Arrietty

Arrietty, released in 2010, is an enchanting feature film from Japan's famed Studio Ghibli, directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi and adapted from Mary Norton's acclaimed children's book series, "The Borrowers". The movie draws audiences into an unseen world of tiny "borrowers", who live beneath the floorboards of humans, raising fascinating questions about co-existence and empathy, all wrapped up in a beautifully crafted and moving story. It showcases an extraordinary voice cast including Bridgit Mendler, Amy Poehler, and Will Arnett.

Arrietty introduces us to 14-year-old Arrietty Clock (voiced by Bridgit Mendler), a headstrong and adventurous teenager, who belongs to the miniature people known as "borrowers". These borrowers stand no taller than a few inches and they have an unspoken rule to remain unseen by human beings. Borrowers quietly co-exist with humans, borrowing from them only small items that they would not miss like sugar cubes, thimbles, or tissue paper to survive.

However, life takes an unexpected turn when Arrietty is discovered by a 12-year-old human boy, Shawn (voiced by David Henrie), temporarily living in his great aunt's house while awaiting heart surgery. Instead of feeling threatened, a strange friendship develops between the two, thus breaking the unspoken rule of the borrowers. This situation eventually thrusts the Clock family into uncharted territory that threatens their livelihood and exposes their secret existence to the more ominous elements of the human world.

Amy Poehler and Will Arnett brilliantly voice Arrietty's caring parents, Homily and Pod. Poehler brings to Homily an endearing, warm, and sometimes anxious character, ensuring the safety of her family in the vast human world. Arnett, on the other hand, lends his commanding voice to Pod, Arrietty's well-meaning and capable father who mentors her in the art of 'borrowing'.

The film, like many of Studio Ghibli's creations, tackles profound themes under its charming exterior. Through Arrietty's and Shawn's unique friendship, it explores the concepts of cultural understanding, respect for nature, and empathy towards those who are different. Moreover, it provides a perspective of the human world not as a unified whole but as a co-habitation of diverse and often unseen dwellers, thereby creating a story of inclusivity.

One of the significant aspects of Arrietty is its dazzling visual style. Known for their intricate detail-oriented designs, Studio Ghibli masterfully constructed Arrietty's world to look magnificent and opulent. The animation vividly captures the sense of scale from the miniature perspective, transforming everyday items into grandiose structures and simple gardens into lush, verdant jungles. Even the sound design contributes to the captivating environment, enhancing the contrast between the enormous human world and the delicate, intermittent nature of the borrowers'.

Adding further depth is the music by French-Breton singer Cécile Corbel, which infuses the film with gentle charm and emotional resonance. Her beautifully crafted score encapsulates the film’s atmosphere and presents an integral part of the overall narrative experience.

Arrietty is about courage, survival, friendship, and understanding, encapsulating the magic and mystery of the unseen world beneath us. In typical Studio Ghibli fashion, the film personifies these universal messages through stunning visuals, captivating characters, and a heartwarming story. The film is ultimately a touching exploration of empathy and understanding, effortlessly tugging at the heartstrings while also celebrating the triumphs of the human spirit, friendship, and family love.

In conclusion, Arrietty is a must-watch for fans of animated films and Studio Ghibli. Its alluring plot, beautiful animation, and brilliant voice performances create a captivating tale that transcends age, resonating universally with kids and adults alike. With its simple yet profound narrative and a masterful blend of reality and fantasy, Arrietty proves once again why Studio Ghibli's works continue to enchant audiences worldwide.