Amazon.co.uk Review
The popular children's books by Mary Norton have been filmed before, but never with as much imagination and ingenuity as you'll find on display in this delightful fantasy film released to critical praise in 1998. The eponymous Borrowers are a family of tiny people who live in the walls and under the floorboards in the homes of "normal-sized" humans; they earn their by "borrowing" the household items (string, food crumbs, buttons, and so on) needed to furnish their tiny hiding places and provide their meals. The little Clock family lives happily undisturbed in the home of an aged aunt, but when the aunt dies and her will is stolen by an unscrupulous lawyer (John Goodman), the Clocks face eviction and the frightening hazards of the outside world. Under the ingenious direction of Peter Hewitt, this simple, straightforward movie mixes comedy, adventure, and suspense with some of the cleverest special effects you've ever seen, taking full advantage of effects technologies to immerse you in the world of the tiny people. A climactic chase scene in a milk-bottling plant is a visual tour de force, and the movie's smart and dazzling enough to entertain parents and children alike. After its modest success in cinemas, The Borrowers stands a good chance of becoming a home-video favourite. --Jeff Shannon
Customer Reviews:
Trans-Atlantic take on The Borrowers - not totally succesful but still very good.......2006-01-03
Unlike the superb BBC serialisation that was faithfully based on Mary Norton's book from the 50's, this film has been updated and an American TV star brought in. Unfortunately the script and plot isn't really quite as good as the original book and the out of place slapstick does reduce the tension somewhat. My son (9) and daughter (11) really liked this film, but I preferred the two BBC 'borrowers' series, first screened in 1993 and 1994 (make sure you get the two DVD set, series one and two - 6 hours of quality children's TV). The BBC series is far darker, being played straight with no slapstick and despite the Borrower's amusing antics and the witty script, it's got many quite tense moments and is all the better for it. The special effects in the film (and much of the BBC series) are actually very good - although a lot of the atmosphere in both is derived from the superb 'miniature' sets.
The BBC series scores though by being set in the original isolated 1920'ish shires countryside, about the time of Norton's childhood, in a period when children were more strictly brought up and would think nothing of keeping big secrets from the adults. This film is set in a UK town around 1956 and so seems quite modern in comparison. However, in any era the Borrower's worst fear, above even cats and rats, is to be 'seen' by a human, after which they know the human will spend all his time trying to find them again (so they will have leave and find a new home). The cast in the film are very good, although Jim Broadbent's character doesn't capture the sensitive and secretive nature of Borrower Pod as brilliantly as Ian Holm (BBC version). Also Penelope Wilson (BBC) just 'is' the timid house proud Homily. Likewise John Goodman doesn't hold a candle to the BBC's strict and rather sinister Sian Philips 'Mrs Driver', scourge of the human boy George unfortunate enough to be left in her care. It's not that the film's bad, far from it, its script and reliance on special effects just limits the actor's a little. In the films favour, it's so different it can easily be viewed as a sequel to the BBC series, and the film is certainly great fun (there's also a British A-list support cast and I particularly enjoyed Ruby Wax's cameo). The films break neck action sequences also make repeat viewing enjoyable.
If you can't decide whether to buy this film even at the knockdown price, try renting first, as the film is well worth a family view or two on a quiet winter's Sunday. Do also have a look at the BBC DVD set. Plus the original 'Borrowers' books are a good fairly easy read as for later preteens. Just a shame the BBC and the film industry didn't continue with a few more of the Borrower's books.
A Nice Family Film!.......2004-05-27
When i saw that this film was on in the holidays i decided that i would watch it, knowing how much attention 'The borrowers' had attracted back in 1998 when it was released. Although i don't usually like this type of film, with this it was different, and i quite enjoyed it.
Unfortunately i have never read the book so i don't know how accurate this film is, but it didn't really matter, becuase the supurb mixture of comedy, action/adventure and suspense, made it a really fun fil to watch.
The Clock family live in the walls and under the floor boards of an old aunt, however when she dies, and her will is stolen by a fat mean lawyer who wants to demolish the house for building land, the borrowers must escape before they are all squished. But saftey is a long way away and they need the help of a young boy when they venture into the outside world of cars, and 'big' people.
