Chicken Run to Ratatouille – Celebrating World Rat Day with the Best Cinematic Rodents

Cinematic Ranks of the Rat World

Even though rats often face a negative image in everyday life, the silver screen crowns them as true monarchs.

Celebration of the Scurrying Stars on World Rat Day

On the global observance of World Rat Day, Euronews Culture offers a quirky tribute to the most celebrated rodent heroes in film history.

Highlights of the Rat Contenders

• Jerry: The famous lab mouse from Tom & Jerry who consistently triumphs over adversity.
• Remy: The culinary chef of Ratatouille, acclaimed for turning simple ingredients into gourmet masterpieces.
• Batteries: The cunning city dweller from Batteries Not Included, embodying resilience in a corporate setting.

Why These Characters Matter

These films elevate rats from mere pests to ambassadors of wit, creativity, and perseverance, turning the negative reputation into a celebrated cinematic legacy.

Celebrating the Lesser‑Known Champion: Rat Day

On this National Rat Day, society’s familiar narrative of rodents as mere “plague carriers” invites quick judgement. Yet a deeper look reveals a more nuanced picture.

From Scoundrel to Sage

• Historical misconceptions: The infamous 14th‑century epidemics linked rats with the bubonic plague, but modern biology shows most rats are surprisingly hygienic.
• Mythical virtues: In several cultures, rats symbolize prosperity and wisdom. Their adaptability has earned them a status as totemic power.
• Dream symbolism: Recording a rat in a dream often signals favorable change, contrary to the usual negative connotation.

Film Fame: Five Spirited Rodents

• “The Departed” (Scorsese) – A cameo that subtly redefines the typical villainous rat.
• “Indiana Jones: The Last Crusade” – Rats in the catacombs become inadvertent comedic supports when Indy sets fire to the library.
• “Finding Nemo” – A charismatic rodent disrupts expectations by emerging as a hero.
• “Ratatouille” – A culinary mastermind showcases rat ingenuity beyond the usual stereotype.
• “The Adventures of Rocky & Bullwinkle” – A playful twist on credibility, celebrating animal creativity on screen.

Conclusion

Rats, often eclipsed by fear and cliché, deserve a broader platform. Their presence in media proves they can be misunderstood, heroic, or simply captivating. Let’s honor them today by revisiting their roles in culture, history, and cinema.

5) Nick and Fetcher

Nick and Fetcher: The Unsung Heroes of Chicken Run

Nick (voiced by Timothy Spall in the 2000 original and Romesh Ranganathan in “Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget”) and Fetcher (played by Phil Daniels in the first film and Daniel Mays in the sequel) form a cheeky duo that takes the spotlight in a most unlikely setting.

Setting the Stage

The premise is simple yet bold: a gang of never‑ordinary chickens struggles against a fate that sees them turned into pie filling. Nevertheless, the film’s heart beats around two unlikely allies—Nick and Fetcher—who craft an audacious escape plan for Ginger and her feathered comrades.

Character Dynamics

• Nick delivers cynical quips and sharp observations, often jabbing at the absurdity of their situation. His line, “In the unlikely event of an emergency, put your head between your knees,” showcases his tongue‑in‑cheek humor.
• Fetcher may not outshine his companion in intellect, yet he provides the comic relief that keeps the narrative buoyant. He famously declares, “Kiss your bum goodbye!!,” turning a mundane farewell into a memorable catchphrase.
• Together, their banter ventures into philosophical territory as they debate a mostly human dilemma: the chicken or the egg?

Why Their Partnership Matters

Although they resemble a Pinky and the Brain chant in their dynamic, Nick and Fetcher offer the driving force needed to defy destiny. Their witty repartee, coupled with tenacity, steers the plot from an ordinary farmyard setting to a daring rebellion.

Verdict

The duo may not be the “brightest bulbs” in the animal kingdom, but they are undeniably essential to the tale’s success. Their lines, humor, and steadfast friendship ensure that the story remains engaging, proving that even the smallest beings can orchestrate a grand escape.

4) Splinter

Splinter: Guardian of the Turtles

In the expansive world of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – spanning from the 1990 classic to the 2023 animated hit Mutant Mayhem – Splinter stands out as the seasoned mentor guiding the quartet of crime‑fighting reptiles.

His Multifaceted Role

• The wise rat-lord appears across seven major films, both live‑action and animated.
• He embodies the calm that steadies the brothers during chaos.
• Despite appearing in tunnels and underpasses, he is always portrayed as a serene sage, never raising his voice even when the turtles test his patience.

Tamer Torto‑imagination

Splinter’s presence on screen does more than coach; it gives the humble rodent an iconic name synonymous with loyalty, family devotion, and an appreciation for everyday comforts (think family soaps and frozen treats).

Recent Acclaim

In the latest film, last year’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, the character is voiced by none other than martial‑arts icon Jackie Chan. This portrayal elevated Splinter’s paternal traits even further, making the role a memorable highlight.

Beyond the Conventional

Splinter is a clear example of how rodents can serve a positive narrative role—a sharp contrast to the usual negative stereotypes that most depictions of rats carry.

