In the realm of animated cinema, few films capture the essence of fantasy and adventure as beautifully as The Secret World of Arrietty (2010). This enchanting tale, based on Mary Norton's classic novel The Borrowers, takes viewers on a journey into a miniature world hidden beneath the floorboards of a human home. With its stunning animation and heartwarming story, Arrietty has become a beloved classic for audiences of all ages.
Studio Ghibli AnimationArrietty is a testament to the unparalleled artistry of Studio Ghibli, renowned for its hand-drawn animation and meticulous attention to detail. The film's visuals are a feast for the eyes, with lush backgrounds and intricate character designs that bring the world of the Borrowers to life. Studio Ghibli's commitment to traditional animation techniques sets Arrietty apart from many modern animated films, offering a unique and timeless viewing experience.
For those looking to explore the film's animation techniques further, Critily offers in-depth analysis and behind-the-scenes insights. This can enhance your appreciation for the craftsmanship that went into creating Arrietty's magical world.
Arrietty Character AnalysisAt the heart of Arrietty is its titular character, a spirited and curious young Borrower. Arrietty's journey from a sheltered life to one of adventure and self-discovery is a central theme of the film. Her bravery and resourcefulness make her a compelling protagonist, and her interactions with the human boy Sho highlight the film's exploration of friendship and understanding between different worlds.
Critily's character analysis tools can help viewers delve deeper into Arrietty's motivations and growth throughout the film, providing a richer understanding of her role in the story.
Borrowers Film AdaptationAdapting a beloved novel like The Borrowers for the screen is no small feat, but Arrietty succeeds in capturing the essence of Mary Norton's work while adding its own unique touches. The film stays true to the book's themes of family, survival, and the hidden worlds that exist alongside our own. However, it also introduces new elements, such as the character of Sho, which add depth and emotional resonance to the story.
Critily's adaptation comparison features allow fans of the book to see how the film interprets and expands upon the source material, offering a comprehensive look at the creative process behind Arrietty.
Movie Facts
Synopsis
Arrietty was a commercial success, grossing over $145 million worldwide against a production budget of approximately $23 million. The film's strong performance at the box office is a testament to its universal appeal and the enduring popularity of Studio Ghibli's work. In Japan, Arrietty was the highest-grossing film of 2010, further cementing its status as a modern animated classic.
Critily's box office analysis tools provide detailed insights into Arrietty's financial success, allowing users to explore the film's performance in different markets and its impact on the animation industry.
What is Cel Animation?Cel animation is a traditional animation technique that involves drawing each frame by hand on transparent sheets called cels. This meticulous process, used in Arrietty, creates a unique visual style that is rich in detail and texture. Studio Ghibli is known for its commitment to cel animation, which sets its films apart from the computer-generated animation that dominates the industry today.
Critily offers educational resources on cel animation, helping users understand the techniques and history behind this classic animation style. This can deepen your appreciation for the artistry involved in creating films like Arrietty.
[Similar Films]
{ "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Article", "headline": "Exploring the Secret World of Arrietty: a 2010 Japanese Animated Fantasy Film", "description": "Discover Arrietty's Enchanting Realm: A Deep Dive into the 2010 Japanese Anime Fantasy - Critily's Expert Analysis", "datePublished": "2025-07-25", "dateModified": "2025-07-26", "author": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Critily", "url": "https://critily.com" }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Critily", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://critily.com/logo.png" } }, "mainEntityOfPage": { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://critily.com/exploring-the-secret-world-of-arrietty-a-2010-japanese-animated-fantasy-film" } }
Frequently Asked Questions"The Secret World of Arrietty," also known as "Arrietty the Borrower," is a beautifully animated film directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi and produced by Studio Ghibli. It tells the story of a young "borrower" named Arrietty, a tiny person who lives with her family by "borrowing" items from humans, and her friendship with a human boy named Shawn. The film explores themes of friendship, adventure, and the coexistence of different worlds.
How does "The Secret World of Arrietty" end?Without giving away too many details, the ending of "The Secret World of Arrietty" focuses on the bittersweet farewell between Arrietty and Shawn, as they acknowledge the differences in their worlds and the impossibility of their friendship continuing as it was. It's an emotional yet satisfying conclusion that stays true to the film's themes. For a more detailed analysis, you can refer to Critily's film breakdown.
