The Secret World of Arrietty

Rio Johan

It's a nice film, really. But, having watched all the greatness of Ghibli Animation, the film lacks something in the end. I feel that it tries to hard to be so Miyazaki-esque, but it can't glorify the legacy. I kept thinking about "Totoro" while watching "Arrietty." However, still, it is nice film.

Gondo

I never really got this notion that somthing is slight or weak when not much happens in a paticular film. There may not be much on the outside here in The Borrowers, mainly in the Story. But on the inside you get subtle charakters who themself fit perfectly in this overall calm mood that I always loved for example in Totoro. Of course not on par with the greats of Ghibli but still a very nice and quiet little film.

Tyler Aikens

*sigh*. Ghibli just hasn't been the same since their flirt with Disney after the success of "Spirited Away" (which was probably the last great piece by the studio, IMO). The animation is incredible, as is expected, but the story is weak sauce.

Christopher M. Jones

Even a weaker effort from Studio Ghibli is well worth your time, but I wish this one had a little more meat on its bones.

msmichel

Yonebayashi's first feature (made for studio Ghibli) is a wonderful adaptation of 'The Borrowers' reset in Japan. The characters are wonderfully realized, the scripting exemplary and the Japanese voice casting apt. Yonebayashi was the youngest director to have made a feature for the now legendary studio and lived up to its hallowed reputation.

João Rocha

Doesn't feel like Ghibli and with some things that runaway from the cliche (like the plot behind the dollhouse), it's kinda sad that the movie doesn't touch you in the heart. But, it's a great adventure, and a good light movie

Matthew_Lucas

Charming animated tale of a family of "borrowers," little people who live under the floors of houses who borrow tiny household items from humans in order to survive. When Arrietty is discovered by a boy living in the house, however, it threatens to end their peaceful coexistence. A small tale, but a uniquely beautiful one, with fine animation by the always reliable Studio Ghibli.

OFF_FRAME

New studio Ghibli by first time director and lead animator. The story is so bland, underdeveloped and lacking in stakes that it was not worth the time invested to watch it. The score was excruciatingly overdone and inappropriate. The animation was as good as you have come to expect, but it's just hard to imagine even the under 10's being interested in this one. Not recommended. 1 star