6.9
Viewer Rating
Combines user and critic ratings from four sources
Zarafa (2012)
Zarafa (2012)
Overview
Inspired by the true story of the first giraffe to visit France, Zarafa is a sumptuously animated and stirring adventure, and a throwback to a bygone era of hand-drawn animation and epic storytelling set among sweeping CinemaScope vistas of parched desert, wind-swept mountains and open skies. Under the cover of darkness a small boy, Maki, loosens the shackles that bind him and escapes into the desert night. Pursued by slavers across the moon-lit savannah, Maki meets Zarafa, a baby giraffe – and an orphan, just like him – as well as the nomad Hassan, Prince of the Desert. Hassan takes them to Alexandria for an audience with the Pasha of Egypt, who orders him to deliver the exotic animal as a gift to King Charles of France.
Starring Cast
Rating & Dimensions
Bias Rating
Analyzing...
Leans Progressive
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: Moderate
Islam: Positive
Viewer Rating
6.9
Overview
Inspired by the true story of the first giraffe to visit France, Zarafa is a sumptuously animated and stirring adventure, and a throwback to a bygone era of hand-drawn animation and epic storytelling set among sweeping CinemaScope vistas of parched desert, wind-swept mountains and open skies. Under the cover of darkness a small boy, Maki, loosens the shackles that bind him and escapes into the desert night. Pursued by slavers across the moon-lit savannah, Maki meets Zarafa, a baby giraffe – and an orphan, just like him – as well as the nomad Hassan, Prince of the Desert. Hassan takes them to Alexandria for an audience with the Pasha of Egypt, who orders him to deliver the exotic animal as a gift to King Charles of France.
Starring Cast
Detailed Bias Analysis
Analyzing...
Leans Progressive
Primary
The film's central narrative, driven by themes of anti-colonialism, anti-slavery, and environmentalism, aligns with progressive values by critiquing exploitation and championing freedom and natural harmony.
The animated film naturally incorporates a diverse cast, featuring an African protagonist and characters from various backgrounds, consistent with its 19th-century setting spanning Africa and France. The narrative addresses historical injustices, including a critique of slavery and subtle colonial undertones, which are integral to the story's context.
Secondary
The film portrays Hassan, a devout Bedouin, as a wise, kind, and heroic figure who guides and protects Maki and Zarafa. While slave traders operate in a Muslim-majority region, their actions are clearly depicted as villainous and are not attributed to the religion of Islam itself. The narrative celebrates Hassan's virtues, implicitly aligning with a positive view of his faith.
Zarafa is an animated adventure film that does not feature any identifiable LGBTQ+ characters or themes. The story centers on the journey of a young boy and a giraffe from Africa to France, focusing on their bond and the challenges they face.
Zarafa is an animated adventure film centered on a young boy and a giraffe's journey. There are no identifiable transsexual characters or themes depicted within the film's narrative or character arcs, resulting in a net impact of N/A.
The movie does not contain any action or adventure elements.
The film features original characters created for this specific story. While inspired by a historical event, its main human characters do not have prior canonical or historical genders to compare against. The historical giraffe's gender aligns with its portrayal in the film.
Zarafa is an original animated film, not an adaptation of a pre-existing work with established character races. The main characters were created for this specific film, thus there is no prior canonical or historical race to be swapped.
Viewer Rating Breakdown
User Ratings
6.9
6.8
Critic Ratings
7.6
6.4
More Like This
Progressive
7.3
Hola Frida!
(2025)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: High
LGBTQ: Neutral
Leans Progressive
8.5
Ernest & Celestine
(2012)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: Moderate
Center
8.4
Little Amélie or the Character of Rain
(2025)
Political: Center
Diversity: Moderate
Leans Progressive
7.8
Arco
(2025)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: Moderate
Progressive
7.1
Calamity
(2020)
Political: Strong Left
Diversity: Moderate
LGBTQ: Positive
Leans Progressive
7.7
Oceans
(2010)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: Moderate
Progressive
7.9
Fantastic Planet
(1973)
Political: Strong Left
Diversity: High
Progressive
7.1
A Little Something Extra
(2024)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: High
Leans Progressive
8.1
Mars Express
(2023)
Political: Strong Left
Diversity: Not Rated
Leans Progressive
7.0
Two Brothers
(2004)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: Moderate
Leans Progressive
7.4
Interstella 5555: The 5tory of the 5ecret 5tar 5ystem
(2003)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: Moderate
Leans Progressive
7.5
Ultraman: Rising
(2024)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: Moderate
Leans Progressive
6.7
Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration
(2022)
Political: Center
Diversity: High
Leans Progressive
6.7
Bratz Kidz: Fairy Tales
(2008)
Political: Center
Diversity: High
Leans Progressive
7.1
Horton Hears a Who!
(2008)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: Moderate
Progressive
6.9
Elemental
(2023)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: High
LGBTQ: Neutral
Progressive
7.3
Out
(2020)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: High
LGBTQ: Positive
Leans Progressive
7.2
The Raccoons and the Lost Star
(1983)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: Moderate
Leans Progressive
7.5
Hair Love
(2019)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: Moderate
Leans Progressive
7.0
The Journey to Melonia
(1989)
Political: Strong Left
Diversity: Low