The Secret of NIMH

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The Secret of NIMH

G

Released Jul 30, 1982

1h 22m

Kids & Family

Fantasy

Animation

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Popcornmeter

93%

Tomatometer

70 Reviews

85%

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5,000+ Ratings

Mrs. Brisby (Elizabeth Hartman), a widowed mouse, must move her children out of their home in a field before the local farmer starts plowing. Unable to leave because her son is ill, Mrs. Brisby seeks the help of nearby rats, who have heightened intelligence after being the subjects of scientific experiments. She receives an unexpected gift from the elder rat, Nicodemus (Derek Jacobi). Soon Mrs. Brisby is caught in a conflict among the rats, jeopardizing her mission to save her family.

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Critics Consensus

The Secret of NIMH seeks to resurrect the classical style of American animation and succeeds, telling a mature story with rapturous presentation.

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Rita Kempley

Washington Post

Sadly, The Secret of NIMH is beautiful but unbalanced: The animators gambled when they should have gamboled.

Nov 11, 2021

Full Review

Susie Eisenhuth

Sydney Morning Herald

Parents wistful for the world of mystery and magic fondly remembered from the best of the Disney cartoon features should hasten along to this rather endearing fantasy.

Rated: 3/4

Nov 11, 2021

Full Review

Neil Jillett

The Age (Australia)

This American full-length animated cartoon lives up to its publicity as a return to the meticulous artwork and storybook charm of the golden days of Disney.

Nov 11, 2021

Full Review

Katie Hogan

FILMHOUNDS Magazine

At its heart, The Secret of NIMH is aimed at children, but it still hits all the same nostalgic notes for those who watched it as a child and again as an adult.

Rated: 4/5

Dec 11, 2024

Full Review

Mat Brunet

AniMat's Review (YouTube)

The Secret of NIMH is an animated feature that has every right to be called a masterpiece. Just about every element of this picture is amazingly crafted to present how animation can truly be a storytelling medium.

Rated: 10/10

Sep 6, 2024

Full Review

Stephen Silver

Tilt Magazine

Known for its beautiful hand-drawn animation style, one very unique to that time period and a far cry from the computer-generated style that would take hold in the Pixar era. (40th anniversary)

Rated: 4.5/5

Aug 5, 2022

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Joel H

I remember being slightly traumatized by The Secret of NIMH when I watched it as a small child and yet I also remember watching it multiple times. There’s something special about this movie. First of all, the animation is beautiful and intricate. Secondly, while there are a few humorous moments, this is a truly dramatic story with real suspense and tension. And third, the voice acting is well done and adds to the overall emotion of the film. To be honest, even though it’s animated, I don’t feel like The Secret of NIMH was made for kids. I’m glad I was able to watch it again from another perspective.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

11/15/24

Full Review

Tim J

Rest In Peace Shannen Doherty Who Did Teresa Brisby In The Film

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

10/12/24

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Shelby S

I heard a lot of good things about the film and the animation is lovely, but it's also very gritty, dark, and slow and a little bit overbearing with all the details squeezed in. It was kind of a depressing watch. I can't help but wonder why Bluth films tend to always lean this way, with repetitive archetypes and and late solutions to the endings but it always puts me off from watching them.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

10/12/24

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Noe G

The secret of nimh is one of my favorite animated films of all time and my rating is a 10/10

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/28/24

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Roberta K

No one Has ever heated of this movie I didn’t either till I was 9 And I love the actoan in it And incredible Voices and acting SHOUT OUT TO DON BLUTH

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

06/30/24

Full Review

James M

When you ask most people to name their favorite Don Bluth film they will probably say something like "The Land Before Time", "An American Tail", or even "Anastasia", but all of those pale in comparison to what I feel is his Magnum Opus- "The Secret of NIMH". This simple film of a mother going to do whatever it takes to save her sick son is spectacular. Elizabeth Hartman perfectly nails the role of Ms. Brisby as one who is scared, but becomes brave in facing the farmer's cat Dragon, going to meet the Great Owl, and even pleading with the Rats of NIMH all for the sake of her son Timmy. The score especially in the house raising scene gives me goosebumps everytime. Please Criterion give this film a 4k release!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/15/23

Full Review

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Don Bluth

Director

Elizabeth Hartman

Mrs. Brisby

Derek Jacobi

Nicodemus

Dom DeLuise

Jeremy

Shannen Doherty

Teresa

Edie McClurg

Miss Right

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Synopsis

Mrs. Brisby (Elizabeth Hartman), a widowed mouse, must move her children out of their home in a field before the local farmer starts plowing. Unable to leave because her son is ill, Mrs. Brisby seeks the help of nearby rats, who have heightened intelligence after being the subjects of scientific experiments. She receives an unexpected gift from the elder rat, Nicodemus (Derek Jacobi). Soon Mrs. Brisby is caught in a conflict among the rats, jeopardizing her mission to save her family.

Director: Don Bluth
Producer: Gary Goldman, Don Bluth
Screenwriter: Don Bluth, Will Finn, Gary Goldman, John Pomeroy
Distributor: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, United Artists
Production Co: Aurora, Don Bluth
Rating: G
Genre: Kids & Family, Fantasy, Animation
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jul 30, 1982, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 25, 2012
Runtime: 1h 22m
Sound Mix: Dolby, Surround
Aspect Ratio: 35mm, 1.66:1, Flat (1.85:1)

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