An entertaining and heart-warming story about two ordinary people who fall in love in extraordinary times, this poignant animated feature is beautifully adapted from author Raymond Briggs’s graphic novel, and provides a hilarious and touching tribute to his parents, former lady’s maid Ethel, a conservative obsessed with keeping up appearances, and Ernest, an exuberant, Labour-voting Cockney. The film charts their enduring devotion against the backdrop of the immense social change occurring in England during the mid-20th Century. Wonderfully voiced by Academy Award winning actors Brenda Blethyn and Jim Broadbent, the title characters experience the Depression, World War II, postwar prosperity and cultural upheaval. “Exceedingly charming and sweetly nostalgic, Ethel & Ernest’s period subject matter – covering the years 1928 to 1971 – makes a good fit with the film’s unapologetically retro 2D animation style.” --Charles Gant, Screen
Director’s Biography
Roger Mainwood: Mainwood started work in the animation industry at Halas and Batchelor studios in 1979. He also worked for Richard Williams Animation and for John Coates TVC studio, where his animations include Raymond Briggs’ BAFTA winning The Snowman, When the Wind Blows, Father Christmas, Granpa and Oi Get Off Our Train.
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