The Borrowers

The Borrowers is a heart-warming and adventurous family film released in 1997, directed by Peter Hewitt. This engaging fantasy-comedy movie is based on the beloved children’s novel “The Borrowers” penned by British author Mary Norton. The impressive line-up of distinguished actors like John Goodman, Jim Broadbent, and Mark Williams bring this imaginative world to life.

The movie is set in a seemingly typical English house. Still, it holds a fascinating secret – it's the residence of a rare and unusual species known as the 'Borrowers'. These are tiny humans, barely a few inches tall, who live unseen under the floorboards and within the walls, furnishing their homes with all sorts of items 'borrowed' from the 'human beans.'

The protagonists of the film are Pod Clock (Jim Broadbent) and his fearless wife Homily (Celia Imrie), who live harmoniously with their two children: the adventurous son Peagreen (Tom Felton) and their curious and courageous daughter, Arrietty (Flora Newbigin). Arrietty, the teenage daughter, desperate to explore the outside world, often steps out of her boundaries, which lands the family in numerous comical situations.

Living an inconspicuous existence, the Clock family's peaceful life gets disrupted when they are discovered by 'human bean' boy, Pete Lender (Bradley Pierce). To their relief, Pete proves to be a friend rather than a foe. He becomes their ally and aids in their survival and protection against the movie's antagonist, the unscrupulous lawyer and property developer, Ocious P. Potter, played brilliantly by John Goodman.

Goodman breathes life into his character, presenting him as a greedy, nefarious individual who wants to demolish the Lender's family home for his personal gain. He plots a scheme to cash in on his real estate scam. The situation becomes a ticking time bomb when the Lender family discovers Potter's ploy after stumbling upon a will that entitles them to their ancestral home.

The movie delivers a barrage of incredible special effects, exhilarating chase scenes coupled with a subtle undertone of survival, resilience, and defiance against oppressive systems. It does an excellent job portraying the scale difference between the Borrowers and the human world. The filmmakers repurpose everyday items to serve Borrowers’ needs, adding charm and whimsy to the narrative, folding the audience into the Borrower's unique perspective of the world.

As the Borrowers and Pete team up to stop Potter, they find themselves embroiled in an extraordinary adventure filled with danger, suspense, and laughs. This blend of intrigue and humour separates ‘The Borrowers’ from the pool of children’s cinema by appealing to adults as much as kids. Though classified as a children's film, it offers compelling commentary on themes of family, courage, and the fight against corporate greed that resonates with all ages.

Breathtaking cinematography, coupled with meticulously crafted set designs, creates an immersive and magical backdrop that compliments the movie’s narrative. The details, from minute objects like oversized nails, pencils, and quarters, amplify the microcosmic experience enabling audiences to share the world of the Borrowers.

Colin Towns’ enchanting musical score ties the charm and thrill of the movie together into a beautiful package, enhancing pivotal moments and lifting the audience’s spirits. The film's humor and heart, combined with its strong thematic elements, make it an enduring favorite among audiences and critics alike.

In conclusion, The Borrowers is a delightful cinematic experience that enthralls and entertains audiences with its comedy, adventure, and heart. The movie's charm is in its simplicity, imaginative, and unconventional take on the world, which takes you on a fantastic journey through the eyes of its tiny heroes. Despite its small family, its themes are universal, making it a film that's larger than life and, quite like its characters, sure to leave a lasting impression. Whether you're looking for a movie for the entire family or are a fan of engrossing fantasy comedies, The Borrowers is an unforgettable classic that's worth revisiting.