Ethel & Ernest
Seen it?2016 | 94 min | Animation, Drama, War, History
Sunday Safe Betearly ratingWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
Critics loved it (97% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had a box office flop. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for animation lovers and history buffs. If you loved The Pianist or Amadeus, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Intense, feel-good.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 34 min.
- What might put you off
- No age rating on record, so check it first for young kids.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
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.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
97% on Rotten Tomatoes, 72 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
7.5 out of 10
- AwardsWeak
0 wins and 2 nominations from smaller awards and festivals
- Reach & staying powerWeak
Streaming release that reached a small audience so far
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 177K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Roger Mainwood
- Jim BroadbentErnest Briggs (voice)
- Brenda BlethynEthel Briggs (voice)
- Luke TreadawayRaymond Briggs (voice)
- Roger AllamMiddle Aged Doctor (voice)
- Virginia McKennaLady of the House (voice)
- Peter WightDetective Sergeant Burnley (voice)
- Pam FerrisMrs Bennett / Aunty Betty (voice)
- Simon DayAlf (voice)
- Raymond BriggsRaymond Briggs (voice)
- June BrownErnest's Step Mother (voice)