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 Brenda Blethyn and Jim Broadbent, the title characters experience the Depression, World War II, postwar prosperity and cultural upheaval.

"The second feature-length animated film adapted from a Raymond Briggs graphic novel, arriving a full 30 years after When the Wind Blows, is a loving tribute to the lives and 41-year marriage of the veteran author and illustrator's own parents. 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

Roger Mainwood – Director