The Borrowers (1997)

Release Date:

1997

Movie Rating:

PG

Runtime:

1h 26m

Release Date:

1997

Movie Rating:

PG

Runtime:

1h 26m

The Borrowers (1997) - Vertical Movie Poster

Synopsis:

The Borrowers is a whimsical adventure about a family of tiny people living secretly in the walls and floors of a human house. The Clock family, consisting of Pod, Homily, and their adventurous daughter Arrietty, are "borrowers" who take small items from the humans to survive. Their peaceful existence is threatened when the human family plans to sell the house. Arrietty befriends a human boy named Pete, who discovers their secret. Together, they must outsmart the scheming lawyer Ocious P. Potter, who is determined to evict the human family and demolish the house. As the borrowers navigate their oversized world, they face challenges and form unexpected alliances. The movie is filled with clever escapes and inventive solutions as the tiny family fights to save their home.

IMDb logo
5.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes Logo
75%
Metacritic Logo
IMDb logo
5.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes Logo
75%
Metacritic Logo

The Borrowers, released in 1997, is a family-friendly adventure-comedy film that captures the whimsical and imaginative world of tiny people living secretly in the walls of a house. As a movie for kids, it is generally well-received by parents for its lighthearted tone and creative storytelling, though some express mixed feelings about certain elements. The film's charm lies in its playful depiction of the Borrowers' resourcefulness and the humorous situations they encounter, making it an enjoyable watch for younger audiences.

Why Kids Should Watch The Borrowers

The Borrowers is praised for its imaginative storytelling and positive messages.

  • Promotes creativity and resourcefulness in problem-solving.
  • The character of Arrietty showcases bravery and determination.
  • Visually engaging with its depiction of a miniature world.
  • Encourages appreciation for family and teamwork.

Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch The Borrowers

Some parents note concerns about mild peril and thematic elements.

  • Scenes of danger may be intense for very young children.
  • Some characters exhibit deceitful behavior without immediate consequences.
  • The concept of "borrowing" without permission might be confusing.

Verdict: Mixed Messages

Verdict: Mixed Messages
Parents are divided—some love it, others raise concerns about mild peril and the concept of borrowing without permission.

What Parents Should Know About The Borrowers

Question Answer
Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? Arrietty's bravery and determination to protect her family are positive traits children can emulate.
Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? Scenes where the Borrowers face danger from humans may require parental guidance.
Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? While some deceitful actions occur, the film ultimately shows the importance of honesty and trust.
Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? The Borrowers work together to solve problems, highlighting the value of teamwork.
Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? The film emphasizes the importance of family, courage, and resourcefulness in overcoming challenges.

The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback

The Borrowers is celebrated for its creativity and the positive messages it conveys about family and resourcefulness. While some parents express concerns about mild peril and the concept of borrowing, these elements can be addressed with parental guidance. Engaging in discussions about the film's themes can enhance the viewing experience. For families seeking similar adventures, movies like "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids" offer comparable imaginative fun.

Official The Borrowers Trailer

The Borrowers, released in 1997, is a family-friendly adventure-comedy film that captures the whimsical and imaginative world of tiny people living secretly in the walls of a house. As a movie for kids, it is generally well-received by parents for its lighthearted tone and creative storytelling, though some express mixed feelings about certain elements. The film's charm lies in its playful depiction of the Borrowers' resourcefulness and the humorous situations they encounter, making it an enjoyable watch for younger audiences.

Why Kids Should Watch The Borrowers

The Borrowers is praised for its imaginative storytelling and positive messages.

  • Promotes creativity and resourcefulness in problem-solving.
  • The character of Arrietty showcases bravery and determination.
  • Visually engaging with its depiction of a miniature world.
  • Encourages appreciation for family and teamwork.

Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch The Borrowers

Some parents note concerns about mild peril and thematic elements.

  • Scenes of danger may be intense for very young children.
  • Some characters exhibit deceitful behavior without immediate consequences.
  • The concept of "borrowing" without permission might be confusing.

Verdict: Mixed Messages

Verdict: Mixed Messages
Parents are divided—some love it, others raise concerns about mild peril and the concept of borrowing without permission.

What Parents Should Know About The Borrowers

Question Answer
Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? Arrietty's bravery and determination to protect her family are positive traits children can emulate.
Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? Scenes where the Borrowers face danger from humans may require parental guidance.
Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? While some deceitful actions occur, the film ultimately shows the importance of honesty and trust.
Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? The Borrowers work together to solve problems, highlighting the value of teamwork.
Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? The film emphasizes the importance of family, courage, and resourcefulness in overcoming challenges.

The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback

The Borrowers is celebrated for its creativity and the positive messages it conveys about family and resourcefulness. While some parents express concerns about mild peril and the concept of borrowing, these elements can be addressed with parental guidance. Engaging in discussions about the film's themes can enhance the viewing experience. For families seeking similar adventures, movies like "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids" offer comparable imaginative fun.

Official The Borrowers Trailer


The Core Values Learned From The Borrowers

The Borrowers's most common core values include Family love, Problem-solving, and Resilience. Throughout the movie, the tiny Clock family demonstrates the importance of family Love as they stick together to face challenges in their oversized world. Their bond is evident when they work as a team to protect each other from the dangers posed by the human world. Problem-solving is another key value, as the borrowers use their Creativity to navigate obstacles, like when they cleverly use everyday objects to overcome size-related challenges.

Resilience shines through as the family remains determined to save their home despite the odds stacked against them. Kids can learn from the borrowers' ability to bounce back from setbacks and their unwavering commitment to their goals.

Other Core Values Explored: Adaptability | Appreciating what you have | Being brave | Creativity | Curiosity | Friendship | Helping others | Independence | Teamwork | Trust

The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From The Borrowers

Believing in the Power of Home: Kids learn the importance of home as a place of safety and belonging. The Clock family fights to protect their home from being destroyed, showing children how a home is more than just a physical space; it's where love and memories are made.

Solving Problems Creatively: The Borrowers showcases how creativity can solve problems. The tiny Clock family uses everyday objects in inventive ways to navigate their oversized world, teaching kids to think outside the box and find unique solutions to challenges.

Working as a Team: Teamwork is a key lesson as the Clock family and their friend Pete work together to overcome obstacles. This teaches children the value of collaboration and how working together can help achieve common goals.

Finding Courage: Arrietty's bravery in facing the unknown and befriending Pete demonstrates courage. Kids see how stepping out of their comfort zone and facing fears can lead to new friendships and adventures.

Importance of Family: The strong bond between the Clock family highlights the importance of family support. Children learn that family is a source of strength and love, helping them face challenges together.

Other Lessons Learned: Appreciating the Little Things | Embracing Differences | Making a Difference | Practicing Empathy | Protecting the Environment

Why Kids Love The Borrowers

The Borrowers invites kids into a whimsical world where tiny people live secretly within the walls of a human house. The Clock family, with their mischievous daughter Arrietty, embarks on daring escapades, using clever tricks and cool gadgets to navigate their oversized surroundings. Kids will be thrilled by the hidden kingdoms and secret passages that the borrowers explore, sparking their imagination and sense of adventure.

The movie is filled with cartoon-style chaos and silly jokes, as Arrietty and her family outsmart adults and solve mysteries with their unique problem-solving skills. The fun doesn't stop there, as unexpected friendships form and teamwork leads to exciting moments of triumph. With its mix of humor, adventure, and inventive solutions, The Borrowers captivates young audiences, keeping them entertained and eager to see what happens next.