The Secret World of Arrietty Anime Movie

The Secret World of Arrietty (Anime Movie)

_{Genre: Fantasy}

Japanese Title: 借りぐらしのアリエッティ (Kari-gurashi no Arietti); lit. “Arrietty the Borrower”

Year of Release: 2010

Origin: Japan

Runtime: 1 hour 35 minutes

Director: Hiromasa Yonebayashi

Production: Studio Ghibli

Facts: The movie became the highest-grossing Japanese film at the Japanese box office in 2010. Worldwide, it earned over $145 million. The film also received the Animation of the Year award at the 34th Japan Academy Prize ceremony. Two English-language versions were produced. A British dub premiered in the United Kingdom on July 29, 2011, distributed by Optimum Releasing. An American dub followed in North America on February 17, 2012, released by Walt Disney Pictures.

Plot Overview

The Secret World of Arrietty unfolds the story of a young Borrower named Arrietty. She resides with her family beneath the floorboards of a typical human dwelling. These Borrowers are minuscule people. They survive by “borrowing” necessary items from humans, always striving to remain unseen.

Arrietty’s world shifts when she forms a connection with a human boy named Shō. He is staying at his great-aunt’s house. Their summer friendship blossoms, but it introduces significant challenges. They must conceal Arrietty’s family from Shō’s great-aunt and the watchful housemaid, Haru. As their bond deepens, the peril of discovery escalates. This leads to a series of events. These events compel Arrietty and her family to contemplate relocation for their safety.

Main Characters

Arrietty: A curious and adventurous 14-year-old Borrower. As the protagonist, she yearns to understand the world beyond her hidden home.
Shō: A human boy facing a heart condition. He cultivates a secret friendship with Arrietty. He demonstrates a compassionate and protective nature toward her.
Pod: Arrietty’s father. He is a cautious and protective figure. He imparts the essential skills of borrowing to Arrietty.
Homily: Arrietty’s mother. She is a nurturing presence, deeply concerned for her family’s well-being.
Haru: The housemaid. Her growing suspicion about the Borrowers’ existence presents a significant threat to their secrecy.
Sadako: Shō’s great-aunt. Though unaware of the Borrowers, she plays a crucial role in Shō’s life.

The film beautifully explores themes of friendship. It examines coexistence and the inherent challenges of navigating two vastly different worlds.