Review of The Secret of NIMH (1982) by Colby S — 14 Oct 2017

I haven't watched this movie since I was a little kid even though it left a big impact on me then. I've recently watched it again as an adult and it's honestly even better than I remember! Don Bluth's animation is absolutely gorgeous and I feel like if you were to take any still shot of this movie and make it a museum exhibit, it would be a work of art.

There's a great sense of detail in the backgrounds and just the colorful expressions of the characters alone are worth the price of admission. The story is simple enough for kids to follow, yet layered with complex, dark themes and elements that will draw adults toward it and possibly appreciate it even more as a film.

Jerry Goldsmith's score is wonderful and reminds me a lot of Igor Stravinsky in parts, and perhaps a little of John Williams as well. The voice acting from the whole cast is phenomenal with Derek Jacobi (I, Claudius) in particular seamlessly switching into a pitch-perfect role of the mystical Nicodemus.

I believe this movie is a masterpiece and should be watched by families everywhere if they can handle a little violent imagery here and there.