The Secret World of Arrietty

About The Secret World of Arrietty

The Secret World of Arrietty, also known as Arrietty in Japan and The Borrower Arrietty in the United States is a 2010 Japanese animated fantasy film. It tells the heartwarming story of Arrietty, a diminutive young girl, who lives with her parents in the recesses of a suburban garden home, unbeknownst to the homeowner and her housekeeper. Their existence is secret until a 12-year-old human boy named Shō discovers Arrietty.

Making / Production

This film is directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi and produced by Studio Ghibli for the Nippon Television Network, Dentsu, Hakuhodo DY Media Partners, Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Mitsubishi, and Toho. The movie beautifully upholds the legacy of Studio Ghibli with its particular style of animation and storytelling.

Actors

• Mirai Shida as Arrietty: She beautifully voiced the character of Arrietty, a brave young borrower who is curious about the human world.
• Ryunosuke Kamiki as Shō: Kamiki played Shō, the human boy who befriends Arrietty, with captivation and warmth.
• Shinobu Otake as Homily: Otake brought Homily, Arrietty's frantic and worry-prone mother, vividly to life.
• Tomokazu Miura as Pod: Miura was the voice behind Pod, Arrietty's calm and seasoned father.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The Secret World of Arrietty is based on the novel 'The Borrowers' by Mary Norton.
• This was the first film from Studio Ghibli not directed by the studio's founders (Hayao Miyazaki or Isao Takahata) to make over $100 million worldwide.
• Director Hiromasa Yonebayashi was the youngest person to direct a film for Ghibli.

Awards

The Secret World of Arrietty won the Animation of the Year award at the 34th Japan Academy Prize award function. Furthermore, it received excellent reviews for its animation, stirring narrative, and attention to detail.

Quotes

• "It's funny how you wake up each day and never really know if it'll be one that will change your life forever." - Shō
• "You have to live, no matter what." - Arrietty

Music, Soundtrack

• The movie's enchanting score was composed by acclaimed French singer-songwriter and composer Cécile Corbel.
• The end credits feature the song "Arrietty's Song" performed by Corbel, which is lauded for its melodic charm and lyrical beauty.