Last weekend I took the boys to a preview screening of THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETTY. I really had no idea what to expect. Jack had seen previews for it and had been telling me he wanted to see "Arrietty," so the invitation came at the perfect time. The movie is based on the acclaimed children's book series, "The Borrowers," by Mary Norton. I'm certain I read this growing up, I just can't tell you when (but I'm going to go look for a copy now)!
From the imaginative world of internationally acclaimed screenwriter and filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli, whose animated classic “Spirited Away” won the 2002 Academy Award® for Best Animated Feature, comes the uniquely inspired and highly anticipated The Secret World of Arrietty. Following the international success of Miyazaki’s hugely popular worldwide hits Ponyo and Spirited Away, Studio Ghibli’s latest masterful achievement takes audiences beyond the world of the easily seen and deep into a domain populated by tiny people whose existence is thought to be myth.
The film was originally released in Japan, in 2010, and with more than 12 million viewers, it became the highest grossing film at the box office that year and went on to win the Animation of the Year Award. Now, North American viewers will be able to appreciate the film, thanks to this new English-language version.
I'll be honest...I get a little nervous writing reviews of children's films because I'm not the biggest fan of animation. My kids are, but generally I'm more apt to try to get them to see something like Dolphin Tale. Lately, however, animated films have been growing on me. And this one is my favorite of all by far.
The Secret of Arrietty is not in 3D. But the colors are stunning, and it seems like every leaf or drop of water leaps off the screen. The soundtrack, which gives you the feeling of being in an enchanted Japanese garden, is absolutely beautiful. I was completely captivated, as were my boys (4, and almost 7). I wasn't sure if Drew would like this one, but he loved it. And they're still talking about it days later.
I'm going to cheat a little and borrow from the press kit, to give you some additional background on this wonderful film.
The Secret World of Arrietty explores the extraordinary world of very tiny people who reside peacefully and undetected beneath the floorboards of a country house. The story begins begins with adventurous 14-year-old Arrietty (voice by Bridgit Mendler), who comes from a traditional family in which mother and father (voices by Amy Poehler and Will Arnett) assume their time honored roles and children grow up under their parents’ supervision. However, they are a family of tiny people who live under the floor of an old house and survive by “borrowing” the things they need from human beings. These tiny people live carefully so as to never be seen by humans. Their way of life, which is full of wisdom and inspiration, has much in common with the way humans used to live.
Most of the things they borrow are raw materials. The family works together to modify the materials to suit their needs. Tiny people do not practice magic to achieve their borrowing objectives.They do it the old fashioned way, by getting what they need with their own ingenuity, using ropes and duct tape to climb up and down the walls and furniture. The story starts on an ordinary day in the lives of these tiny people. But when 12-year-old Shawn (voice of David Henrie), a human boy who comes to stay in the home, discovers his mysterious housemate one evening, a secret friendship blossoms. If discovered, their relationship could drive Arrietty’s family from the home and straight into danger.
Do yourself a favor and see this film. It's by no means just for little girls (also heads up that Carol Burnett is a hoot as the voice of the housekeeper, Haru). And I might very well go buy the soundtrack for myself, if it's available. The Borrowers is now on my list of books to read with the boys - and luckily it's a series!
CLICK HERE to visit the official website for the movie, and to view a preview as well (you can also catch some of that amazing soundtrack I'm talking about!).
