DISNEY presents a Studio Ghibli film
The Secret World of Arrietty
The Secret World of Arrietty is a sweet, beautiful 2D animated film based on the book The Borrowers. Japanese animators Studio Ghibli bring you this tale which is in theaters now! I have not read the book so I can’t attest to how close the book is to the film but I can say that the movie’s story is refreshingly simple and quite a treat! My daughter and I attended a screening of the film and we loved it. Borrowers are tiny people who borrow things like sugar cubes, soap, cookies and other items that “Beans” (humans) won’t miss. Arriety’s family think that they are the only borrowers left but learn differently as their world is turned upside down. My daughter was captivated by Arrietty. To her, Arriety was funny, had style (my daughter loved he hair clip!) and brave enough to fend off bugs!
A young lonely boy named Shawn, travels out to the country to stay with his Aunt Jessica to rest for an upcoming surgery. He arrives to the house where his mother grew up and that’s when he gets his first glimpse of her. “My mother used to tell me stories about the little people who lived under the floors Is that you?” Arriety is the youngest “borrower” living with her parents under the floorboards of this house. When she turns 14 her father takes Arriety on her first borrowing mission. There are two rules for the Borrowers. One, take only what they need. Two, once they are seen they must move. A “Beans” curiosity continue to grow and are nothing but trouble for Borrowers. These seems to be true for both the “Bean”, Shawn and Arriety, the “Borrower.” We watch as Human and Borrower come together and embark on an incredible journey.
Every scene from The Secret World of Arrietty had amazing detail. The Borrower’s home was decorated with stamps, leaves, flowers and discarded nails. The colorful, rich nature of each scene was breathtaking. The glowing warmth of the sunlight was beautiful. I loved the moments of Shawn laying in the lush landscape that surrounded the house. This is an extremely expressive film. Sadness, strength, perseverance and love are intertwined as the story unfolds. However, I was a little confused as to where the story took place. Maybe the book would fill in those holes for me. All of the characters had big anime eyes and were adorable. Although not all of the character’s nationalities looked Japanese to me. The music was beautiful and at times the transitions were awkward but I really enjoyed the unique sounds of Cecile Corbel’s compositions. Sound was also a big role in the film. Ticking clocks, rain drops all added to the expression and scope of the movie.
I feel that children of all ages will enjoy this film. What kid doesn’t like the idea of secret fairies or miniature people? I know that 3D movies are the craze but I highly recommend The Secret World of Arriety for your family. This is a small film with big imagination. – Tee
Rating: G
Voice Cast: Bridgit Mendler, Amy Poehler, Carol Burnett, Will Arnett, David Henrie, Moises Arias
Director: Hiromasa Yonebayashi
Producer: Toshio Suzuki
Screenplay by: Hayao Miyazaki and Keiko Niwa
Based on “The Borrowers” by: Mary Norton
Director – English Language Version: Gary Rydstrom
Executive Producers – English Language Version:
Kathleen Kennedy, Frank Marshall
English Language Screenplay by: Karey Kirkpatrick
* We did not receive monetary compensation for this review. That’s IT Mommy attended a screening from Walt Disney Motion Pictures free of charge to facilitate this review. The review is in our own words and is our opinion. Your results and opinions may differ.
