The build up to World War 2, the war itself, and the austerity of the years that follow are the things that largely dominate the story ofEthel & Ernest. Seeing great historical events through the eyes of an ordinary family can lend them more poignancy. But such external events are not at the heart of the film. It is the basic love story of Raymond’s parents that audiences will most identify with. Raymond Briggs takes no prisoners when it comes to honest emotion, and the animated version of Ethel and Ernest will be no exception. This is a film of small moments, deceptively simple, and one that will touch everyone who sees it.