Arrietty

Arrietty is a 2010 Japanese animated film based on Mary Norton's beloved children's book "The Borrowers." The story follows a tiny borrower girl named Arrietty who lives under the floorboards of a house in the suburbs of Tokyo. Arrietty's world is very small, and her family must work hard to survive by borrowing tiny bits of food, clothes, and other necessities invisibly from the human "beans" that reside in the house above. However, when Arrietty is spotted by a boy named Sho, their worlds collide, and their futures may be forever changed.

Arrietty is voiced by Mirai Shida in the Japanese version, while the English-dubbed version stars Amy Poehler as Homily, Arrietty's overprotective mother, and Will Arnett as Arrietty's daring father Pod. The three actors give fantastic voice performances and really bring the characters to life in the English version.

The animation in Arrietty is stunning, featuring beautifully detailed backgrounds and expressive character designs. The film's use of scale is also impressive, as it constantly shifts between human-sized scenes and the Borrowers' miniature world seamlessly. The sound design is also fantastic, with superb use of ambient noise and a hauntingly beautiful score by French composer Cécile Corbel.

The themes of Arrietty are universal and will resonate with audiences of all ages. The film explores the relationship between humans and nature, the power of friendship, and the importance of learning to let go. It also deals with the idea of growing up and the realization that change is an inevitable part of life.

Arrietty herself is a charming and relatable protagonist. She is brave and curious, but also vulnerable and afraid of the unknown. Her relationship with Sho is the heart of the film, and their interaction is both sweet and poignant. The two characters learn from each other, and their mutual respect and understanding is heartwarming to watch.

Homily and Pod, Arrietty's parents, are also well-developed characters. Homily's fear and anxiety over her daughter's safety is understandable, while Pod's adventurous spirit and determination to provide for his family is admirable. The film's villain, the housekeeper Hara, is also well-written, with her motivation to destroy the Borrowers coming from a place of fear and ignorance.

Overall, Arrietty is a delightful and moving film that will appeal to all audiences. Its stunning animation, wonderful character development, and universal themes make it a true masterpiece of animated film.