Studio Ghibli always churns out timeless classics which anime fans reminisce about years after they release. 2010 offered a Ghibli adaptation of The Borrowers (which already has already been adapted into several TV series and movies previously).
Arrietty is a tiny person who “borrows” household objects from the “big people” to keep her home going. She lives together with her parents under the floor boards of a large house away from the city. Sho, a young boy who suffers from a heart problem, comes across Arrietty, who avoids his friendly advances at first. The Borrowers must not be seen by normal humans to avoid dire consequences. Arrietty ends up befriending Sho, and this throws her family into a tumult resulting in their having to leave their home and escape to another place.
Sho’s slowly developing friendship with Arrietty gives a lovely base to the movie and it makes one teary eyed to see the two young friends part at the end. The story ends on a positive note, though it is a little bitter-sweet.
Ghibli has beautifully rendered the original story into a Japanese setting while reserving the essence of the theme and idea. This movie has been directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi and the screenplay is by Hayao Miyazaki. The music was composed by French musician Cecile Corbel and suits the setting perfectly, it’s so beautiful it makes you smile.
This movie is certainly a must watch, preferably on a lazy afternoon with some tea and cookies by your side. It would brighten up your entire week.
Lunar Cookie 