Synopsis
Ernest & Celestine is a 2012 French-Belgian animated feature film that is based on the children’s books by the Belgian author and illustrator Gabrielle Vincent. The audience watches the story of a big gentle bear, Ernest and a little mouse, Celestine, foster a unique bond that defies social norms. The unlikely pair manage to become friends, and although they come from very different and opposing worlds, they find warmth, joy, and understanding in one another.
The fictional setting is separated—quite literally—into a world of bears aboveground and a world of mice underground. Each of these two societies lives in fear and suspicion of one another. The bears are taught to fear and hate mice and the mice are raised to believe that bears are dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. The backdrop of these societies focuses on themes of a prejudice, misunderstanding, and irrational fear of the “other.”
Celestine is a curious, imaginative, and artistic young mouse lives in the underground mouse city and the orphanage. She wants to be an artist and makes a lot of drawings that are far removed from the practical designs expected in the mechanical mouse world. Most of the time, these designs get her into trouble for not conforming to regulations and rules.
One day, Celestine meets Ernest, as she was carrying out the tedious routine of gathering bear cubs’ teeth from the upper ground homes. Ernest is a strapping, unusual bear who is considered a social outcast. He is a borderline starving musician and street performer, straying too far from the mainstream fabric of a society that is not very accommodating to free spirits. When Celestine stumbles upon him, he is starving and begs to play his longing for companionship, acceptance, and creative freedom.
Initially, the two bear some suspicion, but are soon able to find common ground as soul mates. Each is an outcast within their own unique circles, and, more importantly, in the very fabric of the society that surrounds them.
The two encounter a social order and legal structure designed to confine them. They find a concealed cottage in the country, one that is hidden from both bears and mice. They work to build a haven that is free of the oppressive tentacles of their society. As the two draw nearer, their communities start to view them with heightened suspicion, targeting their connection for breaches in the severely enforced control systems around friendship.
Eventually, both Ernest and Celestine get found out and tried separately by the bears and the mice authorities. Because of the incredible loyalty, love and courage each displayed, even the most tyrannical of judges were moved. Through the incredible example of their unwavering friendship, the most important lesson was taught to both societies; love, kindness, and creative spirit exceed the cowardice, hatred, and bigotry of traditions. To this, joyous celebration was in order, and with the peace they deserve, both went home, heart and mind changed.
Cast & Crew
The individual talents in the original french version of Ernest & Celestine, were as followed:
Lambert Wilson as Ernest – Wilson’s warm, gently humorous characterization made Ernest, a rough character, seem to have a big heart, alongside the gruffness.
Pauline Brunner as Celestine – Brunner’s voice lent to her the charming, mischievous and endearing quality of the character.
Anne-Marie Loop as The Grey One – A stern mouse figure who represents the rigidity of the mouse society.
Dominique Collignon-Maurin, Brigitte Virtudes, and Michel Robin in other supporting roles, which added to the quirk stylized world of the film.
For audiences in English, the film featured the following notable voice actors:
Forest Whitaker as Ernest
Mackenzie Foy as Celestine
Supporting cast members included Lauren Bacall, Paul Giamatti, and William H. Macy.
The film has three directors, all talented filmmakers in their own right:
Stéphane Aubier
Vincent Patar
Benjamin Renner
Besides directing, Renner also made a major contribution to the film’s original and unique visual design, which is a close interpretation of the original Gabrielle Vincent books’ watercolor illustrations.
The screenplay was written by Daniel Pennac, a well-known French author who possesses charming, whimsical storytelling and is a master of writing for both children and adults.
IMDb Ratings
As of the present, Ernest & Celestine has an IMDb score of 7.8/10 which is indicative of the film’s success and popularity. It has been appreciated for the high quality of the animation, emotional authenticity, and the uplifting ideas expressed in the film’s soft narrative.
Both critics and the general public have commented on the film’s unusual, fully hand-drawn style of animation, which is a rarity in modern animated features that entirely depend on computer animation. The film employs watercolor art, muted colors, and suggestive sketch designs to create a dream-like and visual quality that is emotionally inviting.
The narrative has, of course, been praised for covering the themes of friendship, nonconformity, and acceptance in a manner both uplifting and accessible for children, yet profound for adults. The friendship between Ernest and Celestine drives the story, and their authentic and inspirational bond is heartwarming. They represent the idea that being different is perfectly fine, and that genuine friendship can close even the greatest divides.
The film also has IMDb notoriety and, in 2014, was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. The artistic worth and emotional resonance of the film received notable recognition, even if it did not win the Oscar.
Conclusion
Ernest & Celestine is an animated film that is a testimony to the celebration of art, friendship, and individuality. Its gentle challenge to societal norms is nonconfrontational, yet makes its points all the more profound. The film follows a bear and a mouse who, despite their differences and the social order, implore their audiences to discard fear and prejudice, embracing love, imagination, and compassion.
Ernest & Celestine captivates with its beautiful aesthetics, sincere narratives, and subtle comedies. This piece doesn’t shy away from imparting important messages. Children’s cinema can certainly be this aesthetically pleasing and meaningful. This will resonate with anyone, child or parent, or anyone who appreciates meaningful stories. This film will surely be unforgettable.
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