The Secret World of Arrietty (2010)
Synopsis:
Fourteen-year-old Arrietty belongs to the Clock family, tiny people who live hidden beneath the floorboards of a human house. They survive by carefully "borrowing" small items from the home's inhabitants while following one crucial rule: never be seen by humans. The Clocks have created their own miniature world from these borrowed objects, living peacefully in anonymity. However, their secret existence is threatened when a human boy named Shou discovers Arrietty. This encounter changes everything for the Clock family, forcing them to confront the delicate balance between their hidden life and the dangers of the human world above. This Studio Ghibli animated fantasy explores themes of coexistence, courage, and the extraordinary lives of these tiny borrowers as Arrietty navigates the challenges of being discovered.
Where To Watch: The Secret World of Arrietty
Parental Feedback
The Secret World of Arrietty offers a gentle, contemplative pace that invites families into a miniature world of wonder and discovery. The tone is quietly emotional with moments of tension surrounding the central conflict of being discovered, balanced by the beauty of everyday objects seen from a tiny perspective. Parents should expect themes of courage, family bonds, and the fear of being different or exposed, all wrapped in Studio Ghibli's signature visual storytelling that emphasizes atmosphere over action.
Why Kids Should Watch The Secret World of Arrietty
This animated feature provides several meaningful opportunities for young viewers to engage with thoughtful storytelling and positive values.
The story centers on 14-year-old Arrietty and her family, who demonstrate resourcefulness and creativity as they build their home from borrowed items, teaching children to see value in everyday objects and appreciate ingenuity.
The relationship between Arrietty and the human boy Shou explores themes of friendship across differences and the courage to trust others despite fear, offering valuable lessons about connection and understanding.
The Clock family's commitment to living peacefully and anonymously while maintaining their dignity models respect for rules, family loyalty, and the importance of protecting loved ones.
Studio Ghibli's animation invites children to see the world from a completely different perspective, encouraging imagination and appreciation for the small wonders that surround us in daily life.
Why Kids Shouldn't Watch The Secret World of Arrietty
While generally appropriate for families, there are a few considerations parents should weigh before viewing.
The slow, contemplative pacing may challenge younger children accustomed to faster-moving entertainment, potentially leading to restlessness during quieter character moments and atmospheric scenes.
The central tension revolves around the fear of discovery and the threat it poses to the Clock family's existence, which could create anxiety in sensitive children who worry about safety and being found.
Some emotional moments involving separation, loss of home, and the uncertainty of the family's future may feel heavy or confusing for very young viewers who struggle with abstract concepts of displacement.
Verdict: Parent Approved
The Secret World of Arrietty earns approval as a beautifully crafted family experience that rewards patient viewing with meaningful themes of courage, family, and perspective.
What Parents Should Know About The Secret World of Arrietty
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this Movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | Yes, Arrietty and her family demonstrate courage, resourcefulness, respect for family rules, and the importance of helping one another through challenges. |
| Does this Movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | Yes, themes of discovery, potential loss of home, and the fear of being seen by humans create tension that sensitive children may find unsettling. |
| Does this Movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | Yes, the story illustrates how breaking the rule about being seen by humans leads to serious consequences that threaten the family's peaceful existence. |
| Does this Movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | Yes, the Clock family works together to survive, and the developing friendship between Arrietty and Shou demonstrates trust-building and understanding across differences. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | Yes, children will learn about courage in the face of fear, the importance of family bonds, and seeing the world from different perspectives with empathy and wonder. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Parents generally appreciate The Secret World of Arrietty for its gentle approach to storytelling and stunning visual artistry that captivates without relying on loud humor or intense action. Many families value the opportunity to introduce children to Studio Ghibli's thoughtful animation style, noting that the G rating accurately reflects content appropriate for all ages. Some parents mention that younger children may need patience with the slower pacing, while older elementary-aged viewers tend to connect more deeply with Arrietty's coming-of-age journey and the emotional themes of identity and belonging. The consensus suggests this works best as a family viewing experience where parents can help children process the quieter, more contemplative moments.
Official The Secret World of Arrietty Trailer
Why Kids Love The Secret World of Arrietty
Arrietty and her family live in a secret world beneath the floorboards, turning everyday objects into incredible tools and furniture. Watching them "borrow" a sugar cube or use a pin as a climbing tool transforms ordinary household items into exciting gadgets for their tiny adventures. Every borrowing mission feels like a daring heist where one wrong move could expose their hidden home.
The Clock family navigates giant rooms filled with towering furniture and enormous obstacles that create constant near misses and tense moments. Arrietty must dodge massive human feet, climb up walls using hooks and thread, and race through spaces where even a cat becomes a terrifying predator. These chase sequences through the oversized human world keep the action fast-paced and thrilling.
When Shou discovers Arrietty, their unexpected friendship leads to secret meetings and puzzle-solving as they figure out how to help each other. The tension of keeping their friendship hidden from both the suspicious housekeeper Haru and Arrietty's worried parents adds extra excitement to every encounter. Their bond creates risky situations where quick thinking and brave escapes become necessary to protect the Clock family's secret existence.