3) Professor Ratigan

Professor Ratigan: A Classic Villain Reimagined

Historically rats have been portrayed as antagonists in film and literature, yet the depth of their villainy varies widely. Within Disney’s The Great Mouse Detective (1986), Professor Ratigan stands out as a particularly intricate character.

The Narrative Environment

Set in Victorian London, the film adapts the famous detective story for a universe where mice are the central protagonists. The heroic mouse, Holmes, takes his place as a symbol of curiosity and intellect, whereas the villain – Ratigan – offers a study in strategic menace.

Key Plot Elements

• Ratigan orchestrates the kidnapping of a toymaker in order to fabricate a clockwork replica of the Queen of the Mice.
• The replica is intended to usurp the throne and crown Ratigan as the Supreme Ruler of all Mousedom.
• Our hero, Basil, along with his aide David Q. Dawson, must confront this cunning threat.

Character Analysis

Unlike his literary counterpart Moriarty, Ratigan demonstrates a breadth of strategic creativity:

• He possesses a loyal sidekick, a peglegged bat.
• His escape plan involves a dirigible, showcasing both foresight and resourcefulness.

Such traits position him among contemporary villains rarely seen on screen, paralleling figures such as Darth Vader (minus the cosmic elements) and the Joker in their blend of intellect and menace.

The Appeal and Oversight

Despite the richness of the character, The Great Mouse Detective did not secure Academy Award recognition, a fact that remains a point of contention among critics. The film’s dramatic climax – with Ratigan falling from Big Ben – offers a cinematic payoff that echoes the gravity of his downfall, reminiscent of high-stakes genre depictions.

Conclusion

Professor Ratigan remains a darkly memorable figure, illustrating how villainy can simultaneously be strategic and theatrical. Though he did not claim a Golden Baldie, his legacy endures as a masterclass in villainy within the Disney canon.

2) Rat

The Curious Case of Rat in Wes Anderson’s Fantastic Mr. Fox

Who Is This Rodent?

In the heart‑warming stop‑motion adaptation of Roald Dahl’s classic, Rat plays the role of the secondary antagonist. Though his presence is brief, the character leaves an indelible mark on the film’s whimsical atmosphere.

Voiced by a Legendary Actor

The voice behind Rat is none other than Willem Dafoe, who also portrayed the chilling anti‑hero in Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu—a film that featured over 2,000 real rats. Dafoe’s distinctive vocal timbre adds a layer of intrigue to this seemingly simple creature.

Role and Function

• Security Guard: Rat is tasked with safeguarding the apple‑cider cellar.
• Wine Enthusiast: He spends much of his time savoring cider, illustrating his solitary nature.
• Antagonist: He kidnaps Mr. Fox’s son, Ash, setting off the central conflict.

Character Depth

Despite his menacing features—red eyes and visible scars—Rat is more than a simple villain. He speaks with the same gravitas that shaped his connection to the so‑called monstrous and misunderstood figures from cinematic folklore (think Frankenstein, Freddy Krueger, or Maleficent). In this light, Rat is portrayed as a lonely creature yearning for solitude, rather than a ruthless antagonist.

Why Does Rat Suffer?

Questions arise: What compels Rat to drink cider? Does he carry hidden trauma or a shadowed past? These complexities invite viewers to look beyond surface judgments and consider the deeper emotional landscape that drives him.

Conclusion: A Call for Empathy

Instead of merely condemning Rat, the film encourages a more nuanced perspective. Rather than treating him as a villain to be defeated—if he were even confronted—audiences are invited to understand and respect his inner life, shining a light on the universal need for compassion in storytelling.

1) Remy

Revisiting Pixar’s Culinary Gem

When it comes to the most celebrated films from Pixar, titles like Wall‑E and Inside Out often get the nod for artistic excellence. Yet the true crown jewel, deserving of a chef’s hat, is Ratatouille.

Why Ratatouille Stands Out

• A Fresh Perspective – The story follows Remy, a street‑smart rodent who grows up in a Parisian kitchen. His ambition is not just to cook but to resurrect the fabled restaurant “Gusteau.”
• Animated Brilliance – Brad Bird and the animation team crafted a visually stunning narrative that weaves humor, imagination, and a deep respect for flavors.
• Thematic Depth – Beyond its comedic surface, the film explores the pitfalls of culinary elitism, the loss of authenticity, and the transformative power of following one’s passion.

Turning Food into Visual Poetry

Ratatouille doesn’t simply depict cooking; it celebrates cuisine as a cinematic art form. From the slapstick gags to the tangible scents of fresh ingredients, the film invites viewers to feel every bite. Even decades later, it remains a riotous adventure for children and a reflective meditation for adults about losing sight of what truly moves us amid life’s gray pessimism.

Rodents Reimagined

Thanks to Remy, this animated masterpiece has redefined the image of rodents on screen. No other on‑screen creature before him has earned such widespread affection for its “chewy warmth.”

In Conclusion

Whether it’s the first watch or the thousandth, the Oscar‑winning film offers a sensory extravaganza. From Anton Ego’s skull‑shaped typewriter to the subtle Easter egg of Incredibles underpants worn by young chef Remy, every element adds a delightful layer of charm. All of this is achieved through the creative genius of a rat.