Ethel & Ernest

"Forty years of change. One enduring love."

Feb 20 2018 Not Rated 1h 34m
Animation, Drama, History

This hand drawn animated film, based on the award winning graphic novel by Raymond Briggs, is an intimate and affectionate depiction of the life and times of his parents, two ordinary Londoners living through extraordinary events.

Plot

In 1928 London milk-man Ernest Briggs courts and marries house-maid Ethel, their son Raymond being born in 1934. When World War II breaks out Ethel tearfully allows him to be evacuated to aunts in Dorset whilst Ernest joins the fire service, shocked by the carnage he sees. As hostilities end they celebrate Raymond's return and entry to grammar school and the birth of the welfare state though Ethel is mistrustful of socialism and progress in general. Raymond himself progresses from National Service to art college and a teaching post, worrying his mother by marrying schizophrenic Jean. However father and son console each other as Ethel slips away but before long Raymond is mourning his father too though both Ethel and Ernest will forever be immortalized by Raymond's touching account of their lives.

Written by

Raymond Briggs, Roger Mainwood

Directed by

Roger Mainwood

Production Countries

Luxembourg, United Kingdom

Production Companies

Melusine Productions, BBC, CLOTH CAT ANIMATIONS, Lupus Films, BFI

Languages

English

Awards

3 wins & 9 nominations

Scores
# of Votes
4,392
Average Rating
7.7 out of 10
Metascore
72
Popularity
NA