Studio Ghibli can turn normal situations into something special. In My Neighbour Totoro it made you believe that friendly monsters lived in trees, and in other movies that you can end up in unseen, hidden worlds (The Cat Returns or Spirited Away) and with Arrietty they try to convince us that small people live underneath our houses. They live on the things they borrow from us, which would be a perfect explanation why I have so many single socks, I guess they must be using them as sleeping bags or something.
Arrietty is 14 years old and has been living peacefully under a house for years together with her parents. As she’s growing up the time has come for her to join her father on the dangerous journey into the house to get the first item she will borrow and with that earn a small piece to independence. When a boy in the house happens to see her though it means a big change in her life and the question will be of they can remain safe there.
As always, Studio Ghibli manages to create a world which looks stunning. Every detail in nature is shown, but also the decoration of the rooms in Arrietty’s house really makes it a place you can believe in. As the borrowers are tiny people, the movie plays with the sense of scale. Nails on the wall are used as a sort of stepping-stones and a cube of sugar can last for weeks. As they are so tiny not a lot of them are left, making the discovery by the boy a big threat.
Arrietty misses the big scale of other Studio Ghibli movies and the story felt a bit simple as well. I was missing a bit of the excitement I feel for their other movies and never felt that the risks Arrietty was taking were that big. Still it is a beautiful animated movie that is worth watching even if it’s only to appreciate its stunning looks.
Score: 7
You know what? I have never seen a Ghibli film…is that wrong? Is it something I need to rectify?
You never did? I suggest you should! I would pick a Ghibli movie over a Disney movie any day.
Start with My Neighbour Totoro as I’m sure your kids will love it! Ponyo is a lot of fun too. Some of them are not suitable for smaller children, so if you get other ones make sure you watch them yourself before you show them.
Scott you definetly need to remedy your non-watching of Ghibli! I hadn’t even watched a Anime film period before the beginning of the year but I’m so glad I have now!
I agree with Nostra My Neighbour Totoro is the easiest place to start with the studio.
I missed Arrietty at the cinema recently as it was on very limited release, but I am looking forward to discovering it on DVD…
Mind you I still do love Disney and Pixar too!
Are you convinced now Scott? 😉 It will open your eyes and let you see how much more amazing animation can be!
It will be almost like your experience with 3D TV’s 😉
Oh is that why you didn’t respond to my Studio Ghibli post? You must get going. I have to agree with My Neighbor Totoro for your kids though. Every kid falls in love Totoro.
Oh I remember seeing the trailer for this. Not sure I want to check this out, I feel the Studio Ghibli movies are a notch below when Miyazaki isn’t directing.
As with most Ghibli films it is worth checking out as it looks very good. I agree though that Miyazaki does bring some kind of magic touch to the movies he’s involved in!
OK OK I will try and sort this out!! Thanks Guys!
just do it scott! like instantly. you dont even need to use your girls as an excuse. theyre wonderful.
but i can’t get past Ian Holm as Pod i’m afraid.
I’m expecting a Ghibli movie review next week 😉
I saw an import of this film earlier this year and was surprised at how well it held up to Miyazaki’s films. There’s certainly all the trademark pieces (Strong Female Lead, Recycling/Saving the environment.
I wouldn’t pick this as a starting place to watch Studio Ghibli’s films, but I enjoyed this and it’s always like christmas when a new film from that studio comes out.
@Nostra…I promise I’ll watch ‘Grave of the Fireflies’ soon. From what I’ve heard it would place high on a list of top 10 Studio Ghibli films.
It would place very high in my list, probably number one as it’s the only one of them which I gave a 10. It also shows how powerful animation can be and that it’s not just for kids. Hope you will be able to watch it soon!
Nice review. I have a real appreciation for Studio Ghibli, but wasn’t aware of this release. Will have to check it out.
As always their movies are worth checking out, even though they also have their weaker movies..