Ethel & Ernest

I had, of course, read the reviews of this film before unintentionally falling upon it by chance on Christmas television.

I have long lamented the lack of charm in most of the recent Disney films, for example, indeed the absence of charm in today's society in general, but it is present in this film in abundance. Not only is this film visually captivating but I was frequently moved to tears by the unexpected pathos of this story, which is a microcosm of the experiences of that most extra-ordinary generation who fought and survived the Second World War and who's members, through age and slow disease, are now virtually all departed from this world.

This film is sincere, amusing and observant, and like the Snowman, however different in style, will endure forever.

This is based on British graphic novelist Raymond Briggs' parents. It's 1928 London. Ernest Briggs (Jim Broadbent) rides his bike to work every day and he catches the eye of a Lady's maid Ethel (Brenda Blethyn) in her 30s. She's surprised when he shows up at the door asking for a date. It's the start of a life long love affair.

This reminds me of the first five minutes of Up. It's a poignant portrayal of a love that is built over a lifetime. It's not a happily ever after riding into the sunset. It's a life of living together, loving together, and working together. There are personal struggles and living under world struggles. It always hits me when a husband or wife can't survive after the death of the other. It's a good tissue movie.

Having watched all Raymond Briggs films i was very surprised to find that another one was made and luckily i just managed to watch it as i did not know it was being aired within the Christmas period 2016.

I have enjoyed Snowman, The Father Christmas, When the Wind blows and more and watched when i was a child.I now watch these same films with my children. If you have watched the films before this then you know it'll be an excellent film. This film like the others offers humour,great characters and just overall great enjoyment.

I might have to say that this film is now my overall favourite out of the Briggs films. It has humour,cosy English culture but also a sad realism.Based in the era of my grand parents it was nice to see how they were back then living a similar life.As based on true events it was a sad film but very interesting as it was factual.

Overall i loved it,my partner and kids loved it.Its a great film for all ages and new and old fans of Raymond Briggs.Ill definitely be getting this on Blu ray.

In a year where the Christmas TV schedules have been packed with 'specials' that weren't special at all it's very refreshing (and a nice change) to have something as lovely as 'Ethel and Ernest' on to watch.

Beautifully animated, it brings to life Raymond Briggs' graphic novel of the same name. Capturing the life of his parents this charts their struggles, their highs/lows against the changing face of Britain.

The book covers some tough issues, and I was pleased to see that the film did not shy away from these either, but doing so in a dignified and poetic way.

Parents thinking this is going to be like 'The Snowman', another adaptation of Briggs' work should be warned though, this isn't always child friendly due to the content.

Well done to all those involved in the making of this film.

I've just got around to watching this today. As a 50-year-old I could relate to so much of it and relate it to my grandparents and uncles and aunties who were around during this time. Frankly, I found the film utterly heartbreaking. I must have had tears in my eyes pretty solidly for the last 30 minutes of it. It was quite overwhelming in places especially when Raymond views a body in the morgue which was very reminiscent of something that happened to me recently. I was going to write that it was a perfect slice of life but that is not big enough as it really does pretty much cover two entire lives. My boys who are under ten it has to be said were not gripped by it and did fade in and out of watching it but for adults, I can't recommend it highly enough.