Weekend Round-Up – Cinecity Diary – 25th November – Ernest and Celestine.

This weekend has been a tough one. Towards the end of last week I received some earth shattering bad news that affects my whole family greatly. It is not something that I wish to go into here, but it really kicked me in the stomach and knocked my motivation for six. I haven’t felt like writing at all.

Thankfully I pulled myself out of the house on Sunday morning to attend a screening at Cinecity. Ernest and Celestine made big waves at LFF this year and it was a film I really wanted to see and I am so happy I made the effort.

Ernest and Celestine

This French animation is a quaint story that is based on a series of books of the same name by author, Gabrielle Vincent. The tale is set in a dense and dark world that is carefully constructed. Although the film is directed for a child audience the story is that of a segregated society, where Bears live above ground and mice in the sewers. The two races to not interact, or even meet. This is just the way it is.

That is until a free-thinking orphan Mouse named Celestine encounters and helps a starving bear by the name of Ernest which then sparks a heart warming friendship against all odds. Their path is fraught with danger because of the way that their friendship is frowned upon by society. While these challenges are difficult for them as individuals together they are a force to be reckoned and will fight for their right to be friends against all who oppose them.

The beauty of ‘Ernest and Celestine’ is that it handles a very grown up storyline of segregation and bureaucracy in a light-hearted and child friendly manner. The tale depicts the two fighting forces as pompous and ignorant both fighting to control something that they do not understand. It is hilarious and extremely satisfying.

The film does not try to wash over the tough subjects addressed here, instead it seems to promote a positive attitude to life which undoubtedly help them to prepare for the troubles that this horrid world can throw at us.

‘Ernest and Celestine’ works on both levels, either for grown-ups that read into the subtext carefully, or for the child who is happy to enjoy the story and impressive animation. A worthy watch for the whole family.