Arrietty is in cinemas in IMAX from October 14, 2026 and in 4K nationwide from October 16, 2026.
Synopsis
The Clock family consists of three four-inch-tall people who live incognito among humans, borrowing only what they need to survive. Their quiet life changes when their teenage daughter, Arrietty, is discovered.
Review
The anime powerhouse that is Studio Ghibli have given us many classics over the years, some of which have been wonderfully restored in 4K and rereleased into cinemas. Princess Mononoke, Kiki’s Delivery Service and Whisper of the Heart have all recently received the remaster treatment to stunning effect and the newest film from Ghibli’s extensive back catalogue to return to theatres in 4K is Hiromasa Yonebayashi’s 2010 gem Arrietty, originally titled The Secret World of Arrietty in the US.
The film, which is an adaptation of Mary Norton’s The Borrowers, has all the hallmarks of a timeless Ghibli classic whilst still feeling tonally and visually faithful to the book’s British roots. Part of that, at least where the dub is concerned anyway, is probably due to the stellar British/Irish voice cast who bring these characters to life, but there is also a warmth and quaintness that comes from the locations and character designs that helps the film find a sweet spot between Japanese and British iconography.
One element that holds up beautifully 16 years after its original release, and really shines with the 4K remaster, is the animation and art on display. The standard Ghibli whimsy is still felt throughout the film but, given the story being told here, the sense of perspective and scale is stunningly realised in every single scene. Through Yonebayashi’s direction, the film strikes a perfect balance with its scale in relation to the characters. The colouring and precision to detail in each frame can make household items and entire rooms feel awe-inspiring one minute and oddly foreboding the next.
It’s often contested over the years as to which version of an anime film or show to watch is better, the sub or the dub. Where possible, most fans prefer sticking with the original subbed version of whatever it is they’re watching to keep the experience authentic. However, with that being said, if a dubbed version is the only option available it must be stated that Ghibli have a very good track record when it comes to their dubs and choosing appropriate actors for the roles with Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle and The Boy and The Heron all being prime examples of this and Arrietty is no different.
The cast for this English dub, thankfully not the 2012 Disney one, is stacked with talent that give these characters a grounded warmth at every opportunity. From seasoned veterans like Olivia Colman and Mark Strong to, at the time, fresh faced youngsters such as Tom Holland in the role of Sho and Saoirse Ronan as the titular Arrietty. Even during more tense scenes, these actors approach the characters with a sense of reserved calm, making them equally endearing and approachable.
With its tight 95-minute runtime, Arrietty never outstays its welcome. From its gorgeous animation to Cécile Corbel’s delicate score, this delightfully underrated film will win over even the most stone faced of people as it gets the rerelease it rightfully deserves over a decade later.
Verdict
There is no better time to see this hidden Ghibli gem than now with its 4K rerelease. It packs in all the charm, humour and heart that you’ve come to expect from the studio in a concise package that, just like the borrowers themselves, nip in and out like nothing ever happened while still to leaving a heartwarming impact.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
