 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The Secret World of Arrietty
- Review Date: February 17, 2012
- G
- Genre: Family and Kids
- 2012
Common Sense Media says
Deeply felt anime about loneliness and friendship.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that The Secret World of Arrietty is a charming and unexpectedly profound anime film from the Japanese studio responsible for movies like Ponyo, Spirited Away, and Howl's Moving Castle. It's full of heart but also has some sad moments and tackles some somber themes -- including illness (Arrietty befriends a child who is said to be dying) and estranged family relationships -- which may make it a little intense for the youngest moviegoers. There's a kidnapping, and a sick young boy's mother sends him away to stay with a relative for a while -- a separation that may upset some little kids. But overall the movie is very sweet, and there's no swearing, smoking, drinking, strong violence, or overly sexy content to worry about.
What's the story?
Suffering from a weakened heart that will soon land him in the hospital for surgery, young Shawn (voiced by David Henrie) is sent by his too-busy mother to the countryside to stay with his aunt. At first it seems like the housekeeper (Carol Burnett) will be his only companion, but then Shawn glimpses Arrietty (Bridgit Mendler), a fellow teenager who's anything but typical: She's only a few inches tall and comes from a family of Borrowers, mini-people who live in the walls and floors of the house and "borrow" small items for their use from the big residents. Despite Arrietty's doubts, she and Shawn become friends. But their kind and gentle friendship may be the very reason that Arrietty and her family must move away.
Is it any good?
The beauty of Studio Ghibli movies is that they have such depth and heart, and THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETTY is a perfect example. On the surface is the wonder of a teen discovering a miniature counterpart who lives in a world much like his own, only within the walls and under the floorboards of his house. But even more substantial is how the movie straightforwardly presents the plight of a boy who's often left alone and is lonely, and of a girl who doesn't get to interact with others like herself. In Ghibli movies, children and teens are allowed to be sad, despondent, worried, afraid, and burdened -- it's not a sugar-coated world. And yet the story unfurls with no heavy-handedness, just a realism that doesn't condescend to its young audience. Our kids can handle complicated material, as long as it's handled intelligently and with compassion.
Viewers used to the whiz bang, frenetic pace of other animated features may find The Secret World of Arrietty slow-moving and lacking in special effects, but that's its strength. The artwork is gorgeous and meticulous, the story beautiful. It doesn't need thunderous gimmicks or musical cues -- or characters so outlandish that they're ready-made for collectibles bought at fast-food restaurants -- to be a wonderful movie. It simply is.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about why Shawn's mother sent him away to the country. How did that make you feel? Do you think it was a good decision?
What do you think The Secret World of Arrietty is trying to teach audiences? Do all movies and TV shows for kids need to teach them something?
Families who want to learn more about this kind of animation may want to watch other anime films together. How are they similar to each other, and how are they different from most American-made animated movies?
Kids: If you've read the book this movie is based on, how does it compare? Which do you like better?
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AGE
FINALLY a "true" G movie that's great for the whole family
I don't tend to take my children (ages 6 and 4) to many movies anymore, because a G rating doesn't seem to be as innocent as it was in times past. That being said, this movie was different; it's a "true" G. There isn't any violence, there is no cursing or rudeness. In fact, the only negative word throughout the movie is "idiot" spoken in reference to some exterminators by a woman who is perceived to have lost her mind and in the midst of a breakdown. The "kidnapping" referenced is actually an abduction of the mother borrow and she's rescued unharmed by her daughter. This is a magnificent story of perserverence, determination, friendship, and love. It's a throw back to the purity and innocence of movies like Milo and Otis, The Aristocats, and Lady and the Tramp. Movies written FOR children, without explosions, violence, threats, killing, reference to murder, and other ludicrous innappropriate themes found in most G rated movies at present. VERY WELL DONE!!
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Kid, 11 years old
February 18, 2012
AGE
Sweet!
