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An American Tail: Fievel Goes West

Name: An American Tail: Fievel Goes West
Director: Phil Nibbelink, Simon Wells
Released: 1991
Duration: 75 min

Representation Score

3.3/10

Limited

1991

Director

Phil Nibbelink, Simon Wells

Runtime

75 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The film stands out for its thematic depth, using anthropomorphic characters to explore ethnic identity and the immigrant struggle. By focusing on Jewish-coded mice, it moves beyond simple adventure to address displacement and the search for stability. However, the narrative remains within traditional bounds regarding gender and orientation, following a standard structure where masculine leadership remains the primary driver. The social framework lacks queer representation. Ultimately, the film's strength lies in its critique of the 'Wild West' myth, replacing idealized frontier clichés with a critique of systemic deception and predatory capitalism.

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Category Breakdown

Does An American Tail: Fievel Goes West have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any visible depictions of queer narratives or non-cisgender identities, sticking to a traditional framework.

How does An American Tail: Fievel Goes West portray gender?

Fair

Fievel drives the plot through his individual role within a conventional adventure structure. Female characters participate in the journey but do not challenge traditional gender hierarchies.

How racially and ethnically diverse is An American Tail: Fievel Goes West?

Good

The story uses Jewish-coded mice as a metaphor for the immigrant experience, exploring themes of diaspora and displacement while challenging monolithic views of the American Dream.

How does An American Tail: Fievel Goes West represent religion and culture?

Good

The narrative critiques Western frontier myths by presenting the Wild West as a space of predatory capitalism. It highlights the struggle of families against corrupt, opportunistic institutions.

Does An American Tail: Fievel Goes West include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no prominent depictions of visible or invisible disabilities that serve as central plot drivers or character arcs.

Present on Screen

Uses metaphors to explore the immigrant experience and diaspora.
Critiques frontier capitalism and the 'Wild West' myth.
Provides a deep, empathetic look at the vulnerabilities of underrepresented groups.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender narratives.
Gender roles follow conventional adventure clichés without disrupting traditional hierarchies.
Does not feature prominent depictions of characters with disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Some time after the Mousekewitz's have settled in America, they find that they are still having problems with the threat of cats. That makes them eager to try another home out in the west, where they are promised that mice and cats live in peace. Unfortunately, the one making this claim is an oily con artist named Cat R. Waul who is intent on his own sinister plan.

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