We continue our series of reviews chronicling all of the (non-Studio Ghibli) animated films distributed by GKIDS Films — some of the most original and breathtakingly beautiful animated films from around the world — and how they hold up for a young American audience.

The entire retrospective is found here, and this time we’ve got…

The Rabbi’s Cat (2011): Joann Sfar & Antoine Delesvaux, directors

What’s it about?

The Rabbi’s Cat is set in 1930s Algiers, Algeria, and focuses on Rabbi Sfar, his daughter Zlabya, and their talking cat (who gains the ability to speak after eating the family parrot). Immediately after gaining the ability to speak, the cat both declares his undying love and devotion for Zlabya and begins to debate the rabbi about life, God, faith, and the nature of existence.

The story really starts to get going when the rabbi’s cousin comes to visit… along with a stowaway Russian Jew (who has escaped Soviet Russia) set on discovering a fabled utopia in Ethiopia where people have genuine freedom from things like racism and religious intolerance.

What happens next sounds like the setup to a bad joke. The rabbi, a sheikh, and a Russian Jew set off across North Africa on their way to a mythical promised land in Ethiopia. Along the way, they encounter love, murder, birth, death, and fate. What could be more epic than that?

What are the cultures at play? And how about the languages?

Hoo boy. Let’s start with the easy part. This is a French film, and all of the characters (save one) speak French. That one character speaks Russian, but those lines aren’t subtitled and the audience isn’t (like the other characters aren’t) meant to understand what he’s saying.

However, the film primarily takes place in Algeria (and eventually moves elsewhere in North, Central, and East Africa). It focuses on a Jewish rabbi (and his daughter… and cat) whose adventure intersects quite considerably with several Arab, French, sub-Saharan African, and Tuareg cultures. There’s a LOT of discussion about faith (Jewish vs Muslim vs Christian), and there’s a LOT of cultural divisions and clashes that might be unfamiliar to most audiences.

Will my kids like it? Is there anything objectionable for young kids?

There’s one scene that depicts a sword fight (that leaves two dead), but other than that, there’s nothing really objectionable or inappropriate for young kids. Much of the dialogue and many of the themes will likely leave them scratching their heads, though.

And even though the trailer makes the film look like a somewhat lighthearted road trip adventure – and despite the talking cat – The Rabbi’s Cat wasn’t really made with kids in mind. The film is a relatively deep dive into the cultural, religious, and philosophical divisions that defined Algiers in the early 20th century. And it pointedly questions traditions and skewers blind faith and religious intolerance.

It’s hardly a carefree romp, is what I’m saying.

Will I like it?

The animation is divine, if you’ll excuse the pun. The film is based on director Joann Sfar’s graphic novel of the same name, and many of the scenes look as if his book simply came to life on the screen. It’ll make you long for the days of traditional hand-drawn animation. And if you’re in the mood for a good ol’ fashioned skewering of faith, then you’ve come to the right place.

How can I see it?

GKIDS and Cinedigm released a Blu-ray edition of the film with a few special features. Included is a making-of featurette, an in-depth look at Joann Sfar’s life and inspiration for the story, a trailer, and a 12-page excerpt from Sfar’s graphic novel. The disc includes the original French audio track with English subtitles (there’s no English dub). The film is also available digitally from most retailers.

Final word?

It’s a fascinating – and often funny – look at a time and place most U.S. audiences know very little about. I’ll admit that my own Algerian history is a bit rusty. As is my knowledge of the history of the North African Jewish community. The Rabbi’s Cat is hardly a documentary look at either, but it’s a remarkable story told with compelling characters and a brilliant script.