A Cat in Paris

When we think of animated film here, we imagine popular Disney films such as Tarzan, Snow White, and Hercules, or the newer films such as Tangled, Big Hero 6, or Frozen. When we think of animated films in Japan, we are reminded of the art style typically seen in popular anime TV shows or manga comic books (which isn't fancied much by the typical American viewer). So, when we here about French animated films, what thoughts come to mind?

French animated features are just as recognized and renowned as some of the greatest Disney or anime films we know now. One of the best examples of this is A Cat in Paris.

Available on Netflix, it is a French animated feature directed by Jean-Loup Felicioli and Alain Gagnol and animated by Folimage, A Cat in Paris, mixes the style of film-noir with animation, using intense shading to create the black and white crime film atmosphere. Each picture is hand drawn with colored pencils and incorporate interesting backgrounds along with it. Animation wise, it is done to the "T".

The film was not very well recognized in the United States before its Oscar and Academy Award's nomination for Best Animated Feature in 2011 (Rango earned the Best Animated Feature Award in that year). It is well renowned and an excellent example of the top-notch animated films that the French are capable of. To see the trailer, watch below. If you are interested in watching the full length animated film, it is, again, available to see on Netflix. I would highly recommend watching it as it is an engaging, fascinating and thrilling story.