Chicken Run - A Movie Review

Watch out for Tweedy’s Farm. They have flying chickens.

Escaping from the chicken farm in 2000, Chicken Run is about a group of imprisoned chickens trying to escape from their evil owners. Believing that they have found their answer to freedom, the chickens attempt to fly over the fence.

I cannot believe that I was watching Chicken Run twenty years ago when it was released. Chicken Run is an impressive clay animated film. Filmmakers worked long and hard to distribute an adventurous film about courage. Upon my most recent watch, I had a completely different reaction making me gain a new respect for the film.

Ginger is the driving force of Chicken Run. She is persistent, relentless, and she is a courageous leader. In my opinion, I feel that Ginger is a very underrated character. Her journey needs to be talked about more. The way she interacts with every character is important because it shows how everyone depends on her, whereas she has nobody to make her feel sincere.

One aspect that I could relate to with Ginger is how she hides her insecurities. It’s subtle but there are a few moments where we actually witness Ginger crumbling away from the fear and anxiety of the situation. Emotions are tough display in front of those who we love because we’re afraid of how people will react.

Accidentally landing in the Chicken Farm, Rocky changes the chicken’s lives for better or for worse. Swooning the chickens, Rocky learns that there is more to who he is. The relationship that he forms with Ginger brings out subtle behaviors that the two never realized they had.

Each and every chicken that appears in the film has a distinct personality. Even the chickens that don’t have any dialogue. This film is a natural at subtle detailing based on reactions or movements. To name a few, Bunty, Babs, and Mac were my favorites creating comedic banter.

Mrs. Tweedy has become my new favorite female villain. I can’t believe I am saying this, but we need more female villains in cinema. From her sharp frown, dominant stature, and menacing walk, I like how Aardmann Studios was not afraid to show the vulgar side of women. It gives the film depth. Her scenes with Mr. Tweedy made for fun comedic moments, showcasing their relationship.

Voice talents included Julia Sawalha, Mel Gibson, Miranda Richardson, Tony Haygarth, Benjamin Whitrow, Imelda Staunton, Jane Horrocks, Phil Daniels, Timothy Spall, and many more. The voices were incredible going above and beyond to deliver a dramatic story.

Clay-Animation is no picnic. That’s why I applaud Aardmann for their hard work and patience to bring this film to life. The animators actually had to make chickens of different sizes; small or large, for the right camera angles. Designs for each chicken are distinct.

One scene, in particular, that is a short and quiet scene between Ginger and Ricky took 5 months to animate because of subtle nuances. Whenever you see Babs knitting, she is actually knitting with toothpicks as needles. Some of the animators even acted out the dance sequence so they could get a feel for how to animate the chicken party.

Peter Lord and Nick Park’s excellent direction made for a dramatic film with an on-edge climax. The character depth makes this film what it is. Courage is mastered. The film mirrors homage to the famous Steve McQueen film, The Great Escape.

Chicken Run is not a film for all ages. It is dark in some parts and the ending is suspenseful. Still, it is a remarkable film that you should witness.