Dickens & Rumi
Cover of Ferdinand

film

Ferdinand

2017

Ferdinand, a little bull, prefers sitting quietly under a cork tree just smelling the flowers versus jumping around, snorting, and butting heads with other bulls. As Ferdinand grows big and strong, his temperament remains mellow. But one day five men come to choose the "biggest, fastest, roughest bull" for the bullfights in Madrid— and Ferdinand is mistakenly chosen.

Ages 7+Source checked

Why this age? Generally suitable for school-age children, but bullfighting, animal deaths, captivity, peril, a broken horn, and a visible banderilla wound may upset sensitive viewers. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age7+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character3/5
  • Frightening scenes3/5
  • Violence3/5

Strongest positives

  • Kindness & empathy5/5
  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Good role models4/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

Typical of big-studio animated films with potential associated merchandise.

Death of a character3/5
Why this rating?

Ferdinand's father is implied to have been killed in the bullring; there are mentions of bulls being sent to a slaughterhouse.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

Very mild; some mention of slaughterhouses and a bull being wounded by a banderilla, but not graphic.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Mild insults and character name-calling consistent with family-friendly comedy.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

Bulls face capture, slaughter threats, pursuit, a dangerous ring, and separation from loved ones; comic action softens some tension.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Features bullfighting, slapstick accidents, and some tense confrontational scenes between animals.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Displays courage through moral conviction and refusing to fight, even under pressure.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

Imaginative anthropomorphic characters, inventive escapes, teamwork, and problem-solving across Spain strongly support creative engagement.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Features a diverse vocal cast and focuses on individuality among the bulls.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Provides a very loose introduction to Spanish culture and the controversy of bullfighting.

Kindness & empathy5/5
Why this rating?

Kindness, friendship, and protecting others are central tenets of the film.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Strong themes of non-violence, pacifism, non-conformity, and staying true to oneself.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

Ferdinand is an excellent role model for empathy and choosing kindness over aggression.

Family discussion

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Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. Where did a character show kindness or empathy, and what changed because of it?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in Ferdinand would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Ferdinand, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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