the book so much, I eagerly anticipated this movie. And my son, Jack-Jack, has been asking about it for weeks.

Ferdinand the Bull Christian Movie Review – What Parents Want to Know

Potentially Objectionable Content:

Bullying: This adorable film is short on objectionable content, but there are a few things that families may want to watch for. Ferdinand is a gentle bull, and because of that, he is the subject of “bullying” by the other young bulls (which are actually called calves until they are grown.) Ferdinand is called “flower boy” and other derogatory names.

Violence:

When Ferdinand is stung by a bee, he accidentally destroys a town! Furthermore, this scene shows a baby being in danger and thrown in the air. In addition, a matador slashes the skin of a bull. Bull horns are shown mounted on a wall. Some bulls find themselves in a “chop shop” – slaughterhouse.

Language:

The song Brick House is played. A goat makes some suggestive comments about Ferdinand’s physique.

There are some cliche moments and sayings. At one point Ferdinand is “the bull in the china shop.” 

Positive Messages:

You are not a product of your environment. Ferdinand is expected to be a bullfighting bull, but he rejects violence. He changes his life by sticking to his convictions. He is a positive, upbeat, and a kind soul. Furthermore, he is willing to sacrifice himself to save others.

Ferdinand the Bull Christian Movie Review – My Viewing Recommendations

This movie is rated PG, although it is one of the milder PG movies I have seen. I would recommend ages 4 and up. My son Jack-Jack who is 13 and autistic, loved this movie. Additionally, the other people in the audience loved it.

While it is a charming movie, be warned that there are downright stupid parts. For instance, there are horses with German accents that I actually think distracted from the movie. They could have been left out, and I would have enjoyed it so much more.

Finally, Ferdinand is adorable and has such a positive message of non-violence. The overarching theme is that your life is not already mapped out for you. Ferdinand was expected to be a bull that fights, but he rejected that lifestyle and was able to change his life and the lives of those around him. Against all odds, Ferdinand succeeded in bringing peace to his world.

About Ferdinand the Bull Movie:

Rating: PG

Release Date: December 15, 2017

Runtime: 1 hour, 48 minutes

Produced by Blue Sky Animation

Distributed by 20th Century Fox

Cast & Crew:

Ferdinand the Bull voiced by John Cena

Lupe voiced by Kate McKinnon

Valiente and Valiente’s father voiced by Bobby Cannavale

Valiente as a calf voiced by Jack Gore

Guapo voiced by Peyton Manning

Bones voiced by Anthony Anderson

Angus (a Scottish Highland bull) voiced by David Tennant

Nina voiced by Lily Day

Juan (Nina’s father) voiced by Juanes

Paco voiced by Jerrod Carmichael

Moreno voiced by Raul Esparza

Dos voiced by Daveed Diggs

Cuatro voiced by Gabriel Iglesias

Bunny voiced by Cindy Slattery

Director: Carlos Saldanha

Screenplay by: Robert L. Baird, Tim Federle, Brad Copeland

Story by: Ron Burch, David Kidd, Don Rhymer

Producer: John Davis, Lisa Marie Stetler, Lori Forte, Bruce Anderson

Music by: John Powell

Thanks for following along!

Patty @ A Mother’s Random Thoughts