An American Tail

An American Tail

Year: 1986

Runtime: 80 min

Language: English

Director: Don Bluth

DramaComedyAnimationFamilyMusical

In New York City's bustling streets, a sense of unease settles over the city's smallest residents as whispers of a mysterious cat spread fear among the rodent community. Meanwhile, a plucky mouse named Fievel and his unlikely friend, journalist Nellie Brie, must navigate the treacherous urban jungle amidst the uncertainty.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen An American Tail yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – An American Tail (1986)
Explore the full timeline and setting of An American Tail (1986). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The story is set during a time of migration in the late 19th to early 20th century. This era saw many families seeking refuge from persecution and looking for better opportunities in the United States, a land perceived as a sanctuary for diverse cultures and ethnicities, including the Jewish community.

Location

Shostka, Hamburg, New York City

Shostka is a quaint town within the borders of the historical Russian Empire, located in modern-day Ukraine. Known for its rich cultural tapestry, it is where the Mousekewitz family begins their journey. The transition to Hamburg marks a pivotal moment as the characters board a steamer towards America, while New York City represents both hope and challenges for the immigrant mouse community.

🏙️ City 🌍 Historical

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:23

Main Characters – An American Tail (1986)
Meet the key characters of An American Tail (1986), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Fievel Mousekewitz

Fievel is a young and adventurous mouse whose journey from Shostka to New York City symbolizes the immigrant experience. Driven by love for his family, his determination and resourcefulness help him navigate the harsh realities of his new life, making him a relatable figure for many facing challenges.

🐭 Protagonist 🦸‍♂️ Brave

Papa Mousekewitz

Papa Mousekewitz is the loving patriarch of the family, who inspires hope and courage in Fievel through his stories. His character embodies the traditional values of family unity and resilience amidst adversity, especially in the face of their devastating losses.

👨‍👦 Family 🧙‍♂️ Wise

Henri

Henri is a charming and clever French pigeon who becomes Fievel's ally in New York. His wisdom and experience provide Fievel with guidance and support, showcasing the importance of friendship and assistance from unexpected allies in times of need.

🕊️ Mentor 🤗 Friendly

Warren T. Rat

Warren T. Rat is the cunning con artist who embodies the dangers that threaten the immigrant community. His manipulative tactics pose significant challenges for Fievel and his friends, representing the darker aspects of pursuing dreams in a new land.

🐀 Antagonist 🤖 Sly

Tony Toponi

Tony Toponi is a quick-witted Italian mouse who helps Fievel navigate the streets of New York. His street smarts and resourcefulness highlight the theme of survival in an unfamiliar world, marking him as a pivotal character in Fievel's journey.

🦸‍♂️ Resourceful 🤝 Ally

Bridget

Bridget is an Irish mouse who rallies her fellow mice to confront the threats of their feline oppressors. Her courage and leadership inspire others to unite and stand up for their rights, emphasizing the importance of community action.

💪 Leader 🇮🇪 Courageous

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:23

Major Themes – An American Tail (1986)
Explore the central themes of An American Tail (1986), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🕊️ Hope

Hope is a predominant theme as the Mousekewitz family embarks on their journey to America, believing in a brighter future free from oppression. Despite facing numerous challenges, Fievel and his friends persist in their quest to reunite and find their place in a new land, symbolizing the resilience of the immigrant spirit.

🛡️ Courage

Courage is embodied in Fievel's determination to navigate the dangers of New York City. His bravery stems from his unyielding love for his family and his quest for justice against the feline oppressors symbolizes the struggle against adversity, uniting the mouse community in a fight for their rights.

🤝 Friendship

Friendship plays a crucial role as Fievel allies with characters like Tony and Bridget to combat shared threats. Their bond reflects the strength found in community and collaboration, highlighting the importance of support during difficult times as they work together to overcome obstacles.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:23

Similar Movies to An American Tail
Discover movies like An American Tail that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.