So this is a new segment I'd like to call, Stew's Reviews, in which I review something (mostly films).
"Felidae" 1994Described as a "animated, mystery noir about cats", Felidae shows us that cartoons can be for adults too. In fact I should state it right now, THIS MOVIE IS NOT FOR KIDS. It may not be for cat lovers either since the movie has a heaping helping of mangled, dead cats.
With that out of the way I'm sure your question is, "well if its not for kids what's so great about it?" What is the balls of this film? What is the thing that hooks the viewer in. It seems to be a few things.
First off, the animation is great. Felidae was the most expensive animated film so far in Germany, with a cost of 10 million marks. It shows in a lots of places. All the cats move like cats (no anthropomorphizing into two legged animals like in the Secret of Nimh). The scene that I can recall the animation being at its peak is one of nightmare scenes (you'll know it when you see it). Other than that there are some times where the animation suffers. Usually this is in two shots or close shots where two characters are talking. Then again I did watch it dubbed so maybe I am mistaken. It did seem to be more stilted during those scenes though. Overall the quality is something that you would see in a Disney/Don Bluth film.
The story itself is another draw. Like I said, its a mystery/noir film but told from the perspective of a cat. The story is taken from Akif Pirincci's novel of the same name. The main character is Francis, a tabby who just moved to the neighborhood. He begins by narrating over the scenes as he investigates his new home. This is where I was initially pulled in. The dubbing is unnoticeable. Francis' noir narration is spot on with all the typical gumshoe detective types. The voice actors fit the mold perfectly so there is never a time where you don't feel pulled out of the movie due to odd voices.
Back to the plot, Francis sniffs around and finds a dead cat in the back yard. Another cat, named Bluebeard, informs him about the goings on in the neighborhood. The two team up (although Bluebeard just goes along for the ride) to find out who is killing cats. All the evidence they find is geared to the characters, such as they find that certain scents at the crime scene or which victims were neutered or not. Like any mystery story there are lots of times where you come up with a theory along with Francis, only to be duped when some new facts comes into play. Sadly though, if your like me, you will figure out the killer somewhere in the middle, but the film still throws a lot of different data at you that will make you doubt who you think is doing it. Along with the mystery there are some undertones of Man VS Animals and some allusions to Hitler. The Man VS Animal debate won't be a bludgeon over your head like Fern Gully's Man VS Nature.
I believe in the beginning I mentioned something about dead cats right? Yes, that is probably the third thing that drew me into this movie (although I regret it). Here is a list of things you will see in this movie: dead cats, corpse puppets, suicidal cats, disemboweling, innocent cats dying, beheaded cats, drilling brains, acid in brains, cat torture, and.......cat sex (just as awkward as it sounds, don't worry its only for a couple seconds and it only happens once). Now why would I think this is a reason to see this movie? I think its the shock value. Its like haunted house on Halloween. Every new corner is filled with something that is going to freak you out. Most people (that are Americans) will constantly be saying, "wow, you would never see that in a Disney movie". Despite this, Felidae treats the material as serious and not like a SAW film. Its not there to shock you, its there to get you emotionally in the movie. One such grisly scene will make you instantly connect with Francis and his drive to end the murders.
Final Verdict: Watch it if your into interesting animated films that aren't so mainstream, but don't watch it if you have a weak stomach.
I heard that the dubbed English version is on the German DVD, but if you are too cheap you can watch it on youtube: Felidae English part 1
With that out of the way I'm sure your question is, "well if its not for kids what's so great about it?" What is the balls of this film? What is the thing that hooks the viewer in. It seems to be a few things.
First off, the animation is great. Felidae was the most expensive animated film so far in Germany, with a cost of 10 million marks. It shows in a lots of places. All the cats move like cats (no anthropomorphizing into two legged animals like in the Secret of Nimh). The scene that I can recall the animation being at its peak is one of nightmare scenes (you'll know it when you see it). Other than that there are some times where the animation suffers. Usually this is in two shots or close shots where two characters are talking. Then again I did watch it dubbed so maybe I am mistaken. It did seem to be more stilted during those scenes though. Overall the quality is something that you would see in a Disney/Don Bluth film.
The story itself is another draw. Like I said, its a mystery/noir film but told from the perspective of a cat. The story is taken from Akif Pirincci's novel of the same name. The main character is Francis, a tabby who just moved to the neighborhood. He begins by narrating over the scenes as he investigates his new home. This is where I was initially pulled in. The dubbing is unnoticeable. Francis' noir narration is spot on with all the typical gumshoe detective types. The voice actors fit the mold perfectly so there is never a time where you don't feel pulled out of the movie due to odd voices.
Back to the plot, Francis sniffs around and finds a dead cat in the back yard. Another cat, named Bluebeard, informs him about the goings on in the neighborhood. The two team up (although Bluebeard just goes along for the ride) to find out who is killing cats. All the evidence they find is geared to the characters, such as they find that certain scents at the crime scene or which victims were neutered or not. Like any mystery story there are lots of times where you come up with a theory along with Francis, only to be duped when some new facts comes into play. Sadly though, if your like me, you will figure out the killer somewhere in the middle, but the film still throws a lot of different data at you that will make you doubt who you think is doing it. Along with the mystery there are some undertones of Man VS Animals and some allusions to Hitler. The Man VS Animal debate won't be a bludgeon over your head like Fern Gully's Man VS Nature.
I believe in the beginning I mentioned something about dead cats right? Yes, that is probably the third thing that drew me into this movie (although I regret it). Here is a list of things you will see in this movie: dead cats, corpse puppets, suicidal cats, disemboweling, innocent cats dying, beheaded cats, drilling brains, acid in brains, cat torture, and.......cat sex (just as awkward as it sounds, don't worry its only for a couple seconds and it only happens once). Now why would I think this is a reason to see this movie? I think its the shock value. Its like haunted house on Halloween. Every new corner is filled with something that is going to freak you out. Most people (that are Americans) will constantly be saying, "wow, you would never see that in a Disney movie". Despite this, Felidae treats the material as serious and not like a SAW film. Its not there to shock you, its there to get you emotionally in the movie. One such grisly scene will make you instantly connect with Francis and his drive to end the murders.
Final Verdict: Watch it if your into interesting animated films that aren't so mainstream, but don't watch it if you have a weak stomach.
I heard that the dubbed English version is on the German DVD, but if you are too cheap you can watch it on youtube: Felidae English part 1
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