The One and Only Ivan

2020

"Freedom begins with a single dream."

Also known as: 🇪🇸 ES: El magnífico Iván^? 🇵🇹 PT: O Único e Incomparável Ivan^? 🇰🇷 KO: 더 원 앤 온리 이반^? 🇷🇴 RO: Unicul și inegalabilul Ivan 🇧🇬 BG: Единственият Айвън^? All international titles (7) →

Drama Comedy Family 93 min 6.6/10

Synopsis

The One and Only Ivan is a movie released in 2020.

In a heartwarming tale that beautifully blends humor and emotion, a gentle gorilla named Ivan finds himself at a crossroads in a suburban shopping mall, where he has spent his life in captivity. Surrounded by a motley crew of fellow animals, Ivan embarks on a journey of self-discovery and redemption, piecing together the fragments of his past and the dreams of freedom that echo within him. With the help of his friends—an insightful elephant named Ruby and a wise old dog—Ivan hatches a daring plan to escape their confines, reminding us all that it’s never too late to reclaim our true selves. This family-friendly film captivates with its enchanting storytelling, vibrant animation, and a poignant message about hope, friendship, and the importance of standing up for oneself. The emotional depth of Ivan's character resonates deeply, showcasing the struggles of captivity and the longing for freedom, while also delivering lighthearted moments that will make you smile. With a stellar voice cast and stunning visuals, this film is a delightful escape into a world where courage and camaraderie shine, making it a must-watch for audiences of all ages.

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Parental Guide — Suitable for 7+

7+

Content guidance for parents

Category	Level	Indicator
Violence	1/5
Sexual Content	0/5
Language	1/5
Drugs / Alcohol	0/5
Frightening Elements	2/5

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Detailed explanations

Violence

There are mild depictions of animal captivity and some tense moments that may be unsettling for very young viewers.

Sexual Content

There is no sexual content in the film.

Language

Mild language is present, including some words that may be considered slightly inappropriate for younger audiences.

Drugs / Alcohol

There are no depictions of drug or alcohol use.

Frightening Elements

Some scenes may be emotionally intense, especially involving themes of captivity and loss, which could be scary for younger children.

Summary for parents:

The One and Only Ivan is a family-friendly film that explores themes of friendship, freedom, and empathy through the eyes of an artistic gorilla. While it has some emotional moments and mild tension, it is generally suitable for children aged 7 and older.

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Connections with other movies

This movie has thematic and stylistic connections with the following productions:

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Where to Watch The One and Only Ivan Online

All Streaming Services

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Box Office

Budget: $0

Revenue: $0

Profit -$0

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Cast of The One and Only Ivan

Bryan Cranston

Mack

Sam Rockwell

Ivan (voice)

Brooklynn Prince

Ruby (voice)

Angelina Jolie

Stella (voice)

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Keywords

#based on novel or book 609 #based on true story 286 #talking animal 13 #circus 13 #gorilla 9

Production Companies

Walt Disney Pictures

Allison Shearmur Productions

Trivia & Fun Facts about The One and Only Ivan

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• The One and Only Ivan was filmed primarily at Pinewood Atlanta Studios in Georgia, which provided a controlled environment for the production team to create detailed sets that mimicked a suburban mall and animal habitats.

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• Bryan Cranston, who plays the role of Mack, had to adapt his performance to interact with animated animals, which involved acting against green screens and imagining their presence in numerous scenes.

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• The film features a poignant soundtrack that includes original songs by the acclaimed artist and songwriter, Philip Lawrence, contributing to the film's emotional depth.

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• In a moment of subtle humor, a scene features a small dog named Bob who is voiced by Danny DeVito; this casting choice draws a playful connection to DeVito's comedic style and adds levity to the film.

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• The character of Ivan, voiced by Sam Rockwell, was inspired by the real-life gorilla who lived in a similar captivity situation, highlighting the film's themes of freedom and friendship.

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• A continuity error occurs when Ivan is seen holding a bunch of bananas that change positions between shots, indicating a lapse in attention to detail during filming.

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