Cinema
An American Tail
Don Bluth · 1986
Synopsis
Chostka, in Russia, 1885. The Souriskewitz family, Jewish mice, are celebrating Hanukkah when Cossacks attack the town and their cats leap upon the mice; the house is destroyed. The family leaves for America, where it is said there are no cats, and sails from Hamburg for New York. During a storm, little Fievel falls into the sea, and his family believe him drowned. He drifts to New York in a bottle; a French pigeon, Henri, tells him that he is in America and encourages him to look for his family in the city.
Context
Steven Spielberg had seen the director's first feature film, released in 1982 and modestly received in cinemas; he proposed that they work together. The story is by David Kirschner, the screenplay by Judy Freudberg and Tony Geiss, the music by James Horner. Production began in December 1984 and lasted two years, and the studio moved permanently to Dublin in November 1986, the month of the release.
Who it is for
A film of one hour twenty, recommended from age six according to some, eight according to others: the destruction of the town and the child's separation impress the youngest viewers.
Prizes and reception
Forty-seven million dollars at the box office in the United States, then a record for an animated film on first release, and a Grammy for its song.
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