The Secret of NIMH (1982)
Synopsis:
In The Secret of NIMH, Mrs. Brisby, a timid field mouse, faces a dire situation when her son, Timothy, falls ill just as their home is threatened by a farmer's plow. Desperate to save her family, she seeks help from the mysterious rats of NIMH, a group of highly intelligent rodents who have escaped from a laboratory. Led by the wise Nicodemus, the rats possess advanced technology and knowledge. Mrs. Brisby learns of a plan to move her home to safety, but she must first confront the dangerous rat Jenner, who opposes the plan. With the help of the clumsy crow Jeremy and the Great Owl, Mrs. Brisby embarks on a courageous journey to protect her family and uncover the secrets of NIMH.
Where To Watch: The Secret of NIMH
Parental Feedback
The Secret of NIMH, released in 1982, is an animated fantasy adventure film rated G, making it suitable for kids. The movie is often praised for its captivating animation and engaging storyline, which combines elements of mystery and adventure. Parents generally appreciate the film's imaginative world and the strong moral lessons it imparts, though some note that certain scenes may be intense for very young viewers.
Why Kids Should Watch The Secret of NIMH
The Secret of NIMH is celebrated for its rich storytelling and positive messages.
- Highlights themes of courage and perseverance.
- Features a strong, determined protagonist in Mrs. Brisby, who shows bravery and resourcefulness.
- The film's animation and magical elements captivate young audiences.
- Offers a unique blend of adventure and heartwarming moments.
Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch The Secret of NIMH
Some parents express concerns about the film's darker themes and intense scenes.
- Contains moments of peril and suspense that might be frightening for sensitive children.
- Includes scenes with threatening characters that could be unsettling.
- The complexity of the plot may be confusing for younger viewers.
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Verdict: Mixed Messages
Parents are divided—some love it, others raise concerns about its intense scenes and darker themes.
What Parents Should Know About The Secret of NIMH
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | Mrs. Brisby demonstrates bravery and selflessness as she seeks to save her family. |
| Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | The scenes involving the Great Owl and the climax with the rats may require parental guidance. |
| Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | The film shows the dangers of greed and power through the character of Jenner. |
| Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | Teamwork is highlighted as the rats work together to move Mrs. Brisby's home. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | The core message is about the importance of courage and helping others in need. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
The Secret of NIMH is lauded for its beautiful animation and strong moral lessons, making it a memorable film for children. While some scenes may be intense, they provide opportunities for parents to discuss bravery and ethics with their kids. Parental guidance can enhance the viewing experience, ensuring children understand the film's deeper messages. For those seeking similar adventures, movies like "The Land Before Time" or "An American Tail" might also be enjoyable.
Official The Secret of NIMH Trailer
The Core Values Learned From The Secret of NIMH
The Secret of NIMH's most common core values include Bravery, Family love, and Determination. Throughout the movie, kids witness bravery as Mrs. Brisby, a small field mouse, faces daunting challenges to protect her family. Her Courage is evident when she ventures into dangerous territories, showing children the importance of standing up for Loved ones despite fear.
Family love is a driving force in the story, as Mrs. Brisby's actions are motivated by her deep care for her children, teaching kids the significance of familial bonds. Determination is showcased as she perseveres through numerous obstacles, demonstrating to children that persistence is key to overcoming difficulties. These core values are woven into the narrative, providing young viewers with clear examples of how courage, love, and determination can lead to success.
Other Core Values Explored: Helping others | Problem-solving | Resilience | Standing up for what's right | Teamwork | Trust
The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From The Secret of NIMH
Facing Fears Head-On: Kids learn the importance of facing their fears through Mrs. Brisby's journey. Despite being a small and timid mouse, she bravely confronts numerous dangers to protect her family, showing children that courage can come from even the most unexpected places.
Finding Courage: The movie teaches children about finding courage within themselves. Mrs. Brisby, though initially hesitant, discovers her inner strength when she decides to seek help from the rats of NIMH, demonstrating that bravery often involves taking risks for the ones you love.
Believing in Yourself: Children see the power of self-belief as Mrs. Brisby overcomes her doubts. Her determination to save her family, despite the odds, highlights the importance of believing in one's abilities and the impact it can have on achieving goals.
Asking for Help: The story emphasizes the value of asking for help when needed. Mrs. Brisby's willingness to seek assistance from the rats and other characters shows kids that it's okay to rely on others and that teamwork can lead to success.
Importance of Family: The movie underscores the significance of family as Mrs. Brisby's actions are driven by her love and commitment to her children. This lesson teaches kids that family bonds are powerful and worth protecting at all costs.
Other Lessons Learned: Protecting the Environment | Doing What’s Right | Supporting Your Friends | Valuing Deep Connection | Embracing Differences | Solving Problems Creatively | Never Giving Up | Making a Difference | Recognizing Your Potential | Trusting Intuition | Leading with Courage
Why Kids Love The Secret of NIMH
The Secret of NIMH invites kids into a world where tiny heroes embark on big adventures. Mrs. Brisby, a brave little mouse, captures the imagination as she navigates a world filled with talking animals and hidden kingdoms. The mysterious rats of NIMH, with their magical mentors and advanced technology, add a sense of wonder and excitement. Kids will be thrilled by the epic quests and the clever problem-solving that Mrs. Brisby and her friends undertake.
The movie is filled with action-packed moments as they work together to save the day, showcasing teamwork and the power of friendship. The clumsy crow Jeremy and the wise Great Owl bring humor and wisdom, making the journey even more engaging. With its mix of adventure, magical elements, and lovable characters, The Secret of NIMH is a captivating tale that keeps kids entertained and eager to see what happens next.