Chicken Run (2000)

Directors:

Peter Lord
Nick Park

Writers:

Peter Lord (story) &
Nick Park (story) ...

Release Date:

21 June 2000 (USA)

Genre:

Animation | Family | Comedy

Tagline:

This Ain't No Chick Flick!

Plot:

Chicken Run is a comedy escape drama with a touch of passion set on a sinister Yorks chicken farm in 1950's England

Plot Keywords:

Chicken | Farm | Escape | Rooster | Freedom

Awards:

Nominated for Golden Globe. Another 22 wins & 23 nominations

Cast

Phil Daniels	...	Fetcher (voice)
Lynn Ferguson	...	Mac (voice)
Mel Gibson	...	Rocky (voice)
Tony Haygarth	...	Mr. Tweedy (voice)
Jane Horrocks	...	Babs (voice)
Miranda Richardson	...	Mrs. Tweedy (voice)
Julia Sawalha	...	Ginger (voice)
Timothy Spall	...	Nick (voice)
Imelda Staunton	...	Bunty (voice)
Benjamin Whitrow	...	Fowler (voice)
John Sharian	...	Circus Man (voice)
Jo Allen	...	Additional Chicken (voice)
Lisa Kay	...	Additional Chicken (voice)
Laura Strachan	...	Additional Chicken (voice)

Also Known As:

C:R-1 (USA) (promotional abbreviation)

Runtime:

84 min

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital EX | SDDS | DTS-ES

Certification:

USA:G (certificate #37470) | Iceland:L | Canada:G (Alberta/British Columbia/Manitoba/Nova Scotia/Quebec) | Canada:PG (Ontario) | Germany:6 (bw) | Argentina:Atp | Australia:G | Brazil:Livre | Chile:TE | Denmark:A | Finland:K-8/5 | France:U | Hong Kong:I | Netherlands:AL | New Zealand:G | Norway:7 | Peru:PT | Portugal:M/4 | Singapore:G | South Korea:All | Spain:T | Sweden:Btl | Switzerland:7 (canton of Geneva) | Switzerland:7 (canton of Vaud) | UK:U

Company:

DreamWorks SKG

Trivia:

The filmmakers were nervous about showing Rocky and Ginger kissing, fearing the sight of two chickens touching beaks would look too awkward. This led to the running gag of their being interrupted every time they are about to kiss (by the sound of the pie machine, by Ginger slapping Rocky, by the gravy explosion, etc.). When the kiss finally comes, it is staged so that the actual contact of "lips" is hidden.

Goofs:

Continuity: Mr. Tweedy's shotgun disappears on the porch in the opening sequence.

Quotes:

Nick: First of all, we sneak in all quiet like...
Fetcher: [interrupting] Like a fish!
Nick: Like a fish?

Movie Connections:

References Ace in the Hole (1951)

Soundtrack:

The Wanderer

Chicken Fun

'Chicken Run' is a delighted little film about...well, chickens. I've always loved the claymation of Aardman. 'Creature Comforts' and 'Wallace and Gromit' are among many of my favorites. Aardman Studios have come up with a brilliant cast, a funny and smart script, fine cinematography and production design. The inspiration of films like 'The Great Escape' shows. The female characters are so strong and yet they have their own sense of humour and Brit-wit. Aardman's claymation is splendid. The large eyes, body size and shape and movements create this a unique class of comedy. The writing is very sharp and crisp but I disliked the obvious symbolism (of British and America joining hands to save the world and fight evil) which looked a little forced. I don't see the need to make the Rocky character an American rooster (as if it's an ingredient to have an American on board). Yet, that does not take away the sheer pleasure and entertainment one derives from the film. The voice cast is suitably chosen. Gibson plays the typical hero with charisma but it's the Brit cast, which includes names like Imelda Staunton, Lynn Ferguson, Jane Horrocks and Julia Sawalha that did it for me. Their sharp witty humour and strong will just put them on a league of their own. 'Chicken Run' is a cute, heartwarming, uplifting and hilarious little film. To quote another user, it is eggcellent!