Nominated for ‘Best Animated Feature’ at the Oscars in 2013, this simple story speaks of an unlikely friendship between a mouse and a bear.

Based on a bizarre concept of survival, the talents of Celestine the mouse are not wasted when she helps out Ernest the bear. What ensues is a simple yet dramatic tale of how these two depend on one another and develop a bond which no one understands.

The animation style is like a static story book painted in warm colours, parts of a page come alive when the scene requires it to. It combines an old world charm of the cartoons we grew up with in the 80s and early 90s and the sophistication and precision of the current times.

Directors Stephane Aubier, Vincent Patar and Benjamin Renner present a tale of pure emotions where very little depends on effects. They use sound and limited visuals to entertain and charm.

3.5/5