Introduction
The Secret of NIMH, released in 1982, is a classic animated film directed by Don Bluth and based on the novel “Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH” by Robert C. O’Brien. The film follows the story of a field mouse, Mrs. Brisby, who must save her family from being destroyed by a farmer’s plow. Along her journey, she enlists the help of the rats of NIMH, a group of highly intelligent rodents who have escaped from a laboratory where they were experimented on.
This film quickly gained popularity among audiences, especially children, with its relatable characters, thrilling adventure, and memorable soundtrack. “The Secret of NIMH” is not just any regular animated movie; it transcends the genre through thought-provoking themes and subtexts. Its universal appeal and well-served message make it a film that can be appreciated by adults and children alike.
In this article, we’ll dive deeper into “The Secret of NIMH” and its director, Don Bluth, to explore why this movie is a must-see for fans of fantasy and animation alike.
Overview of The Secret of NIMH
“The Secret of NIMH” takes place in a wooded area where Mrs. Brisby and her family reside in a cinder block house. Her son, Timothy, has fallen gravely ill and cannot be moved due to his condition. As a result, Mrs. Brisby must find a way to move her entire house before the farmer plows over it.
Enter the rats of NIMH, a group of intelligent rodents who escaped from a laboratory where they were experimented on and gained intelligence beyond that of regular rats. They offer to help Mrs. Brisby move her home and reveal their plan to relocate to a nearby rose bush in the farmland.
Throughout the film, Mrs. Brisby faces various challenges and obstacles, including dealing with the rat’s leader Nicodemus, who reveals the true reason for the experiment on the rats and the dangers that come with it. The film also introduces other memorable characters, such as the wise old owl, the grumpy Great Horned Owl, and the nimble and quirky crow, Jeremy.
Overall, “The Secret of NIMH” is an exciting and heartwarming adventure that has become a timeless addition to the world of animation and the fantasy genre.
Don Bluth, the Director
Don Bluth, the director of “The Secret of NIMH,” is an accomplished animator and film director known for his work on several animated films throughout the ’80s and ’90s. In fact, Don Bluth’s work on “The Secret of NIMH” helped him gain recognition in the animation industry and made him one of the leading creative forces.
Bluth got his start working for Disney in the 1950s, but eventually left the company to start his own animation studio. Many of his films, including “The Secret of NIMH,” have been praised for their skillful storytelling, stunning visuals, and well-developed characters.
What makes Bluth’s work on “The Secret of NIMH” so notable is his ability to balance the film’s darker themes with lighthearted moments, making it enjoyable for both children and adults alike. His attention to detail and artistic style contribute greatly to the overall success of the film.
Overall, Don Bluth’s contributions to both the animation industry and the fantasy genre are immeasurable, and “The Secret of NIMH” serves as a testament to his creative genius.
The Fantasy Elements in the Film
Don Bluth, the director of “The Secret of NIMH,” is an accomplished animator and film director known for his work on several animated films throughout the ’80s and ’90s. In fact, Don Bluth’s work on “The Secret of NIMH” helped him gain recognition in the animation industry and made him one of the leading creative forces.
Bluth got his start working for Disney in the 1950s, but eventually left the company to start his own animation studio. Many of his films, including “The Secret of NIMH,” have been praised for their skillful storytelling, stunning visuals, and well-developed characters.
What makes Bluth’s work on “The Secret of NIMH” so notable is his ability to balance the film’s darker themes with lighthearted moments, making it enjoyable for both children and adults alike. His attention to detail and artistic style contribute greatly to the overall success of the film.
Overall, Don Bluth’s contributions to both the animation industry and the fantasy genre are immeasurable, and “The Secret of NIMH” serves as a testament to his creative genius.
The Positive Message of The Secret of NIMH
Aside from its entertaining plot and beloved characters, an underlying positive message can be found in “The Secret of NIMH.” One such message is the importance of friendship and solidarity between individuals and groups of different backgrounds.
In the film, the rats of NIMH come from a variety of backgrounds and have different skill sets, but they are able to come together and work as a team to accomplish their goals. Additionally, Mrs. Brisby, a field mouse, forms an unlikely bond with the rats and is able to rely on their help in her time of need. This message of unity and teamwork is a valuable lesson for viewers of all ages.
Another positive message from “The Secret of NIMH” is the importance of determination and perseverance. Despite being faced with numerous challenges and obstacles, Mrs. Brisby never gives up on her quest to save her family. This determination and steadfastness is a valuable lesson for viewers, showing that with hard work and perseverance, anything is possible.
Overall, “The Secret of NIMH” offers more than just an engaging story and memorable characters. It also delivers important messages about the true power of teamwork and perseverance, making it a timeless classic that is sure to be cherished for generations to come.
Analysis of the Animation and Soundtrack
One of the most notable aspects of “The Secret of NIMH” is its stunning animation and soundtrack. The film’s animation is a combination of traditional hand-drawn animation and special effects, creating a unique look that is both captivating and imaginative.
The soundtrack is composed by Jerry Goldsmith and features a haunting and magical score that perfectly captures the mood and tone of the film. The score is filled with memorable melodies and is perfectly intertwined with the film’s visuals.
In addition to the animation and soundtrack, “The Secret of NIMH” also features impressive voice acting performances from its cast. The characters are brought to life through the voices of Elizabeth Hartman, Dom DeLuise, and John Carradine, among others, and their performances elevate the already impressive film to a whole new level.
Overall, the animation, soundtrack, and voice acting performances in “The Secret of NIMH” are all masterful and contribute to making it a truly remarkable film. The attention to detail and creativity put into each element of the movie make it a classic that still stands the test of time today.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “The Secret of NIMH” is a classic animated film that has captivated audiences for decades. Its imaginative story, engaging characters, stunning animation, and memorable soundtrack continue to make it a beloved classic to this day.
Through the film’s various messages, such as the importance of friendship, solidarity, determination, and perseverance, viewers of all ages can take away valuable lessons. Furthermore, the creative work of Don Bluth, the film’s director, and the talented voice cast and crew all contribute to this timeless classic that stands out from other animated films.
For those who have never seen “The Secret of NIMH,” it is certainly worth watching. Its beautiful approach to storytelling paired with the fantasy elements is an experience that any lover of animation and fantasy will appreciate. For those who have seen it before, it remains a film that can be watched time and again, never losing its magic.
