“The Secret World of Arrietty” is a Japanese animated film released in 2010, directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi and produced by Studio Ghibli. It is based on the 1952 novel “The Borrowers” by Mary Norton. The film tells the story of a young Borrower named Arrietty and her interactions with a human boy named Sho.
The Borrowers are tiny people who live secretly in human homes and “borrow” small items they need for their own survival. Arrietty and her family reside beneath the floorboards of a house owned by an elderly woman, Sadako. They are careful to remain hidden and only take what they require to maintain their existence.
When Arrietty turns 14, her father allows her to accompany him on her first borrowing mission. During this excursion, Arrietty is spotted by Sho, a boy who has come to live in the house while he awaits a heart operation. Sho is captivated by Arrietty and wishes to befriend her, but Arrietty’s family is skeptical and worried about the consequences of interacting with humans.
Despite the risks, Arrietty gradually develops a friendship with Sho, who is intrigued by the Borrowers and their way of life. However, their secret encounters soon attract the attention of Haru, the housekeeper, who is determined to capture the Borrowers and prove their existence.
As the friendship between Arrietty and Sho deepens, they must find a way to protect the Borrowers’ secret while facing the challenges presented by Haru’s relentless pursuit. The film explores themes of friendship, courage, and the delicate balance between the human world and the hidden world of the Borrowers.
“The Secret World of Arrietty” showcases the signature visual style and attention to detail that Studio Ghibli films are known for. The animation beautifully captures the miniature world of the Borrowers, depicting their perspective and highlighting the wonder of everyday objects from their point of view.
The film received critical acclaim for its animation, storytelling, and emotional depth. It was praised for its ability to appeal to audiences of all ages and its ability to tackle complex themes in a relatable and visually stunning manner. “The Secret World of Arrietty” stands as a testament to Studio Ghibli’s legacy of creating enchanting and thought-provoking animated films.
Our Secret World of Arrietty Movie Review
The kiddos and I went to see The Secret World of Arrietty. We had no idea what it was about but enjoyed the movie experience. Turns out we all really liked it. It’s sort of anime meets The Borrowers, and it works! I’m not typically a fan of anime; however, the story line was so well done that I forgot it was anime.
The Secret World of Arriety
Carol Burnett is the voice of one of the characters and did a great job. It was like watching The Carol Burnett Show from my childhood. Good memories! I loved her character and found myself laughing out loud at the humor and looking forward to her return to the story.
The animation was incredible. I loved the dollhouse, and the gardens were beautiful. The details in the art were precise and really gave texture and reality to the movie.
Bridgit Mendler also voices one of the characters, making it a great discovery for my children who are big fans of the show Good Luck Charlie!
One of the things in the movie that caught me off guard is that we are introduced to the mother. She seems old…her face is lined with wrinkles, she shuffles and she has an eccentric personality. Then the dad walks in and he’s drawn more like Harrison Ford as a young Han Solo.
We really enjoyed this movie and are looking forward to it coming out on DVD.
*I received complimentary tickets to attend a screening of this movie. The opinions, where expressed are my own and were in no way influenced by the sponsor. Others experiences may vary.