Best Film of Pixar Studios; Tenth Anniversary

Rating: 10/10 (25 June 2017)

A badly orchestrated kiss, rats improvising with the menu in a five star Parisian restaurant, and a young man deservedly slapped for not paying attention to the woman spilling her heart to him. Ten years after the release of Ratatouille and such moments are still laugh- out-loud funny. This clever and indelible animated film won a wide audience even among the notoriously fastidious French. It won a spot in their hearts, as well as my own, for its humor combined with amazing insight into the Paris restaurant underworld, the whimsical and witty portrayal of the human and rat relationship, and realistic and empathetic depiction of the struggle of artists in a world often unkind to such spirits.
Remy, a young rat with a highly developed sense of taste and smell, is half pulled by his culinary talents and half pushed by bizarre circumstances, into the high culture of French cuisine. He is inspired by the great and popular Chef Gusteau who encourages creativity, daring, artistry and – of course - the savoring of delicious food and wine. Remy meets a hapless yet kind-hearted human, Linguini, who both compensates for what Remy lacks (human form and companionship) and triggers fears about the dangers of humanity. Remy and Linguini are pulled together into alternating currents of light and darkness that threaten to drown them and set them free. The cherished beliefs and legacy of Chef Gusteau hang in the balance as the unlikely rat and human duo battle vicious food critics, health inspectors, scheming profiteers, the fickle and capricious whims of consumers as well as love, and even family (Remy's Dad demands that his son stick close to the nest and avoid humans at all costs). The worst adversary for Remy and Linguini is the truths they hide within and from themselves. They both prefer to keep secrets which, they've come to believe, also keep the peace.
Ratatouille surprises and delights not merely in its compelling storyline, but also in uncovering the secret lives of chefs. The audience gets a schooling in the art of cutting vegetables, the importance of clean work stations and getting first pick of the produce, listening for the proper crunch of bread and understanding the kitchen hierarchy, among other things. Viewers are treated to an inside look at the restaurant industry where the words of respected critics rule the day for good or ill, artistry faces off against uniformity, workers combine in unwieldy and fragile teams, and there is immense pressure to sell-out in one form or another. From its success in portraying these bits of French culture, it is clear Pixar did not neglect its responsibility to conduct research and observe the industries. The complex, charming and intriguing characters of the film are paired well with complementary voice actors. This is especially the case with Peter O'Toole who provides the imposing and authoritative voice of food critic Anton Ego. Ratatouille is not predictable, rather it is full of delightful twists, turns and kernels of wisdom scattered everywhere.
The premise of Ratatouille is that anyone can cook. This should not be taken to mean that everyone should cook, but that a great cook can come from anywhere. This is also true with film. Great films come from anywhere. Look far and wide among different genres and nations of the world, for obscure or hidden gems. Dare to discover new talent and perspectives, as in this spectacular animated film that many relegate to the exclusive realm of kids. Looking back to childhood brings wisdom, as Anton Ego understands. I never tire of seeing this film. Along with the Incredibles, this is among the best of the Pixar studio.