Starring: Elizabeth Hartman, Derek Jacobi, Dom DeLuise, Arthur Malet, Hermione Baddeley Directed By: Don Bluth Average Rating: Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 Audience Rating: G (General Audience) Binding: DVD Format: Animated, Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, DVD, Full Screen, NTSC Number of Items: 1 Region Code: 1 Release Date: November 17, 1998 Running Time: 82 minutes Studio: MGM (Video & DVD) Theatrical Release Date: July 02, 1982
Amazon.com: In his book, Robert C. O'Brien called his brave widow mouse "Mrs. Frisby," but Disney escapee animator Don Bluth must have thought kids would laugh the wrong way at that. They renamed her "Mrs. Brisby" for NIMH. That acronym stands for the National Institute of Mental Health, and the rats that live near Mrs. Brisby came from NIMH--they have strange ways. But they're the only ones who can save her house and her children, so Brisby seeks them out with the help of a humorous crow (Dom DeLuise). The magic gets laid on a little thick but this is Don Bluth's most successful attempt to achieve a complete, sincere, animated film. It's often forgotten, but it's a true surprise and a rare treat in the vast wasteland of insubstantial children's fare. --Keith Simanton
yet another mice-on-a-mission flick ^ Despite its generally positive reputation, I fail to see what's so special about this.
The main character is basically a housewife who spends the movie doing her running around: first she's gotta she this guy, then she's gotta see that guy, then this guy, then another, etc.
A NEAR-PERFECT ANIMATED CLASSIC 9.5 OUT OF 10 ^ Ah, so many memories. It doesn't take a genius to figure out why this film is hailed as one of the greatest animated films of all time. When Don Bluth left Disney in the late '70s because they felt his ideas were too dark, he set up his own animation studio and released The Secret of Nimh in 1982. Sadly, the film wasn't much of a commercial success compared to critical success (A very high 94% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes). But, this film has gained a very strong fanbase for its anti-Disney dark fantasy mentality. Unlike most Disney films at the time, this film features no singing and is not a happy-go-lucky adventure. While I'd have to say that this is not quite my favorite Don Bluth film (Sorry guys, but my vote is All Dogs Go To Heaven), it is definitely my second favorite. This is not only one of the ten best animated films I've ever seen, it's among the twenty best films I've ever seen. It's that good. This is one of the those films that every fan of animated films should see. WHAT IT'S ABOUT: The main character is Mrs. Brisby, a recent widow who lives with her four children and a shrew known as Auntie Shrew in a cement block out in a farmer's field. The main problem is that her younger son; Timmy has pneumonia and can't get out of bed for at least three weeks, otherwise the chill in the air could kill him. This comes as a serious problem because the farmer plans to harvest the field soon, and her family must move. So after taking Auntie Shrew's advice to see the Great Owl, she hitches a ride with a crow named Jeremy who helped her the day before by trying to save her from the cat named Dragon, and they go to see the Great Owl, who in turn tells her to visit the rats who live in the rosebush by the farmhouse, and to seek their leader; Nicodemus. It's here that she learns the secrets behind her husband's mysterious past along with the other rats, and what NIMH is (The National Institute of Mental Health). However, there is something sinister going on between the rats which involves a plan to kill Nicodemus, and that NIMH plans to come to the farmhouse to destroy the rosebush. Sadly, one of the reasons I can't give this film a potential perfect rating is that I believe that the story wasn't taken as far as it could have considering it has political intrigue to it. Oh well, it's still a nearly-flawless film at least. MUSIC: I don't think Jerry Goldsmith has ever done a bad musical score. This is easily one of his best scores and it fits everything to complete perfection. Whether it be a subtle piece to a booming orchestral score, it will blow you away. You may not take the time to appreciate his amazing score for what it is, but if you watch the awful sequel (Review coming soon), you will sorely miss his presence. ACTING: There aren't really any recognizable actors except for Dom DeLuise (R.I.P., your voice will be sorely missed from animated films), but all the actors do put on good performances. However, there are a few moments in which the actors were given corny dialogue to recite which also slightly damages the film. Despite those moments, the actors still put up top-notch performances. ACTION: This is a very dark and violent fantasy film (How did this film get a G-rating? This is definitely a PG film in this day and age). There's never a dull moment in the entire film, and it always remains consistently entertaining. The things that seem normal to us, look so monstrous and frightening to the characters such as tractors, cats, and people. This film is also surprisingly violent, especially near the end of the film. Surprisingly, even after nearly thirty years this film's animation still looks really good and I loved how this fantasy world was designed because it feels so inspired. So overall, this area of the film is pretty much flawless because it's never boring. OVERALL: If for some reason you haven't seen this film, then you definitely need to see it. It's practically required for you to see it if you love animated films. However, if you're whiny and easily offended by animated films that are even the slightest bit violent, then you're going to piss and moan about how this film is too dark and violent. You might be wondering why I liked All Dogs Go To Heaven slightly more than this film, aren't you? Well, I felt the plot of this film wasn't fully complete and it stumbled blindly at times, I also felt it wasn't long enough, and the small bits of dumb dialogue also damaged it. But, as you can see, it didn't damage much and I still gave it a fantastic rating. THE GOOD: Solid story, flawless music, good acting, fun bits of humor, it's never boring, great animation that's managed to hold up, inspired designs, and it's surprisingly violent. THE BAD: Sometimes the story stumbles, it's not long enough, and some of the dialogue is a bit dumb.
The Secret of NIMH ^ I read the book when I was in 4th grade and recently read it with my 9 year old. We followed it up with the movie. It follows the book fairly well although there are some parts not in sync. My daughter loved it because it brought the story to life and she could see if the movie looked like the pictures that she had created in her head. It was good seeing the movie because it opened the floor to discussion about the book, comparison to the movie and I think helps with the reading comprehension skills.
Cute movie ^ This is just a cute movie. I ordered it for my niece for Christmas. I know she will just love it. Good edition to any video library!!
Gen X Childhood Favorite, great for all ages. ^ If you have not seen this classic you have to check it out. It was one of my favorite animated feature films for its fun, adventure, and emotion. It is a great film regardless of your age. enjoy!
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