Pictures provided by Disney Pictures
THE BORROWERS turn Japanese in THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETY.
THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETY adapts the popular British-based children’s story into an animated Japanese tale about a family of four-inch tall people called Borrowers who reside underneath the home of regular-sized humans. To survive, Borrowers take small household items from the home’s owners, but not so much that the owners will notice.
Arriety is one of the borrowers, an inquisitive girl who longs to begin borrowing with her father Pod. Against her family’s wishes, Arriety has been borrowing on her own, and eventually is seen by Shawn, a sick boy who has come to stay with his Aunt. Being seen by a human is extremely dangerous, and threatens the Borrowers existence.
Wonderfully simplistic and beautifully hand-drawn THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETY provides a fresh look into the tale of THE BORROWERS.
The film was co-written by Keko Niwa, and famed Japanese writer-director Hayao Miyazaki, who penned and directed such acclaimed works as PRINCESS MONONOKE, HOWL’S MOVING CASTLE and Oscar-winner SPIRITED AWAY. Niwa and Miyazaki deliver a simple, but moving message on how to display courage in the face of adversity.
The relationship that develops between Arriety and Shawn is one that slowly evolves, underlying their mutual admiration through a series of small, but significant events. Niwa and Miyazaki don’t spell out everything in words, but in actions, and unlike Miyazaki’s other works, these actions are grounded in our reality.
The animation is terrific, providing a welcomed break from digitally-produced 3D fare. The joy in watching the Borrowers navigate through small crevices, repel common household items and discover the prestigious confines of an elaborate dollhouse are greatly detailed by longtime animator and debut director Hiromasa Yonebayashi. Yonebayashi also effectively uses humor throughout the picture, creating not only laughs, but a bond between Arriety and Shawn.
THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETY conveys a simple, yet powerful message for kids and does so with subtlety and grace.
Grade: B+
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