Synopsis
Arrietty (original Japanese title: Karigurashi no Arrietty) is produced by the world-renowned Studio Ghibli which is known for producing top animated films of all time. One of the world’s best movie makers, Hiromasa Yonebayashi directed the movie which is a direct adaptation of the book The Borrowers by Mary Norton. It is an incredibly delightful movie with animation and gentle storytelling that truly captures the essence of family and friendship while portraying the necessary bravery that one needs to embody while dealing with life altering situations.
In the movie, the landscape is peaceful and contains a staggering amount of plants, as well as, an average country home in Japan. However, the floor boards and walls hide a family of borrowers who are small in size. ‘Borrowers’ are described in the movie as small people who survive by taking undiscovered small objects from the people in the house. The borrowers take extreme caution and are never seen by humans because it is the only way they can continue to live.
Arrietty, the 14-year-old, Borrower girl, lives under the house’s kitchen with her parents: Pod and Homily. She is curious, brave, and ready to venture beyond her tiny house. During the first recording session, her father takes her, teaching her how to blend in and stealthily collect items like sugar cubes and tissue paper. She is interested in the human world, but is instructed several times to never let a human see her.
On the other hand, a human boy named Shō (or Shawn in the English dubbed) is twelve years old. He came to the house to rest before undergoing heart surgery. He is a gentle and thoughtful boy. During one of her expeditions, Shō spots Arrietty, and this is how a series of extraordinary events begin to unfold in their lives.
Although Arrietty’s parents are frightened to death, they still believe she can never be seen. Losing her life by the dread of humans is a fate they wish to avoid. While Shō is the one who is interested in Arrietty, just as she is and wishes to assist her not to harm her. Gradually, these two begin to form a bond which is quiet and gentle, full of kindness and trust.
However, the principal source of danger does not come from Shō but Haru, the aged housekeeper. She derives some strange notions, which ultimately causes trouble for the family. This trouble especially makes the family consider relocating to live further in the wild. In a powerful instance, Shō shows his kindness and respect for their way of life by assisting Arriety and the family in their escape.
The film then shifts to a softer, yet still appreciative farewell. Though they were worlds apart, and the meeting was for a brief period of time, the bond that Arrietty and Shō shared left both parties with a robust impression. This tale is about the splendor that is often overlooked, the need for compassion, and the strength that is even found in the most minute of beings.
Cast & Crew
Aside from the captivating story that is Arrietty, the cast and crew are also the reason the movie is distinguished.
Director:
Hiromasa Yonebayashi – This was the very first time wherein Yonebayashi was in the role of a director, and brought too much attention to the film. This was of course after having spent a ton of time in animation at a Studio Ghibli and having to put in a lot of effort for the big films, Howl’s Moving Castle and Spirited Away before directing Arriety, this was the time Arriety.
Screenplay:
Hayao Miyazaki – The original screenplays is adapted from a novel by Mary Norton, which Miyazaki is a master storyteller of, and a co-founder of Studio Ghibli. Taking new creative challenges, he depicted the story in a Japanese background, while the themes of bravery, faith, and freedom remained unchanged.
Keiko Niwa – Co-writer of the screenplay, she elegantly and gently translated Miyazaki’s ideas and story into a soft and well flowing piece of work for adults and children.
Original Story:
Mary Norton – The author of the original novel on which the film is based, The Borrowers. Many of her works have spawned several adaptations, but the sensitivity and visual richness of Studio Ghibli’s captures the essence of them all.
Music:
Cécile Corbel – Corbel is a French composer and harpist who, with her combination of Celtic and Japanese influences in music, created the film’s magical and lovely score. The gentle music she produced, which is filled with emotion, along with her other works, really adds to the film’s atmosphere.
Voice Casting:
Japanese Version:
Arriety played by Mirai Shida
Shō played by Ryūnosuke Kamiki
Pod played by Tomokazu Miura
Homily played by Shinobu Otake
English Version:
Arriety played by Bridgit Mendler
Shawn played by David Henrie
Pod played by Will Arnett
Homily played by Amy Poehler
Haru played by Carol Burnett
Both voice acting performances were praised for humanizing and lending appealing features to characters, regardless of how minor, in both editions of the film.
Ratings on IMDb
Arrietty holds a solid IMDb rating of 7.6/10, a reflection of its broad appeal and emotional resonance.
Much attention and praise was drawn to the film for its exceptional artistry, a very carefully thought out narrative, and soft pacing. Unlike the rest of its animated exhuberant counterparts, Arrietty encourages its audience todisregard the fast-paced nature they have grown accustomed to, and absord the suttle, yet delicat exceptional details of artistry in the film. All the elements of the film, from the tiniest raindrop to the the more apparent features, bears the hallmark of Studio Ghibili’s artistic craftsmanship.
All of this brings us to the carefully thought out narrative in the film. Its very essence rest upon the connection forged between Arriety and Shō. Although very fleeting, their connection is transformative. It gives them the bigger picture on sympathy, valor, and the golden rule – which is to treat others with kindness.
A lot of critics on IMDb claim that the film is suitable for the entire family and provides important lessons without the need for having action every minute or drama that is over the top. Rather, it provides a gentle silence for contemplation and reflection that is accessible for both kids and adults because of the uplifting nature of the film.
The film has a refreshing gentleness to its treatment of sensitive subjects like illness, growth, and the importance of caring for our environment and each other. It lacks the typical shrill cacophony of conflict and instead provides a gentle, soothing, nature-based understanding of kindness and compassion.
As a result, there is great soothing power in the way the film is able to tell the story whereas the world it depicts is filled with so much grace and elegance where the most minute of characters has to overcome enormous odds.
Arrietty is able to endure so much because it allows the viewer to understand the value of family, home, and friendship and the virtues that come with having them. The soft spoken character portrayed in the film appeals to all with a reminder that it is our duty to showcase compassion and value the wonders that surround us.
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