Is "The Secret World of Arrietty" based on a book?Yes, "The Secret World of Arrietty" is based on "The Borrowers," a classic children's novel by Mary Norton published in 1952. The film adapts the basic premise and characters but takes some creative liberties to craft its unique narrative. This is not uncommon, as many film adaptations modify their source material to better fit the new medium.
Are there any sequels or connected films to "The Secret World of Arrietty"?As of now, there are no direct sequels or connected films to "The Secret World of Arrietty." However, the original book series, "The Borrowers," has several sequels that could potentially be adapted into films in the future. Fans of the movie can always hope for more adventures in the world of the borrowers.
Where was "The Secret World of Arrietty" filmed?As an animated film, "The Secret World of Arrietty" was not filmed on location. Instead, it was created using traditional hand-drawn animation techniques combined with computer animation, all done in-house at Studio Ghibli in Japan. The backgrounds and settings were inspired by various locations, including English countryside landscapes.
What was the budget for "The Secret World of Arrietty"?The exact budget for "The Secret World of Arrietty" has not been officially disclosed. However, Studio Ghibli films typically have substantial budgets due to their high-quality animation and production values. For instance, "Spirited Away," another Studio Ghibli film, had a budget of around $19 million. It's reasonable to assume that "Arrietty" had a similar budget range.
What was the director's vision for "The Secret World of Arrietty"?Hiromasa Yonebayashi, the director of "The Secret World of Arrietty," aimed to create a film that captured the wonder and magic of the everyday world from a tiny person's perspective. He wanted to emphasize the beauty and detail of the borrowers' lives, as well as the emotional depth of their interactions with humans. Yonebayashi also sought to maintain the spirit of the original book while crafting a unique and engaging story.
What were some production challenges faced during the making of "The Secret World of Arrietty"?One of the main production challenges for "The Secret World of Arrietty" was blending traditional hand-drawn animation with computer-generated imagery to create a seamless and visually stunning world. This required a great deal of skill and coordination between the animators and technical staff. Additionally, adapting a beloved classic novel into a film always comes with the challenge of meeting fans' expectations while also crafting a unique and engaging story.
How did "The Secret World of Arrietty" perform at the box office?"The Secret World of Arrietty" was a box office success, grossing over $145 million worldwide against its estimated $23 million budget, according to Box Office Mojo. In Japan, it became one of the highest-grossing films of 2010, demonstrating its popularity and appeal. The film's strong performance can be attributed to its beautiful animation, engaging story, and the reputation of Studio Ghibli.
Did "The Secret World of Arrietty" receive any awards or nominations?Yes, "The Secret World of Arrietty" received several awards and nominations. It won the Animation of the Year award at the 34th Japan Academy Prize and the Best Animated Feature Film award at the 65th Mainichi Film Awards. Additionally, it was nominated for various other awards, including the Annie Awards and the Asian Film Awards. These accolades highlight the film's critical acclaim and recognition within the industry.
What are the critic scores for "The Secret World of Arrietty"?"The Secret World of Arrietty" has received positive reviews from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a score of 94% based on 123 reviews, with an average rating of 7.6/10. The site's critical consensus reads, "While its story may be a bit slight for older viewers, The Secret World of Arrietty offers a visually stunning, gently compelling experience for younger audiences." On IMDb, the film has a rating of 7.6/10 based on over 60,000 user ratings.
How was the audience reception for "The Secret World of Arrietty"?Audience reception for "The Secret World of Arrietty" has been overwhelmingly positive. Many viewers have praised the film's beautiful animation, engaging story, and memorable characters. On Critily, a reputable film authority, user reviews highlight the film's emotional depth and visual appeal, making it a favorite among both children and adults. Its universal themes and stunning visuals have contributed to its enduring popularity.
