“Ernest i Celestyna: Misja muzyka” – reż. Julien Chheng, Jean-Christophe Roger (film)

“Ernest and Celestine: A Trip to Gibberitia” – warm and wise about important matters

“Ernest and Celestine: A Trip to Gibberitia” is the second feature-length film about the charming friends: Celestine the mouse and Ernest the bear. The heroes of the book series by Gabrielle Vincent, a Belgian author and illustrator, first appeared on the big screen in the Oscar-nominated animation Ernest & Celestine from 2012.

About friendship
It’s hard to imagine a more mismatched pair of protagonists. Ernest and Celestine seem to have more differences than common ground – and yet true friendship turns out to be stronger than any divide. The story of a huge bear and a tiny mouse is a tale about the beauty found in diversity, about breaking stereotypes, and about the power of togetherness – proving that when we act side by side, nothing is impossible.

About music
“Ernest and Celestine: A Trip to Gibberitia” is also a film about the meaning of art and the love of music. The protagonists set off for Ernest’s hometown to repair his broken violin. But once there, they discover that music has been banned in the bears’ city – a prohibition enforced by stern judges led by Ernest’s own father. Opposing the ban is the mysterious Free Notes Gang, headed by the masked figure Mifasol. Ernest and Celestine join the resistance to bring back the full spectrum of sounds and joy to the townsfolk.

About relationships

Ernest and Celestine: A Trip to Gibberitia also tells a story about difficult relationships and the importance of following your dreams while staying true to yourself. We learn that Ernest’s father imposed the ban because he is disappointed in his son. He wanted Ernest to follow in his footsteps and become a judge, not a “mere fiddler.” The creators managed to avoid heavy-handed moralizing – they tell this story with subtlety, wisdom, and without falling into cliché.

The beauty of classic animation

The film stands out thanks to its classic, watercolor-style animation, reminiscent of the illustrations created by Gabrielle Vincent. As Piotr Dobry, a critic for Dziennik, wrote: Ernest and Celestine: A Trip to Gibberitia is “a refreshing proposition in a world dominated by 3D animation – there are no musical fireworks, pop culture references or slapstick here; everything relies instead on a melancholic atmosphere and the relationship between the bear and the mouse.” The film is a subtle yet profound proposition — perfect for those who value the beauty of animation and heartfelt storytelling.

Ernest and Celestine, 80′
Age: 6+