Ethel & Ernest (film)
| Ethel & Ernest | |
|---|---|
Poster | |
| Directed by | Roger Mainwood |
| Screenplay by | Roger Mainwood |
| Based on | Ethel & Ernest by Raymond Briggs |
| Produced by |
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| Starring | |
| Edited by | Richard Overall |
| Music by | Carl Davis |
Production companies | |
| Distributed by | Universal Pictures Vertigo Releasing |
Release dates |
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Running time | 94 minutes[1] |
| Countries | United Kingdom Luxembourg |
| Language | English |
Ethel & Ernest is a 2016 British animated biographical film directed by Roger Mainwood. The film is based on the 1998 graphic memoir of the same name written by Raymond Briggs, and follows Briggs' parents, Ethel and Ernest, through their period of marriage from the 1920s to their deaths in the 1970s. It was broadcast on television on BBC One on 28 December 2016.[2]
Plot
In 1928 London, Ernest Briggs, a cheerful milkman, notices Ethel, a reserved lady's maid, as she cleans windows. Their mutual glances lead to a courtship, culminating in marriage. They purchase a modest home in Wimbledon Park, striving to furnish it despite financial constraints. Ethel, desiring a child, gives birth to their only son, Raymond, in 1934.
As World War II erupts, the couple faces numerous challenges. Ernest serves as a volunteer fireman, witnessing the horrors of the Blitz, while Ethel manages the home front. To ensure Raymond's safety, they evacuate him to relatives in Dorset, a decision that deeply affects Ethel. Their home is damaged during the war, but their resilience keeps the family united.
Post-war Britain brings both hope and tension. Ernest embraces the Labour government's initiatives, including the establishment of the National Health Service, while Ethel remains sceptical of rapid social changes. Raymond excels academically, earning a place at grammar school, much to his parents' pride. However, his decision to attend art college and his bohemian lifestyle cause concern, especially for Ethel, who had envisioned a more conventional path for him.
As the years progress, Ethel and Ernest witness monumental events: the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, the rise of television, and the cultural shifts of the 1960s. They grapple with personal challenges, including Ethel's declining health and eventual dementia. Her condition deteriorates, leading to poignant moments where she no longer recognises Ernest. Ethel passes away in 1971, followed shortly by Ernest.
The film concludes with Raymond reflecting on his parents' lives, honouring their enduring love and the ordinary yet profound legacy they left behind.
Cast
- Jim Broadbent as Ernest Briggs[3]
- Brenda Blethyn as Ethel Briggs[3]
- Luke Treadaway as Raymond Briggs[3]
- Harry Collett as young Raymond Briggs[3]
- Roger Allam as Doctor Trotter[3]
- Pam Ferris as Mrs. Bennett and Aunt Betty[3]
- Virginia McKenna as Lady Foxworthy[3]
- Peter Wight as Detective Sergeant Burnley[3]
- June Brown as Ernest's Stepmother[3]
- Simon Day as Alf[3]
Production
The film was originally to be produced by John Coates, notable for producing The Snowman. When Coates died in 2012, Camilla Deakin and Ruth Fielding (Lupus Films) were then hired to help complete the film.[4] The voice cast for the film was revealed on 3 August 2015.[5] The film was made of 67,680 hand-drawn individual frames.[6]
The film's soundtrack has a score by Carl Davis, but also uses songs of the period featured relevant to scenes of the film by Bert Lown, Al Bowlly, Ambrose and his Orchestra, Joe Daniels and his Hotshots, Florence Desmond, Jack Hylton, Gracie Fields, Charles Penrose, Juliette Greco, The Shadows and Dave Berry, and closes with an original song "In The Blink Of An Eye" written and performed by Paul McCartney.[7]
Release
The film made its official debut in the 60th BFI London Film Festival. The film made its theatrical premiere in the U.S. at the Nuart Landmark Theatre in Santa Monica, California, on 15 December 2017.[6]
Reception
Critical response
On review aggregation website Rotten Tomatoes, the film has an average rating of 97%, which an average of 7.5/10, based on 35 reviews. The site's critical consensus reads, "Gentle, poignant, and vividly animated, Ethel & Ernest is a warm character study with an evocative sense of time and place."[8] On Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating, the film has a score of 72 out of 100, based on 10 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".[9]
References
- ^ "Ethel & Ernest". Archived from the original on 3 April 2023. Retrieved 6 March 2020.
- ^ Smith, Reiss (28 December 2016). "What time is Ethel and Ernest on? Cast, plot and trailer for new Raymond Briggs film". Express. Archived from the original on 13 October 2023. Retrieved 1 February 2018.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j "A Feature Adaptation of Raymond Briggs' 'Ethel and Ernest' Is In the Works". Cartoon Brew. 6 August 2015. Archived from the original on 24 September 2022. Retrieved 5 October 2017.
- ^ "This hand-drawn animated film of Raymond Briggs' Ethel and Ernest looks just lovely". Digital Arts Online. 3 August 2015. Archived from the original on 14 October 2022. Retrieved 5 October 2017.
- ^ "Voice Cast Announced for 'Ethel & Ernest' Feature". Animation World Network. 3 August 2015. Archived from the original on 13 October 2023. Retrieved 5 October 2017.
- ^ a b McLean, Tom (13 December 2017). "'Ethel & Ernest' Makes U.S. Theatrical Debut". Animation World Network. Archived from the original on 24 January 2019. Retrieved 1 February 2018.
- ^ soundtrack Paul McCartney original song released on Ethel & Ernest soundtrack - Music-News 20 October 2016 accessed 2 March 2024.
- ^ "Ethel & Ernest (2016)". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango. Archived from the original on 25 July 2023. Retrieved 10 October 2021.
- ^ "Ethel & Ernest Reviews". Metacritic. Archived from the original on 4 June 2023. Retrieved 25 February 2018.
External links