On the 17th of July 2010, a film titled Arrietty opened in Japanese theaters, marking the directorial debut of Hiromasa Yonebayashi and the beginning of a new chapter for Studio Ghibli. The story centers on a family of tiny people known as Borrowers, who live hidden within the walls and floors of a human household, borrowing small items to survive without being seen. The narrative follows Arrietty, a young Borrower girl, who embarks on her first borrowing mission with her father Pod to retrieve sugar and tissue paper from a human home. During this mission, she is discovered by a human boy named Sho, who has been living in the house with his great-aunt Sadako and the housemaid Haru. The discovery sets off a chain of events that threatens the Borrowers' existence, as their secret life is now compromised. The film explores themes of coexistence, survival, and the delicate balance between two worlds that should never meet. It is a tale of courage and friendship, where the smallest actions can have the most profound consequences.
A New Director Emerges
Hiromasa Yonebayashi, who had previously worked as an animator on films like Howl's Moving Castle and Spirited Away, was chosen to direct Arrietty, his first feature film as a director. The decision to entrust him with this project was a significant one, as Studio Ghibli had been contemplating an adaptation of Mary Norton's The Borrowers for over 40 years. Yonebayashi's background as an animator gave him a deep understanding of the studio's visual style, but directing required a new set of skills. Hayao Miyazaki, the legendary co-founder of Studio Ghibli, served as the production planner, overseeing the project to ensure it met the studio's high standards. The film was a labor of love, with Yonebayashi drawing on his experiences to create a world that felt both familiar and entirely new. The production process was meticulous, with the team working to capture the intricate details of the Borrowers' miniature world. The film's success was a testament to Yonebayashi's vision and the collaborative effort of the entire Studio Ghibli team.The Voice of Arrietty
The voice cast of Arrietty was carefully selected to bring the characters to life, with Mirai Shida making her voice acting debut as the titular character. Shida's performance was praised for its authenticity and emotional depth, capturing the innocence and bravery of Arrietty. Ryunosuke Kamiki, who had previously voiced characters in other Studio Ghibli films, was cast as Sho, the human boy who befriends Arrietty. The supporting cast included Shinobu Otake and Tomokazu Miura as Arrietty's parents, Pod and Homily, and Kirin Kiki as the housemaid Haru. The English dub featured notable actors such as Saoirse Ronan and Tom Holland, who made their cinematic debuts in the film. The casting process was a collaborative effort, with the studio seeking voices that could convey the emotional nuances of the characters. The result was a cast that brought the Borrowers and their human counterparts to life, creating a memorable and engaging experience for audiences.