The Secret World of Arrietty (2010)

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In the ending of The Secret World of Arrietty, Arrietty and her family must leave their home due to the threat of discovery. After a heartfelt farewell with Sho, Arrietty departs with her parents, leaving behind the life she knew. The film concludes with a sense of hope as Arrietty and her family find a new place to live, while Sho, having learned to appreciate the small wonders of life, looks out at the world with a renewed perspective.

As the story approaches its conclusion, the tension between the Borrowers and the human world escalates. Arrietty, having formed a bond with Sho, is faced with the reality that her family must leave their home to avoid being discovered.

In the final scenes, Arrietty and her parents, Pod and Homily, gather their belongings in a small, hurried manner. The atmosphere is heavy with a mix of sadness and urgency. They know that their time in the house is coming to an end, and the fear of being seen by the humans looms over them. Arrietty, feeling a deep connection to Sho, is torn between her family's safety and her desire to stay close to him.

Sho, who has been recovering from his illness, learns of the Borrowers' impending departure. He rushes to find Arrietty, desperate to say goodbye. In a poignant moment, they meet in the garden, surrounded by the vibrant colors of flowers and the gentle rustle of leaves. Arrietty expresses her sadness about leaving, and Sho, with a heavy heart, reassures her that he will always remember her. Their farewell is bittersweet, filled with unspoken emotions and the weight of their brief but meaningful friendship.

As Arrietty and her family prepare to leave, they make their way through the house one last time, taking in the familiar sights that have been their home. They exit through a small hole in the wall, stepping into the unknown. The scene captures the essence of their world--small, hidden, yet filled with life and memories.

In the final moments, Sho stands in the garden, watching as Arrietty and her family disappear into the distance. He feels a sense of loss but also a newfound appreciation for the small things in life, a lesson learned from his time with Arrietty. The camera pans up to the sky, symbolizing hope and the possibility of new beginnings.

The film concludes with Arrietty and her family finding a new place to live, suggesting that while they have left their old home behind, they carry with them the memories and experiences that have shaped them. Sho, now more aware of the world around him, looks out at the garden, a place that will forever remind him of the secret world he briefly glimpsed. The ending encapsulates the themes of friendship, the importance of understanding different perspectives, and the bittersweet nature of change.

In "The Secret World of Arrietty," there is no post-credit scene. The film concludes with a poignant ending that encapsulates the themes of friendship, courage, and the bittersweet nature of parting. After the main events unfold, the story wraps up with Arrietty and her family preparing to leave their home in search of a new place to live, symbolizing both a new beginning and the inevitable changes that come with life. The absence of a post-credit scene allows the audience to reflect on the journey of Arrietty and Sho, leaving a lasting emotional impact without additional content.

The Borrowers, including Arrietty and her family, live hidden beneath the floorboards of a human house, relying on their ability to 'borrow' small items from the humans without being seen. This way of life is significant as it highlights their resourcefulness and the delicate balance they maintain to avoid detection. Arrietty's curiosity about the human world and her desire for connection drives much of the plot.

Arrietty first meets Shawn when he discovers her while she is out on a borrowing expedition. Their initial interaction is filled with surprise and curiosity; Shawn is astonished to see a tiny person, while Arrietty is frightened but intrigued. This moment sets the stage for their developing friendship, as both characters feel a sense of loneliness and a desire for companionship.

Arrietty faces challenges in her relationship with her parents, particularly with her mother, who is protective and fearful of the dangers posed by humans. Arrietty's adventurous spirit and desire to explore the world clash with her parents' caution, leading to tension. This dynamic reflects her struggle for independence and the desire to forge her own path.

Haru, the housekeeper, plays a crucial role in the story as she becomes increasingly suspicious of the Borrowers' presence. Her determination to catch them creates tension and danger for Arrietty and her family. Haru's character embodies the threat to the Borrowers' existence, and her actions propel the plot forward, forcing Arrietty to confront the risks of her world.

Throughout the film, Arrietty's perspective on the human world evolves significantly. Initially, she is curious and fascinated by humans, especially Shawn, but as she experiences the dangers and complexities of their world, she becomes more aware of the risks involved. This shift in perspective highlights her growth as she learns to navigate her identity as a Borrower while forming a bond with Shawn.

The Secret World of Arrietty is generally considered family-friendly, but there are a few scenes and themes that might be potentially objectionable or upsetting for younger children or sensitive viewers.

1. Themes of Loneliness and Isolation: The film explores feelings of loneliness, particularly through the character of Sho, who is dealing with his own health issues and the emotional distance from his family. This may resonate deeply with some viewers.

2. Danger and Threats: There are moments where Arrietty and her family face threats from humans, particularly when they are discovered. The tension in these scenes may be unsettling for younger audiences.

3. Loss and Separation: The film touches on the idea of family separation and the fear of losing loved ones, which could be emotionally challenging for some viewers.

4. Health Concerns: Sho's health condition is a significant plot point, and there are scenes that depict his vulnerability, which may be distressing for sensitive viewers.

5. Nature and Predation: There are scenes involving the natural world, including a cat that poses a threat to Arrietty and her family, which could be frightening for younger children.

Overall, while the film is beautifully animated and carries a gentle message about friendship and understanding, these elements may require parental guidance for younger viewers.