“The Secret World of Arrietty,” from Japan’s fabled Studio Ghibli and distributed by Disney, is a beautifully animated re-telling of a beloved children’s classic about a family of very tiny humans. Based on Mary Norton’s 1952 novel, The Borrowers, the movie keeps the original English setting, but adds some Japanese touches and uses an American voice cast. Arrietty (voiced by Bridgit Mendler) is a spirited 10-year-old who lives with her resourceful father and nervous mother (Will Arnett and Amy Poehler) in the walls of an English country house. She and her family are among the last of a race of ‘Borrowers,’ who lead a secret existence that depends on pilfered items that fill-size humans won’t miss and avoiding dangers such as the house cat or a determined crow. But one day, during a foraging expedition with her father, Arrietty discovers that an ailing boy named Shawn (David Henrie) has come to stay in the mostly vacant house. Shawn eventually notices Arrietty and they become friends. When Shawn’s involvement with Arrietty alerts his cranky Japanese housekeeper (voiced by Carol Burnett) to the presence of the Borrowers, they’re forced to relocate.
Studio Ghibli is at the forefront of keeping traditional hand-drawn animation alive and its use is very effective here. Most of the movie is from the perspective of the Borrowers and the various scenes take on a splendor as the familiar is seen through different eyes. Normal rooms become massive chambers; pill bugs roll up to become balls for play; postage stamps become wall hangings; a drop of water holds the equivalent of buckets and a cube of sugar is similar to a 5-pound bag. “The Secret World of Arrietty” will engage adults as well as children, providing a wonderfully imaginative visit an enchanting world. 2/19/12
1 comment:
This was a very cute animated film for the whole family. The door was left open for follow-ons in the future, I hope so!! I'll take the 1Grandkids to see this.
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