The Borrowers (1997 film)
| Company type | Film |
|---|---|
| Industry | Film industry |
| Founded | 1997 |
| Founder | Peter Hewitt (director) |
| Products | Fantasy comedy movie |
| Parent | Working Title Films |
The Borrowers is a 1997 fantasy comedy movie directed by Peter Hewitt, featuring performances from John Goodman, Jim Broadbent, Mark Williams, Hugh Laurie, and Bradley Pierce. Inspired loosely by Mary Norton's 1952 children's book, the production was handled by Working Title Films and released through PolyGram Filmed Entertainment. With a production budget of $29 million, the film earned $54 million globally.
When it premiered in the UK, The Borrowers debuted at the second spot in the box office rankings, trailing behind Alien Resurrection. It retained this position the subsequent week, following the release of Tomorrow Never Dies. The movie was met with generally favorable critiques, receiving acclaim for its visual effects and acting, although some reviewers pointed out differences from the source material. It garnered a nomination for Best British Film at the 1998 British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) awards.
Plot
Young Pete Lender becomes suspicious that items around his home are mysteriously disappearing, unaware that the Clock family—tiny "Borrowers" who secretly inhabit the house—are behind it. The Lenders face the threat of eviction when lawyer Ocious P. Potter claims he cannot locate the will of Victoria's late aunt Mary Alabaster, putting their home at risk of being demolished to make way for condominiums.
Pod Clock and his children, Arrietty and Peagreen, survive by "borrowing" necessary items. After Arrietty is discovered by Pete, they develop a friendship, leading Pete to assist in sneaking the Borrowers onto the family's moving truck. However, after a disagreement between Arrietty and Peagreen, they return to their home.
Potter admits he fabricated the story about the missing will; Mrs. Alabaster had concealed it within the house. When Potter tries to destroy the will, Arrietty and Peagreen manage to escape with it. Potter hires Exterminator Jeff to get rid of the Borrowers, but their clever tactics prevent him from succeeding.
With assistance from Spud Spiller, a savvy street Borrower, Pod rescues Peagreen from danger. Potter captures the family but is foiled again when Pete intervenes. Jeff changes allegiance and helps stop Potter's demolition scheme.
Ultimately, Potter is outwitted and arrested after Pete presents the will as evidence of rightful ownership. The Lenders regain their home alongside the Clocks, who receive aid from old Borrower allies. The film ends humorously with Potter's delusional efforts to prove the Borrowers exist while enjoying having his mugshots taken.
Cast
- John Goodman as Ocious P. Potter, a corrupt attorney intent on tearing down the Lender residence for condominium development.
- Jim Broadbent as Pod Clock, head of the Clock family.
- Mark Williams as Exterminator Jeff, initially working for Potter but later siding with Pete.
- Celia Imrie as Homily Clock, matriarch of the Clock household.
- Hugh Laurie as Officer Steady, a local police officer wary of Potter’s motives.
- Ruby Wax as Town Hall Clerk
- Bradley Pierce as Pete Lender, who befriends the Clocks.
- Flora Newbigin as Arrietty Clock, daughter of Pod and Homily.
- Tom Felton as Peagreen Clock, son of Pod and Homily.
- Raymond Pickard as Spiller, an "outie" Borrower
Additionally, Aden Gillett and Doon Mackichan play Joe and Victoria Lender, Pete’s parents.
Production
A number of sequences were shot in Theale, located near Reading in Berkshire, where the storefronts and buildings along the local High Street were coated in dark green paint specifically for the movie.
Reception
Overall, the film was met with favorable critiques. It holds a 75% approval rating based on 28 reviews on Rotten Tomatoes, where it is described as a "charmingly lively children's adventure." Viewer feedback collected by CinemaScore assigned it a "B+" rating.
The Guardian commended the movie as "an energetic cinematic adaptation" of Mary Norton's tales, particularly noting the performances of Jim Broadbent and Celia Imrie. Film critic Roger Ebert characterized it as a "large-scale, high-budget production" featuring special effects comparable to those in Toy Story, emphasizing its ability to engage both young audiences and adults through its classic storybook style.
Home media
The movie became available on VHS on 19 May 1998 and was later issued on DVD by Universal Pictures Home Entertainment on 1 April 2003.