Secret of N.I.M.H.

Secret of N.I.M.H. is an animated fantasy adventure movie produced by Don Bluth in 1982. It features the voice talents of Elizabeth Hartman, Derek Jacobi, and Dom DeLuise. The movie is an adaptation from Robert C. O'Brien's children's novel "Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of N.I.M.H."

At the heart of the narrative, we find Mrs. Brisby, a timid and delicate field mouse, admirably voiced by Elizabeth Hartman. After losing her husband, Mrs. Brisby struggles to sustain her family. She's also bracing herself to combat a principal predicament: moving her ailing son, Timothy, to a secure place before the neighborhood farmer starts plowing the fields. The problem is that Timothy has pneumonia and should not be moved out in the cold, as such a move could turn out to be fatal.

To help execute the move and ensure her son's safety, Mrs. Brisby turns to the Rats of N.I.M.H., a secret society of highly intelligent rats that reside in a vibrantly lit and intricately engineered subterranean city. Jeremy, an adorably clumsy crow voiced by Dom DeLuise, provides a humorous facet to the story and lends a helping wing to Mrs. Brisby throughout her odyssey.

Further adding an in-depth layer to the narrative is Nicodemus, the wise old leader of the rats, portrayed by Derek Jacobi. With his mystical allure and sage-like persona, he plays a crucial role in revealing the enigmatic past of the rats and their ties to the N.I.M.H., named for the National Institute of Mental Health. The connection between the life of these rats, the N.I.M.H., and Mrs. Brisby's late husband forms an engaging part of the tale.

Permeated with fantasy, suspense, and emotional depth, the Secret of N.I.M.H. is more than just a story about talking animals; it is a tale of courage, camaraderie, and the quest for safe haven. The beautifully hand-drawn animation embellishes the entire tale, capturing the distinct personas of the characters. The animation brims with energy and precision, from the meticulously depiction of the rat's colony to the equally impressive portrayal of the quiet, verdant meadows. This proves a testament to Don Bluth's impeccable direction and a tribute to the art of traditional animation.

The film also benefits from Jerry Goldsmith's hauntingly beautiful score, which amplifies the narrative's emotional depth and the characters' unyielding courage. Goldsmith's music paves the way for a complete immersion into the film's distinct world by emphasizing the magical vibe of the rat's colony, the ghostliness of the owl's den, or the intensity of the perilous climaxes.

Among its many themes, the Secret of N.I.M.H. also explores the quest for independence, the courage to confront change, and the delicate balance of the circle of life. It delves into these themes in a manner that approaches its young target audience with respect, never shying away from the harsh realities of the world, while maintaining an absolute commitment to entertain.

The voice cast does an outstanding job of meeting the film's dramatic demands, led by Elizabeth Hartman's tender and evocative portrayal of Mrs. Brisby. Derek Jacobi lends the right mix of wisdom and forbearance as Nicodemus, and Dom DeLuise provides comic relief through his well-timed humor and clumsy antics as Jeremy.

In conclusion, the Secret of N.I.M.H. remains an endearing animated film despite being ushered into an era of computer-generated animation. Its mesmerizing blend of fantastical characters, immersive narrative, and traditional animation makes it a nostalgic trip down the memory lane for older audiences and equally enjoyable for young viewers. This fantasy-filled adventure continues to hold its own, and it is a testament to the timeless charm of animated storytelling.