The Secret World of Arrietty

The Secret World of Arrietty is a wonderfully original and extraordinarily beautiful animated film brought to audiences by Studio Ghibli, the renowned animation studio that also produced masterpieces like Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro. This film was released in 2010 with well-known actors lending their voice talent, including Bridgit Mendler, Amy Poehler, and Will Arnett.

The film is based on the English novel "The Borrowers" by Mary Norton which tells the tale of tiny people who live secretly in the homes of humans, borrowing small items they need to survive. The story centres around a young Borrower named Arrietty, voiced by Bridgit Mendler, who lives with her parents Pod (Will Arnett) and Homily (Amy Poehler) underneath the floorboards of a typical suburban home, unknown to the human occupants. The captivating world they live in appears familiar yet enchanting, as everyday simple objects become a adventure playground to these unique miniature people.

Arrietty and her family are about 4 inches tall with the courage and determination to navigate through a normal-sized world. They survive by 'borrowing' small items from their human hosts, a task that takes on epic proportions due to their size. Arrietty, despite the warnings from her parents about the dangers of the human world, is adventurous, brave and eager to explore on her own.

Things change when a young boy named Shawn comes to stay at the house. Unbeknownst to Arrietty, he soon suspects there might be mysterious beings living under the floor and becomes captivated, determined to discover the truth. A chance encounter brings Arrietty into the sight of Shawn and instead of exhibiting fear, the boy shows curiosity and kindness which leads to an unexpected friendship.

The narrative of the film is as much about the relationship between Arrietty and Shawn as it is about the life and survival of the tiny people in a world that isn’t meant for them. While Shawn wrestles with his own vulnerabilities, he finds solace in his friendship with Arrietty, which comes with its own set of unprecedented problems, breaking the sacred rule that humans must never know about the existence of Borrowers.

Meanwhile, Arrietty also struggles with understanding this new relationship and the complications it brings. This shared mutual secret relationship wrestles with the themes of loneliness, trust, friendship and love, but also throws light upon the human impact on nature and environment.

The film's visual aesthetic is breath taking- a signature of all Studio Ghibli productions. The animators have taken great pains to bring to the screen the intricate details of Arrietty's world, and each frame of the film is a work of art in itself. It’s visually stunning, showcasing a different perspective towards common household objects, using the scale effectively to create a grander universe for the Borrowers amidst the mundane objects.

The narration and characters are kept simple and heart warming to engage and pull empathy from viewers right from the start. There are no exaggerated villains nor over the top heroes, it’s just a reflection of life from a very unique perspective and rightly so, it keeps you engrossed until the very end.

The English cast added more charm to the film. Bridgit Mendler, as the titular character Arrietty, brings a sense of youthful bravery and innocence that is inspiring. Amy Poehler and Will Arnett, playing Arrietty's concerned parents, bring a touch of lighthearted humor to their roles making the movie enjoyable for people of all ages.

The Secret World of Arrietty is a delicate, enchanting, and heartwarming film reflecting Studio Ghibli’s timeless storytelling and animation perfection. The film’s essence lies in its ability to take an ordinary concept and flipping it around visually and thematically, to offer a fresh, imaginative and engaging narrative which leaves the viewers captivated long after the credits roll. This film appeals to both young audiences for its adventure and fantasy elements and to adults for its poignant subtext about coexistence, respect and understanding. A true masterpiece, The Secret World of Arrietty invites one and all into a secret world that will leave a lasting impression.