“The rats are not what they seem.”
synopsis
Mrs. Brisby, a timid field mouse, must find a way to move her family before a farmer plows their field. Her youngest son is dangerously ill, forcing her to seek help from a mysterious group of highly intelligent rats living beneath a rosebush. As she uncovers the rats’ extraordinary secret, Mrs. Brisby must summon unexpected courage to save her family.
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mini-review
Directed by animation legend Don Bluth, The Secret of NIMH helped revive richly detailed hand-drawn animation during the early 1980s. The film’s darker tone, elaborate artwork, and emotional storytelling set it apart from typical family cartoons. Blending science fiction ideas with fairy-tale atmosphere, it remains one of the most visually beautiful and emotionally powerful animated films of its era.
A cozy night, dim lights, and appreciation for beautifully crafted hand-drawn animation.
Absurdist's Corner
A shy field mouse somehow manages to negotiate with super-intelligent laboratory rats and magical amulets—all while trying to move her house before morning.
fun facts
Don Bluth and several animators left Disney to create the film, hoping to revive high-quality traditional animation.
The rats’ intelligence comes from experiments conducted by NIMH — the National Institute of Mental Health.
The movie is based on the novel Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O'Brien.