A remake of the 1997 live action film The Borrowers, The Secret World of Arrietty chronicles the story of a family of little people, Arrietty and her parents, who live in a house’s floorboards. They undertake missions to borrow materials from the humans in order to survive. But, for safety reasons, the borrowers keep their presence secret. When a human boy accidentally sees Arrietty, the family must decide to either risk trusting him or to find a new home.
The first word that comes to mind to describe Arrietty is “charming.” The animation is beautiful, the storyline is intriguing, and the soundtrack perfectly reflects both the borrowers’ exciting adventures and the tranquil human cottage. The storyline brings back childhood memories of imagining creatures such as fairies or Thumbelina living covertly around us. The friendship between Arrietty and the human boy is heartwarming, and watching the borrowers try to navigate a human household provides entertainment; for instance, simply fetching a sugar cube from the kitchen becomes a treacherous task that requires an assortment of tools and an abundance of climbing.
Though Hiromaso Yonebayashi directed The Secret World of Arrietty, Hayao Miyazaki’s influence is palpable, and I would definitely put the film in league with My Neighbor Totoro and perhaps even Howl’s Moving Castle. Unlike some Japanese animated films (Spirited Away), the American dubbing for The Secret World of Arrietty did not annoy me. Amy Poehler and Will Arnett add character as Arrietty’s parents, and Bridgit Mendler’s voice makes Arrietty seem mature and competent.
I recommend The Secret World of Arrietty to anyone who enjoys well-executed animated films or who simply wants to see a feel-good film. It’s a perfect movie to take your kids to or even to see by yourself. Far removed from the troubles of the human world, Arrietty gives viewers a dose of happiness with a touch of magic.
Rated G for nothing objectionable.