Disney’s animated properties tend to be generally well received regardless of actual quality. Not to say any of their films are individually terrible or subpar, but some have been significantly better than others and a handful of them are surprisingly tame in terms of theme and maturity. Thankfully the studio has been on a bit of a winning stretch over the last several years with films like “Tangled”, “Wreck It Ralph”, “Frozen”, and “Big Hero 6” all earning their place up high in the brand’s catalogue. Some may even argue Disney Animation has surpassed their sibling Pixar in recent quality. I don’t know if I’d agree with that statement but for those who do, Zootopia is the strongest evidence in support of that theory.

As “Big Hero 6” functions as a superhero story to support the exploration of grief, “Zootopia” operates at double capacity as a crime noir and to study race relations in society. The film revolves around young police officer Judy Hopps, an adorable rabbit intent on investigating the mysterious appearances of animals who have been reverting to a state of savagery and loss of intelligence. Predators and prey live alongside one another but a conspiracy is set in motion which causes friction between the differing species.

Much like the allegorical brilliance behind George Orwell’s “Animal Farm”, the script examines the history of animal species as conflicted and an era where peace is seemingly attainable but structures raised by people behind the scenes obstruct more than inspire. What follows is a heavy handed metaphor for the surge of crack cocaine in America during the mid-1980s and its ties to residential areas for people of color and minorities.

In the real world, certain animals are herbivores and others are carnivores. There is a circle of life that defines these species with a fight or flight mentality. As adults, these animals often fall into what we perceive as normality. Under most circumstances, fully grown cats and dogs simply cannot live together. They have a biological foundation that makes it difficult for them not to resort to primal instincts to lash out and attack one another. Given the history of uneasiness in the relationship between predators and prey, we can understand why a bunny in Zootopia will shield her children from a tiger.

The truth is the two can live together. They don’t need to be predators and prey. They can be co-species with proper foundations by being raised together. This is the world “Zootopia” represents a reflection it presents of our own world.

In our real world there are people who would inform you someone of a darker skin color or someone who dresses a certain way should be viewed as dangerous. It’s a disgusting approach to real world views and one that we should do away with. Nobody is born racist. Nobody is born to be hated. Society and structures pervert the relationships with other humans to the point where racism becomes a viable option in our world.

This is why “Zootopia” becomes such a vital film to Disney. It’s animation is breathtaking. The worldbuilding is endlessly fascinating and hilarious in its puns and metaphors. But the allegorical telling of race relations, especially in a world where Ferguson is a near memory, is the most important work of art alongside any of the instant classics Disney has cultivated over the years.