Your Friend the Rat (2007)

In the animated short, "Your Friend the Rat," Remy, an audacious black rat, and his hesitant brother Emile, a brown rat hailing from China, emerge as the unexpected champions of the rat kingdom. As they bravely advocate for their misunderstood kin, the duo invites viewers into a world where rats perceive themselves as equals to humanity, a sentiment far from reciprocated by the latter. Through a whimsical blend of history and humor, Remy and Emile deliver an engaging chronicle of rat kind. From the valorous tales of rat heroism in ancient India to the arduous journey of black rats migrating from the Middle East to Europe during the Crusades, the narrative unfolds. The duo paint a vivid picture of the Black Death era of 1347 to 1352, daring to challenge the prevailing notion of the rat's role, instead pointing a finger at the true perpetrator - the flea. The story takes a fascinating turn with the introduction of the brown or Norway rat, native to China. As both species traverse the globe on seafaring vessels, a riveting tale of survival and competition unfurls. The larger brown rat gradually displaces the smaller black rat, yet both species continue to coexist symbiotically with mankind. Emile then takes the stage, unveiling the lesser-known attributes of rats, an attempt to alter the entrenched human perception. Remy, in his final plea, advocates for a shift from phobia to utopia, promoting a harmonious existence between humans and rats. From the annals of the Roman Empire to the reign of Queen Victoria, from the reverence of the elephant-like deity Ganesha to the modern era, the destinies of humans and rodents have been woven together in a complex tapestry of life. "Your Friend the Rat" is a whimsical exploration of the intricate relationship between humans and rats, a plea for understanding and acceptance, and a question that lingers: why can't we just get along?

Your Friend the Rat is an animation movie featuring Patton Oswalt.

Your Friend the Rat is currently streaming on Disney Plus.

It is also possible to buy Your Friend the Rat on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Vudu and YouTube.