IMDb > The Secret of NIMH (1982)
The Secret of NIMH
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The Secret of NIMH (1982) More at IMDbPro »

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The Secret of NIMH (1982) -- A society of genetically altered rats comes to the aid of a mouse whose family is threatened by civilization. Animated.

Overview

User Rating:
7.3/10   8,826 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
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Director:
Don Bluth
Writers:
Robert C. O'Brien (novel)
Don Bluth (story) ...
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Contact:
View company contact information for The Secret of NIMH on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
2 July 1982 (USA) more
Tagline:
Right before your eyes and beyond your wildest dreams. more
Plot:
To save her ill son, a field mouse must seek the aid of a colony of super-intelligent rats, with whom she has a deeper link than she ever suspected. full summary | full synopsis
Plot Keywords:
more
Awards:
1 win & 2 nominations more
NewsDesk:
(5 articles)
New Secret Of NIMH In The Works
 (From EmpireOnline. 28 July 2009, 1:06 AM, PDT)

Portland’s Rooftop Cinema Summer Schedule
 (From Scorecard Review. 9 July 2009, 12:17 PM, PDT)

User Comments:
Dark, mystical story is for adults, but endured by children. more (112 total)

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)

Derek Jacobi ... Nicodemus (voice)
Elizabeth Hartman ... Mrs. Brisby (voice)
Arthur Malet ... Mr. Ages (voice)

Dom DeLuise ... Jeremy (voice)
Hermione Baddeley ... Auntie Shrew (voice)

Shannen Doherty ... Teresa (voice)

Wil Wheaton ... Martin (voice)
Jodi Hicks ... Cynthia (voice)
Ian Fried ... Timothy (voice)
John Carradine ... Great Owl (voice)

Peter Strauss ... Justin (voice)
Paul Shenar ... Jenner (voice)
Tom Hatten ... Farmer Fitzgibbons (voice)
Lucille Bliss ... Mrs. Fitzgibbons (voice)
Aldo Ray ... Sullivan (voice)
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Additional Details

Also Known As:
Mrs. Brisby and the Rats of NIMH (USA) (working title)
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Runtime:
82 min
Country:
USA
Language:
English
Color:
Color
Aspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Dolby
Company:
Aurora more

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
Don Bluth, John Pomeroy and Gary Goldman all left Disney to pursue this project, which had originally been rejected by their former employer as "too dark" to be a commercial success. They were followed soon after by 20 other Disney animators, dubbed "The Disney Defectors" by the trade press. more
Goofs:
Miscellaneous: When Dragon leaps at Mrs. Brisby when she is climbing the tree, his left claw is shown covered by the base of a tree limb. more
Quotes:
[first lines]
Nicodemus: Johnathan Brisby was killed today while helping with the plan.
more
Movie Connections:
Referenced in Ratatouille (2007) more
Soundtrack:
Flying Dreams more

FAQ

This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.
34 out of 40 people found the following comment useful.
Dark, mystical story is for adults, but endured by children., 18 April 2005
10/10
Author: BansheeCreature from The World Of Movies

When I first saw this film, years ago, I was very afraid of many aspects it contained, yet I was also in love with it. As a cartoon, it captures the very familiar values that we have seen in such praised Disney films such as The Sword in the Stone". This one is much darker though, and because so, it also brings forth, a much scarier element that Disney will never have! Being based completely on archetypical formation, the "Secret Of NIMH" is based on the famed children's book "Mrs. Brisby and the rats of NIMH". As the book is very darling, and for children of all ages, the film is put together in a more mature, adult style, with intense moments. Later on in life, I realize that children watching this film is an amazing happening, if I knew then, what I know now about the film, I would have been completely overtaken by the film. Some things are better left unknown in childhood. Most kids today will not appreciate this film, for all the glory in which it was made. There were two direct-to-video sequels. Two. This is unacceptable for a movie of this type. The two latter films were made with light, fluffy, musical touches that did NOT capture anything this film did. The two latter films had NO business being made! The generation I grew up in was able to take this wondrous intensity we were given, today, things are much different, and movies like this one are hardly seen. The "toy story" genre has taken over, and most films that would, otherwise be like this one are laughably awful, without any real heart. Don Bluth was expressing his strong imagination for this one, most "pixar" company films are just money, and offer nothing for anyone except babies in cribs! This movie is a cartoon, a pure adventure, and a treasure full of heart! Don Bluth is a wonderful filmmaker!

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Message Boards

Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for The Secret of NIMH (1982)
Recent Posts (updated daily)User
What was Mrs. Brisby's first name? Geek_of_Geeks
Nostalgia Critic needs to review NIMH 2: Timmy to the Rescue! Matthew_Moviebuff
Dragon the cat is.... omegapirate900
Forget title Hand_On_Existence
Things that did not work bruno-mailly
DVD: no booklet? Greylight
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