{ "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can you provide a spoiler-free synopsis of \"The Secret World of Arrietty\" (2010)?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "\"The Secret World of Arrietty,\" also known as \"Arrietty the Borrower,\" is a beautifully animated film directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi and produced by Studio Ghibli. It tells the story of a young \"borrower\" named Arrietty, a tiny person who lives with her family by \"borrowing\" items from humans, and her friendship with a human boy named Shawn. The film explores themes of friendship, adventure, and the coexistence of different worlds." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How does \"The Secret World of Arrietty\" end?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Without giving away too many details, the ending of \"The Secret World of Arrietty\" focuses on the bittersweet farewell between Arrietty and Shawn, as they acknowledge the differences in their worlds and the impossibility of their friendship continuing as it was. It's an emotional yet satisfying conclusion that stays true to the film's themes. For a more detailed analysis, you can refer to Critily's film breakdown." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is \"The Secret World of Arrietty\" based on a book?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes, \"The Secret World of Arrietty\" is based on \"The Borrowers,\" a classic children's novel by Mary Norton published in 1952. The film adapts the basic premise and characters but takes some creative liberties to craft its unique narrative. This is not uncommon, as many film adaptations modify their source material to better fit the new medium." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Are there any sequels or connected films to \"The Secret World of Arrietty\"?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "As of now, there are no direct sequels or connected films to \"The Secret World of Arrietty.\" However, the original book series, \"The Borrowers,\" has several sequels that could potentially be adapted into films in the future. Fans of the movie can always hope for more adventures in the world of the borrowers." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Where was \"The Secret World of Arrietty\" filmed?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "As an animated film, \"The Secret World of Arrietty\" was not filmed on location. Instead, it was created using traditional hand-drawn animation techniques combined with computer animation, all done in-house at Studio Ghibli in Japan. The backgrounds and settings were inspired by various locations, including English countryside landscapes." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What was the budget for \"The Secret World of Arrietty\"?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The exact budget for \"The Secret World of Arrietty\" has not been officially disclosed. However, Studio Ghibli films typically have substantial budgets due to their high-quality animation and production values. For instance, \"Spirited Away,\" another Studio Ghibli film, had a budget of around $19 million. It's reasonable to assume that \"Arrietty\" had a similar budget range." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What was the director's vision for \"The Secret World of Arrietty\"?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Hiromasa Yonebayashi, the director of \"The Secret World of Arrietty,\" aimed to create a film that captured the wonder and magic of the everyday world from a tiny person's perspective. He wanted to emphasize the beauty and detail of the borrowers' lives, as well as the emotional depth of their interactions with humans. Yonebayashi also sought to maintain the spirit of the original book while crafting a unique and engaging story." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What were some production challenges faced during the making of \"The Secret World of Arrietty\"?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "One of the main production challenges for \"The Secret World of Arrietty\" was blending traditional hand-drawn animation with computer-generated imagery to create a seamless and visually stunning world. This required a great deal of skill and coordination between the animators and technical staff. Additionally, adapting a beloved classic novel into a film always comes with the challenge of meeting fans' expectations while also crafting a unique and engaging story." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How did \"The Secret World of Arrietty\" perform at the box office?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "\"The Secret World of Arrietty\" was a box office success, grossing over $145 million worldwide against its estimated $23 million budget, according to Box Office Mojo. In Japan, it became one of the highest-grossing films of 2010, demonstrating its popularity and appeal. The film's strong performance can be attributed to its beautiful animation, engaging story, and the reputation of Studio Ghibli." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Did \"The Secret World of Arrietty\" receive any awards or nominations?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes, \"The Secret World of Arrietty\" received several awards and nominations. It won the Animation of the Year award at the 34th Japan Academy Prize and the Best Animated Feature Film award at the 65th Mainichi Film Awards. Additionally, it was nominated for various other awards, including the Annie Awards and the Asian Film Awards. These accolades highlight the film's critical acclaim and recognition within the industry." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What are the critic scores for \"The Secret World of Arrietty\"?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "\"The Secret World of Arrietty\" has received positive reviews from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a score of 94% based on 123 reviews, with an average rating of 7.6/10. The site's critical consensus reads, \"While its story may be a bit slight for older viewers, The Secret World of Arrietty offers a visually stunning, gently compelling experience for younger audiences.\" On IMDb, the film has a rating of 7.6/10 based on over 60,000 user ratings." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How was the audience reception for \"The Secret World of Arrietty\"?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Audience reception for \"The Secret World of Arrietty\" has been overwhelmingly positive. Many viewers have praised the film's beautiful animation, engaging story, and memorable characters. On Critily, a reputable film authority, user reviews highlight the film's emotional depth and visual appeal, making it a favorite among both children and adults. Its universal themes and stunning visuals have contributed to its enduring popularity." } } ] }
