We continue our series of reviews chronicling all of the (non-Studio Ghibli) animated films distributed by GKIDS Films — some of the most original and breathtakingly beautiful animated films from around the world — and how they hold up for a young American audience.

The entire retrospective is found here, and this time we’ve got…

Ernest & Celestine (2012):
Benjamin Renner, Stéphane Aubier, Vincent Patar, directors

What’s it about?

Based on a series of Belgian children’s books by Gabrielle Vincent, Ernest & Celestine is about the unlikely friendship that develops between Ernest (a lumbering bear who’s a bit of a loner) and Celestine (an adventurous little mouse who always seems to fall into trouble).

Celestine was brought up in an undergound mouse city that teaches its young about “the big, bad bear” who enjoys nothing more than eating up little mice. But she has her doubts and dreams that mice and bears can be friends. And her belief is put to the test when her nightly mission above ground (where bears – instead of humans – live and work in strikingly familiar houses and buildings) finds her in league with a Ernest.

Celestine works for a dentist and is part of a group of young mice who are sent up to the streets to steal bear teeth (since they’re a great fit for mice teeth, once filed down, naturally). One thing leads to another, Ernest helps Celestine rob a… tooth store, and the two are thrust into hiding. The two quickly form a bond, and once their friendship is discovered, they’re both put on trial.

Though the film can be seen as a statement on class differences, stereotypes, prejudices, and racism, it’s also a beautiful story about the power of friendship that leaps off the screen in magical watercolor strokes.

What are the cultures at play? And how about the languages?

The movie is based on a series of classic Belgian (French language) picture books, but the characters and story are universal and timeless. Nothing gets lost “in translation.” Ernest & Celestine is also one of the rare films where I feel comfortable recommending both the original language AND the English dub. I always opt for the original language (which is slightly more preferable here), but the English cast includes Forest Whitaker and Mackenzie Foy in the lead roles, along with Lauren Bacall, Paul Giamatti, William H. Macy, Megan Mullally, Nick Offerman, and Jeffrey Wright. It’s a stellar cast with amazing performances all around.

Will my kids like it? Is there anything objectionable for young kids?

They’ll absolutely like it. Whereas many of GKIDS’s more recent releases have skewed toward an older (or an adult) audience, Ernest & Celestine is decidedly a kids movie. It’s charming, lovely, and absolutely nonthreatening in any way. There’s nothing at all objectionable about it.

Will I like it?

Ernest & Celestine was a joint directorial effort from Benjamin Renner (The Big Bad Fox and Other Tales) and Stéphane Aubier and Vincent Patar (A Town Called Panic). I think it’s safe to say that if you like the former, you’ll like this one; they’re very much of the same type of film: tender, heartwarming, endearing, and cozy.

The film was nominated for Best Animated Feature at the Academy Awards, won France’s César Award in the same category, and was lauded at Cannes. If those types of accolades mean anything to you.

How can I see it?

GKIDS and Cinedigm released a Blu-ray edition of the film with a few special features. Included is both the French and English audio tracks, an hour-long making-of featurette (in French), an extended interview (in English) with Benjamin Renner, and a feature-length animatic with concept art. The film is also available digitally from most retailers, is currently streaming for free on Amazon Video for Prime members, and is also on Kanopy for free (both language versions) with your public library card.

Final word?

Lately, I’ve not had much patience for “deep” or “dark” films that end up emotionally draining me or pushing me into a bad place. I still recognize the importance of films like that – and what they have to say – but I see enough pain and drama in the real world around me. Sometimes I just want to escape into a film that makes me a happy. And Ernest & Celestine more than delivers. It’s a pure delight from beginning to end.