The Borrowers Review
by Tim Voon (stirling AT netlink DOT com DOT au)April 8th, 1998
THE BORROWERS 1998
A film review by Timothy Voon
Copyright 1998 Timothy Voon
2 :-) :-) for the little people
Cast: John Goodman, Jim Broadbent, Mark Williams, Hugh Laurie, Bradley Pierce, Celia Imire, Flora Newbigin, Tom Felton, Raymond Pickard Director: Peter Hewitt
Screenplay: Gavin Scott and John Kamps based on the books by Mary Norton
Having seen the Mary Norton books in the library as a child, I had always thought they were called ‘The Burrowers’ - as in people who tunnel holes in the ground and not THE BORROWERS - as in I would like to borrow your pen. So I was pleasantly surprised (forgive my ignorance), that this movie was more than just about little people living like rabbits underground, but about little people surviving in a world of giants (humans).
Numerous comparisons can be made with this movie. One of which would be MOUSE HUNT, in which there is almost an identical scene of a pest control freak trying to exterminate, in this instance, tiny children. I absolutely detested MOUSE HUNT for its mindless, commercialism. However, I feel that THE BURROWERS has a little more to offer than, ‘This is a mouse, this is a house, and this is about the level of my IQ.’ In this instance we have more than mere running about, blowing things up and brainless tomfoolery. Ocious P. Potter (John Goodman) is trying to tear down the house belonging to the Lenders, in which the Borrower Clock family live. Unless the family will is found they will be made homeless.
Other comparisons can also be made to THE LAND OF THE GIANTS. There is a wonderful opening scene, where the Borrowers are exploring the Lender’s kitchen, using tiny mountain climbing equipment made of paper clips, thread etc. The initial feel of the two shows is much the same, except the sets and special effects are far superior here and this is a comedy, not a drama. The final scene is reminiscent of GULLIVER’S TRAVELS. If you think that these little people can be easily squished under your boot, then think again when they bring a giant down.
I think this is quite a fun movie for the family. Adults who have read the Mary Norton books will probably relive memories of their childhood, whilst a new generation be introduced to THE BORROWERS. However, sadly, I believe these books are no longer in print.
Timothy Voon
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