The Secret World of Arrietty

I love the world of animation, be it tv series, short features or full length feature films. And who says that animated films or "cartoons" as they generically label them are for kids.....they are soooo mistaken and sadly are missing out o such great works of art. I agree, when you are first introduced to the world of animation, it is usually at a very young age and that too in the form of cartoons where animated characters are goofy and fun and cheeky and dumb and so it is easy to fall into the trap of belief that "cartoons" are meant only as a distraction for kids, to entertain them while moms and dads need their own time. Sure, there are cartoons that fall into that category, but do not underestimate the scope of the world of animation. There's a whole world of beautiful visual imagery and emotions and expressions that come alive by animation, the plus point being, you can create anything that your mind can imagine. Over the last many years I have grown up to see the art of animation evolve, but it is not necessary for one to use to latest technology to make an impact. No doubt, I am a big fan of the Pixar studios who, since their inception, have dished out one of the best animated features year after year. But, at the same time, there are others who also bring to us some great stories, not only in 3D computer animation but also in traditional animation, claymation, stop-motion etc.

Last week I watched the movie "The Secret World of Arrietty", a film by the Japanese animation and film studio "Studio Ghibli" written by Hayao Miyazaki and marking the debut of Hiromasa Yonebayashi as a director.  Miyazaki is a great and acclaimed animator who has brought to us many wonderful and popular movies such as Castle in the Sky, My Neighbour Totoro, Spirited Away, Ponyo and many others. Like most of his movies, this one too has a strong female protagonist and follows the theme of courage, bravery, love, pacifism and "growing up". Arrietty, no taller than a teacup and 14 years old, is shown throughout the movie to be energetic, full of life, hope, optimism and courage. The story is based on an old novel called "The Borrowers" wherein these tiny people live there lives hidden from the eyes of human "beans" and borrow things that they need...mind you...not "want"...but "need" ... to survive...things they know will not be sorely missed by the "beans", like a sugar cube or a tissue paper or a discarded pin. Won't give away much of the plot here..... just a few outlines, like she lives with her father, a cautious level-headed borrower and her mother, a worrisome lady. She is young and bold and needs to know the ways of the world which is full of nosy human "beans", but she learns that not everyone is alike. The "beans" include a young boy Shawn who is ill and wants to be her friend, his kind aunt and a housekeeper Hara who's a busybody.

The hand-drawn animation is spectacular and full of rich colors and details, be it the lush garden landscape, or a miniature doll house or Arrietty's tiny bedroom. Its a beautiful and charming movie, but will make you feel the distress of the little people at the time of peril. It's a movie for everyone in the family. Watch it if you get a chance.