Today’s quick review: The Secret of NIMH. Mrs. Brisby (Elizabeth Hartman), a widowed mouse who lives in a farmer’s field with her family, must figure out a way to get her sick child to safety before the farmer’s plow destroys her home. Aided by Jeremy (Dom DeLuise), a clumsy crow, Mrs. Brisby braves the farmer’s cat and other perils to seek the help of Nicodemus (Derek Jacobi), a wise, old rat who was friends with her husband.
The Secret of NIMH is a family animated fantasy adventure based on a book by Robert C. O’Brien. The Secret of NIMH tells the story of a courageous mouse who faces great danger to save her family. The movie features a likable heroine, an engaging plot, lush animation, and a dash of magic. Its dramatic tone and mature content skew dark for a kids’ movie, but adult viewers and resilient youngsters will appreciate the weight this brings to the film.
The Secret of NIMH has an ususually strong story. The building blocks are simple and familiar: talking animals, a heroic journey, and a small-scale conflict writ large. What sets The Secret of NIMH apart is its quality of execution. The stakes are clear from the very beginning, the plot unfolds at a steady clip with a few good wrinkles along the way, and everything is presented with an appropriate sense of mystery and wonder.
The keystone of the story is a top-notch protagonist. Mrs. Brisby is a brave and purehearted mouse who’s easy to root for. Neither the strongest nor the smartest animal in her world, she succeeds through courage and persistence. The supporting characters are not especially complex, but they suit the needs of the story perfectly. The story and characters are backed by striking, brooding painted backgrounds and lively character animation.
Try The Secret of NIMH when you’re in the mood for a mature sort of kids’ movie. Its unflinching treatment of death and danger sets The Secret of NIMH apart from most other family adventures, while its rock-solid story and high-quality animation make it worth the watch. Skip it if you’re looking for something lighter. For a more comedic take on a similar premise, check out The Rescuers or The Rescuers Down Under.
7.6 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 to 7.5 for high all-around quality.