Review of The Secret World of Arrietty

The Secret World of Arrietty comes to us from non-other than anime legend, Studio Ghibli. Being one in their long roster of classics, how does Arrietty compare to their previous works? and is it any fun? Story Arrietty is a small (and I mean really tiny) 14 year old girl known as a "Borrower" who lives with her family under a house. They borrow everyday objects from humans like tissues, sugar cubes, and other small things in order to survive while also making sure that they're not seen. One day, a sickly young boy Shou spots Arrietty and the two slowly become friends as they getto learn more about each other's worlds. The story was simple yet remains a heart-warming one that viewers of all ages can watch and enjoy, though I'd have to say that the main antagonist was pretty lacking.

Characters

The characters, while straightforward, were pretty interesting. Arrietty was a great lead and her journey of becoming a fledgling borrower in order to support her family was an admirable one. Shou was also a relatable character as he slowly builds up the courage to overcome his sickness and embrace life. I enjoyed the interactions between the two, which are easily the best parts of the film and the ending was a pleasant one too. Other characters like Arrietty's family were okay though the main antagonist, the housekeeper Haru, was weak. The story never explains her dislike of the borrowers, making her motivations really jarring.

Presentation

Being Studio Ghibli, there's no doubt that the production values are phenomenal. It may not match the mind-blowing visuals of the studio's previous work, but I loved the detailed look of the environments, with the rain effects, lighting, and creature design all making Arrietty's world feel that more alive. The doll house scene, which is just plain gorgeous to look at, was one of my favorite bits of the film. The UK dub was surprisingly good, featuring strong performances from big-name actors like Tom Holland and Mark Strong. I liked the soundtrack, with the ending theme being my favorite track.

Overall

Like many of Studio Ghibli's works, The Secret World of Arrietty was a fun watch if you're looking to relax and unwind. The simple story and relatable cast will resonate with audiences of all ages and the impressive art just gives it a ton of charm too. It's one of my favorite works of the studio and comes highly recommended.