Oscar-nominated Ernest & Celestine (2012) is based on a Belgian children's book series by Gabrielle Vincent about a mouse and a bear who, against all odds, become best friends.
I happened upon this treasure while searching for a movie that wasn't a typical rom-com, psych-thriller, or melodrama. After a week of election/coronavirus hype, I needed something particularly smart and uplifting.
What caught my attention initially was the animation, a kind of watercolor, hand-drawn method of illustration. The figures unfold across the screen at a tempo that soothed my eyes. I didn’t know until then how tired my eyes were of the flashy, pulsing images of online media.
Ernest & Celestine viewers are asked to look closely at broad-sweeping human issues, as well as their personal struggles. In Ernest and Celestine's world, mouse and bear friendships are unacceptable because of issues of race and social norm. Moreover, their respective kingdoms reject them as artists. Creativity has no value in such paradigms where everything hinges on money and production. But the film's protagonists guide viewers to imagine a new reality.
Though scorned by all mice and bears, Ernest and Celestine become friends and, inadvertently, impact the societies to which they belong. In my opinion, and this is my blog after all, so I get to say these things: Ernest & Celestine will sweep you off your feet, and just in time. Seriously, I urge you to watch it, even if animation is not your bag.
Comments