Cast
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Crew
Director
- Hiromasa Yonebayashi
Producer
- Toshio Suzuki
Reviews
Andres Gomez
One of the most delicate and visually gorgeous movies from studios Ghibli with a great celtic OST to remember.
Feb 21, 2014
Thematic Analysis
The Secret World of Arrietty represents a fascinating example of Fantasy/Animation/Family cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Hiromasa Yonebayashi brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2010, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Secret World of Arrietty took approximately 26 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $23.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 94 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 127 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 233 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The film contains approximately 2070 individual shots.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 2010, when this film is released:
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Secret World of Arrietty shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, which focuses more on action than character development, The Secret World of Arrietty subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Night at the Museum and The Forbidden Kingdom explore similar territory, The Secret World of Arrietty stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: July 16, 2010
- Runtime: 1h 34m
- Budget: $23,000,000
- Revenue: $149,660,003
Where to Watch
