The Secret World of Arrietty
One-line Summary:
In “The Secret World of Arrietty,” directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi, a young girl named Arrietty and her family of Borrowers, tiny people who live secretly in the walls of a house, must navigate the challenges of their existence when a human boy named Shawn discovers their presence. As Arrietty and Shawn form an unlikely friendship, they must confront the dangers that threaten their worlds.
Main Cast and Crew:
- Director: Hiromasa Yonebayashi
- Writer(s): Hayao Miyazaki (screenplay), Mary Norton (novel)
- Key Actors: Bridgit Mendler (Arrietty), David Henrie (Shawn), Amy Poehler (Homily), Will Arnett (Pod)
- Music Director: Cécile Corbel
- Director of Photography: Atsushi Okui
- Producers: Toshio Suzuki, Tomohiko Ishii
Plot:
“The Secret World of Arrietty” follows the story of Arrietty, a young Borrower who lives with her parents, Homily and Pod, beneath the floorboards of a house. Borrowers are tiny people who survive by “borrowing” small items from humans without being detected. Arrietty’s family must be cautious and avoid being seen by humans, as their existence is a secret.
One day, Arrietty’s father takes her on her first borrowing mission, during which she is spotted by Shawn, a sickly human boy who has recently moved into the house. Despite her initial fear, Arrietty befriends Shawn, and they develop a bond based on their shared loneliness and curiosity about each other’s worlds.
As their friendship grows, Arrietty and Shawn face numerous challenges. The housekeeper, Hara, becomes suspicious of the Borrowers’ presence and sets out to capture them. Arrietty’s family must find a way to protect themselves while also helping Shawn, who is facing a life-threatening operation.
Themes and Motifs:
“The Secret World of Arrietty” explores themes of friendship, courage, and the delicate balance between humans and nature. The film emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding between different species, as Arrietty and Shawn learn to appreciate each other’s perspectives and overcome their differences.
The motif of size plays a significant role throughout the movie, highlighting the vulnerability and strength of the Borrowers in their interactions with the human world. The film also touches on themes of environmentalism and the impact of human actions on the natural world.
Reception and Legacy:
Upon its release, “The Secret World of Arrietty” received critical acclaim for its beautiful animation, heartfelt storytelling, and memorable characters. It was praised for its attention to detail and ability to capture the wonder and magic of Mary Norton’s original novel, “The Borrowers.”
The film was nominated for several awards, including the Japan Academy Prize for Animation of the Year. It further solidified Studio Ghibli’s reputation for producing visually stunning and emotionally resonant films.
“The Secret World of Arrietty” has left a lasting impact on cinema, particularly within the realm of animated films. It continues to be celebrated for its timeless themes and its ability to captivate audiences of all ages.
Recommendation:
“The Secret World of Arrietty” is a must-watch for fans of Studio Ghibli and lovers of animated films. With its enchanting story, breathtaking animation, and heartfelt characters, it offers a delightful and thought-provoking experience. This film is perfect for those who appreciate imaginative storytelling and the exploration of themes such as friendship, courage, and the connection between humans and nature.
Memorable Quote:
“Remember, Arrietty, fear is always with us, but we just don’t have time for it. Not now.” – Pod