Well, my family always likes to see the studio Ghibli films. I cant wait to see this one. If you liked this one, then check out Spirited Away, Howls moving castle, and especially my neighbor totoro.
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AGE
Well worth seeing on opening night
Yeah, it came out on a Friday, the busiest night of all, and opening night is usually the worst time to see a film, but when it's an anime film, you know it's gonna go under people's radars upon its release, so I took my chances and it was well worth it. As is expected from Miyazaki, this film is gorgeous! So bright and colorful and it flows so delicately like a moving portrait! The story's very interesting too and it's intriguing to see Miyazaki do a book adaptation again since the only other one he's ever done is Howl's Moving Castle. What prevents this from being perfect is two characters who I don't feel have enough to them. Spiller only gets about 3-4 minutes of screen time tops and aside from him clearly having an attraction towards Arietty, there's no real development with him, and I was very interested to see where they'd go with him too. Also, Shawn is just a good role model and nothing more. The whole thing with him having a heart condition was interesting, but that's about it. Still, I'm nitpicking. This is a very beautiful film and I highly recommend checking it out.
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AGE
a beautifull film
this has become one of my favorite films, i rated it 10, because, in the end you might end up crying, a wonderfull story, and the dollhouse was just magnificent, a must see film, i rate it on for 10 and up
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AGE
Amazing Movie!
A great movie! There are some suspenseful parts, such as when one of the characters was about to shoot someone with his bow and arrow (he never did) and when the mother was kidnapped. Other than that, it was fine for a younger kid.
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Kid, 11 years old
February 18, 2012
AGE
Watched it in Japanese (english-subbed) and after watching became teary-eyed.
Arriety's relationship with the sick kid is how we call it, cute. In one part hearing the boy is to be dying. I almost cried, how sad! And of course, I agree with CSM, "Deeply felt anime about loneliness and friendship." ;-D
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AGE
minor peril, sweet story.
Our 4.5 year old was a little nervous towards the end, but he is very sensitive. I think you need to prepare a sensitive young kid for the peril. My husband and I thought it was a very sweet telling of the story. The animation is beautiful.
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AGE
Lovely movie...Studio Ghibli is the best
I took my 6 year old to this because our family loves Studio Ghibli. The landscape in the movie is breathtaking with the sounds of summer and colors of flowers in full bloom. There are no loud crashes or booms in this movie. I have one daughter who has to wear earphones at movies b/c they are too loud. This is a quiet, sensitive and lovely movie. We went on opening night and we were only 2 of about 10 people in the theater. I think it could have been a little longer to develop the characters more, but then again it's for kids.
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AGE
I loved it so much!!!
So I am a huge fan of Studio Ghibli, who made the beautiful movies Spirited Away, Howl's Moving Castle, My Neighbor Totoro, Castle in the Sky and others, (I recommend all of them HIGHLY!) and when I saw that there was a new movie coming out I literally started jumping up and down with excitement. I just saw it today and I must say, I was NOT disappointed. This movie was so heartwarming, so charming, and completely appropriate for any age. The animation is gorgeous, I was amazed at how beautiful the flowers where in the background, all of the beautiful wallpaper in Arrietty's house, the doll house, everything. The story was so charming in every single way possible, and kids can learn a few good morals. Recommend!!!
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Kid, 11 years old
February 17, 2012
AGE
Oh my gosh
Holy moly. A positivley reviewed movie! That is so weird of you, CSM! It's shocking! But...thank you CSM for doing this only 8 days before my birthday. Thank you very much.
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| Topics: | magic and fantasy, book characters, friendship |
| Studio: | Walt Disney Pictures |
| Director: | Hiromasa Yonebayashi |
| Cast: | Bridgit Mendler, Carol Burnett, David Henrie |
| Genre: | Family and Kids |
| Run time: | 94 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | February 17, 2012 |
| DVD release date: | May 22, 2012 |
| MPAA rating: | G |
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