Arrietty — Studio Ghibli’s adaptation of The Borrowers

Production and principal cast

The film blends traditional and digital animation to create a lived-in miniature world where tiny people known as Borrowers live in the walls and floors of an ordinary house. The original Japanese cast features Mirai Shida as Arrietty, Ryunosuke Kamiki as the human boy Shō, and Tatsuya Fujiwara as Spiller. In Japan the project was described as an animated film in the fantasy genre, with an emphasis on mood rather than spectacle.

• Japanese principal voices: Mirai Shida, Ryunosuke Kamiki, Tatsuya Fujiwara
• English-language release (Disney) voices: Bridgit Mendler, David Henrie, Moisés Arias
• Supporting English voices include Will Arnett and Amy Poehler

Localization and English-language version

The North American dub was produced and distributed by Disney, which retitled the film for that market and cast contemporary young actors for the lead roles, including Bridgit Mendler as Arrietty. The English adaptation alters some character names and trims a few scenes for length and clarity, but preserves the film’s central themes and visual design. The dubbing choices and marketing positioned the film for family audiences while maintaining a gentle, contemplative tone.

Themes, style and music

Arrietty explores themes of friendship across differences, environmental respect, and the tensions between secrecy and curiosity. Visually the movie is notable for its scale shifts: everyday objects become monumental from the Borrowers’ point of view, creating both wonder and danger. The score and sound design complement the visuals, using delicate instrumentation and ambient noises to deepen immersion in the tiny world.

Reception and significance

Critics praised Arrietty for its craftsmanship, charm, and faithful spirit to its source material rather than blockbuster action. While quieter than many mainstream animated films, it reinforced Studio Ghibli’s reputation for character-driven storytelling and richly observed settings. The film remains an accessible entry point to Ghibli for younger viewers and a noteworthy adaptation of Mary Norton’s concept of small people living secretly among humans.

For further information about the Japanese title, the English release, production studio and cast, consult the studio’s credits and promotional material: Japanese title, North American title, Studio Ghibli, Hayao Miyazaki, animated, fantasy, movie, Disney, Bridgit Mendler, Will Arnett, Amy Poehler.