American Tail, An (1986), G-Rated, 1 hr 21 min


An American Tail

Runtime: 81 minutes
Rating: G
Studio: Amblin Entertainment / Sullivan Bluth Studios / Universal Pictures

Franchise: An American Tail
Franchise Position: Original film

Tagline: A little mouse’s big dream of family, hope, and freedom.



Ratings
My rating: 7
Dove Foundation rating: N/A
IMDb rating: 6.9/10 
Rotten Tomatoes rating: 77% 
Metacritic rating: 38% 

Plot Summary
In 1885 Russia, the Jewish Mousekewitz family flees an anti-Semitic attack, hoping for a better life in America—but their young son Fievel is swept overboard during the voyage. Alone in New York, Fievel braves hardship, meets new friends like Tony and Bridget, unearths Warren T. Rat’s deception, and ultimately reunites with his family through courage and ingenuity.

Critics Review
Upon release, the film was praised for its animation and emotional depth, but some critics, like Siskel and Ebert, thought it was too dark for younger viewers. Rotten Tomatoes scores it at 77% while Metacritic’s 38% reflects more mixed reactions.

Christian Perspective
Its themes of perseverance, family unity, and hope align strongly with Christian values, portraying love, moral courage, and resilience without any conflicting religious content.

Family Friendliness
Although suitable for most families, the darker themes—such as anti-Semitism, separation, and danger—may be intense for very young children. Best enjoyed with parental guidance.

Notable Scenes
Pogrom destroying the Mousekewitz home

Fievel swept overboard in a bottle

Warren T. Rat exposed as a cat

The Giant Mouse of Minsk frightening the cats

Reunion at the Statue of Liberty

Notable Quotes
“There are no cats in America and the streets are paved with cheese!” — hopeful mice chant

Trivia
Fievel’s name was inspired by Steven Spielberg’s grandfather’s Yiddish name.

“Somewhere Out There” won two Grammy Awards.

It became the highest-grossing non-Disney animated film at release.

Goofs / Continuity Errors
Minor character dialog inconsistencies reported by fans, but no major documented goofs.

Notable song:
 “Somewhere Out There” — performed by Linda Ronstadt & James Ingram

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