Ernest & Celestine: A Trip to Gibberitia
| Industry | Film production and distribution |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | France |
| Products | Animated films |
Ernest & Celestine: A Trip to Gibberitia (original French title: Ernest et Célestine: Le Voyage en Charabie) is a 2022 animated film blending adventure, comedy, and drama, co-directed by Julien Chheng and Jean-Christophe Roger. This movie serves as a follow-up to the 2012 feature Ernest & Celestine and draws inspiration from the beloved children's books created by Belgian writer and illustrator Gabrielle Vincent.
The project was first announced in 2017 and subsequently released by StudioCanal on December 14, 2022. It later premiered in the United States through GKIDS in 2023. The film earned a nomination for the Annie Award for Best Animated Feature – Independent at the Annie Awards, though the award ultimately went to Robot Dreams.
Cast
| Character | Original Actor | Dub Actor[1] |
|---|---|---|
| Ernest | Lambert Wilson | Andrew Kishino |
| Celestine | Pauline Brunner | Ashley Boettcher |
| Naboukov | Michel Lerousseau | David Lodge |
| Kamelia | Céline Ronté | Anne Yatco |
| Mila/Mifasol | Lévanah Solomon | Lena Josephine Marano |
| Octavius | Jean-Marc Pannetier | Bill Lobley |
| Police Chief | Christophe Lemoine | Daniel Hagen |
Synopsis
In this installment, Ernest and Celestine journey back to Ernest’s native land, Charabia, with the intention of fixing his violin. Upon arrival, they discover that music has been prohibited across the entire country for several years. Alongside new companions, including an enigmatic masked hero, they endeavor to revive happiness and challenge the longstanding ban within the bear community.
Release
The movie debuted in France on December 14, 2022, followed by a limited release in the United States on September 1, 2023 via GKIDS. North American audiences gained access to the film on Blu-ray starting January 16, 2024.
Reception
Holding a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes, the film also secured an Annie Award nomination for Best Animated Feature — Independent. Sandie Angulo Chen from Common Sense Media commended its succinct 80-minute length combined with impactful storytelling. On Metacritic, it achieved a rating of 78 out of 100 based on six critic reviews, reflecting generally favorable opinions.
In France, Allocine aggregated a critic rating of 3.7 out of 5 from twenty reviews. Elle described it as "a wonderful film to watch with family," while Le Figaro praised it as "a charming and intelligent new adventure" and regarded it as "a delightful Christmas gift." Télérama emphasized its mix of spectacle, playful elements, and family-oriented themes, calling it "a gem of tenderness" that transcends being merely a sequel. Additionally, Libération considered it "less moving but radiant," highlighting the appeal of its traditional animation technique.
Accolades
At the César 2023, Ernest & Celestine: The Journey to Charabie, co-directed by Julien Chheng, won the award for César Award for Best Animated Film.
| Award | Date | Category | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annie Awards | February 17, 2024 | Best Animated Feature — Independent | Template:Nom | [2] |
External links
- Ernest and Celestine: A Trip to Gibberitia available at GKIDS