e-70733 The construction of fictitious world is convictive and not deliberate, so expression of theme is steady and proper. The exquisite and elegant hand-painted style not only provides a unique narrative atmosphere for the film, but also becomes an important means to promote the development of script. Many delicate details have enriched the main plot, therefore, a perfect resonance that includes the artist's romantic enthusiasm and calm thinking finally came true in the film.

garyconness It was so refreshing to see a classically animated film today with such a great story. I instantly fell in love with the characters. Lots of hidden meaning and lessons to be learned. Can't wait for a sequel. I really think that this film will be enjoyed both by children and children at heart.

elision10 There's near-universal acclaim for this movie among critics and viewers, so mine is definitely a minority opinion. While I enjoyed the movie, the story just didn't make much sense to me or seem at all consistent. The various actions of the characters, their situation in life didn't make much sense to me. The dual tracks of the above/below ground worlds of bear/mouse society were odd.But what bothered me most about the film, especially as a film for children, was the relationship between the two main characters. It went beyond that of what we traditionally think of as close friends, who, while greatly enjoying each other's company, still want to be part of society and be with others. The relationship between Ernest & Celestine is much more that of lovers, happy if the entire world goes to hell so long as they can be together. Celestine is a "her" at one point of the film; whether Ernestine's gender is ever revealed I don't know. But the relationship seems to be that of of a big, strong, dumb male and a petite, weak, smart female...of different species.Probably 98% of readers will respond "it's just a fairy tale," "you're reading too much into it," "yours is a narrow, conservative view of love" etc. But for me, the movie sends a confusing message to children of friendship versus love, especially given the different species of the characters.

Amari-Sali This was an academy award nominee amongst The Wind Rises, and the overrated Frozen, and unfortunately wasn't available to me around the time of the ceremony. But after watching it, I'm starting to think perhaps I should have a stronger interest in French cinema. For in the movies I've seen thus far from the country, they all have a beautiful complexity, even when a horror film like Martyrs, which perhaps solely comes from being too accustomed to America cinema. Leading to the question: despite an Oscar nomination, is it worth seeing this film?Characters & StoryIn a world segregated between bears and mice, bears living on the surface and mice in the sewers, prejudice is rampant between the two. Mice children are taught bears are ferocious and deadly, while bears see mice as humans do: uninvited greedy little guests. But, despite all this, mice need bears for their teeth are good replacements for theirs. As for bears, well they don't really get anything out of this deal.But teeth are what lead to the main plot of the story as one young artistic orphan named Celestine (Pauline Brunner) finds herself befriending a poor musician named Ernest (Lamber Wilson). And what starts with him trying to eat her turns into them looking out for each other, loving each other, and finding each other to fit their needs. Celestine gives Ernest the love and encouragement he needs, and Celestine receives the sense of family and a home in return. Making their crime filled journey to their own personal bliss quite the tale.PraiseOh where to begin? There is the art style, story, the characters, and the fact it packs such a well-developed story in only a little over an hour. But perhaps what should be highlighted the most is that as cute as the story is between this Celestine and Ernest, it also creates a good learning tool for talking about prejudice with kids, as well as why people in poverty steal, why people panhandle and beg, and the importance of social services. For in the movie, often times there are examples of how prejudice is learned as shown by the stories of how dangerous bears are, and how everyone is pushed to conform into prejudice beliefs over their own perceptions.Which makes Celestine interacting with Ernest a good tool for teaching kids to question what others whisper and say about others. For, using examples from the movie, Celestine was warned her whole life about bears, and yet Ernest became perhaps one of the nicest animals she has ever met. Then, during later scenes, it shows examples of negative peer pressure and how simply following along, and not speaking out, could lead to someone being judged unjustly for something they did, or did not, do. Making, overall, what looks like a simple kid film greatly complex.CriticismHonestly, the only thing worth critiquing is after the "crime spree" of Celestine and Ernest, I was confused how come the ever fearful mice were able to take a bear Ernest's size into custody. Outside of that little issue though, you'd be hard pressed to find something wrong with this.Overall: Worth SeeingComplex animated films, which are kid friendly, are sort of rare. So when films like this come out and can either be seen as simple cute films, or learning tools, they certainly deserve praise. And that is why I'm labeling this as "Worth Seeing."