Overall a very fun and entertaining film, which kids are sure to love watching, as are the parents who watch it with them. I highly recommended movieif you want a few hours of good 'clean' family viewing.
Funny,captures your imagination and makes you want to be lit.......2001-11-28
This film is hysterically funny and makes you look at everything from a differrent perspective!
It basically makes you want to be a borrower! Definately worth watching.
Customer Reviews:
One of our all time favourite BBC adaptations.......2006-05-10
Faithfully based on Mary Norton's books from the 50's, my son (9) and daughter (11) loved the two BBC 'borrowers' series, first screened in 1993 with season two in 1994 - this DVD has series one only (6 separate half hour episodes). Check out the twin DVD set though as this has both Borrowers series one and two on 2 DVD s (12 episodes in all), as often that is a bit cheaper than buying the two series as separate single DVD sets. The present price (£14) is a bit expensive for a single DVD (at the moment the entire 4 DVD BBC Narnia set is the same price). If you can't decide whether to buy, try renting. Picture quality is quite good (better than than the slightly older BBC Narnia sets).
My kids really enjoyed the 1997 film version, but to be honest this BBC series is far darker, being played straight with no slapstick. Despite the Borrower's amusing antics and the witty script, it's got many quite tense moments and is all the better for it. The special effects in The Borrowers are actually very good - certainly more than adequate - although a lot of the atmosphere is derived from the superb 'miniature' sets. It's also set in the original isolated 1920'ish shires countryside, about the time of Norton's childhood, in a period when children were more strictly brought up and would think nothing of keeping big secrets from the adults. This adaptation is fairly faithful to the book, so don't expect a really sugary happy ever after ending, the books are really just snapshots of the borrowers lives, where like us, they just get on with it.
The 'Borrowers' are a family of tiny people, just a few inches high, who live in a miniature world under the floorboards of an old country house in England. Pod, Homily and their thirteen-year-old daughter Arrietty collect things for their miniature home by "borrowing" food scraps and oddments which are no longer missed by the humans in the house. There are many famous faces in the cast, including Ian Holm (simply great as the sensitive and secretive Pod), Penelope Wilton (the house proud Homily), Sian Philips (the sinister and strict 'human' Mrs Driver, scourge of the human boy George unfortunate enough to be left in her care) and Gemma Jones ('human' Muriel Menzies in series two). The principal child actors who play Anrietty, George and Spillar are also top notch, interacting completely convincingly with humans and borrower alike. These adaptations are a real delight both for any new audience, adult or child, and for those revisiting the series ten years on.
Being presented in serial form as screened, the Borrowers DVD is ideal for one or two episodes a night before bedtime. The pretty beginning and end credits and catchy theme tune really set the pace as the serials are always scripted to the cliffhanger. Plus there's no adverts, previews giving away the main plot elements from next week's episode or anyone prattling over the credits and music. The original 'Borrowers' books are a good fairly easy read as for later preteens. Just a shame the BBC didn't continue with a few more of the Borrower's books with this superb cast.
BBC Childrens Classics Have Arrived on DVD!.......2004-05-18
The Borrowers Series one was made and shown on BBC in 1992 and this DVD features all of the original episodes in their original 30 minute episode format. It is good that they are released this way, unlike when they are all joined together on the video release.
This is not the best drama that BBC made but it captures all of the enchantement and imagination that made the sunday tea time slot famous. The story, based on Mary norton's book, centres around a family of small people living in a small ara of a large country house who make their way by "borrowing" things from humans. One day when the daughter is accidentally seen by a human, they have to go on the run to avoid being exsposed by humans, who they believe are evil.
Ian Holm and Penelope Wilton star. The acting is good, as are the set designs and script. The story seems to loose its pace slightly as it nears its close but is still very entertaining, imaginative and fun.
BBC have gone to some trouble to raid the archives and put on extras. There is a 9 minute Blue Peter sketch from 1992 featuring behind the scenes interviews and looks at how it was made. Also included is a photo gallery, a preview of season 2 and a quiz. The case is also quite nice since it folds out like an old fashioned playing card.
At the start of the DVD before the title menu comes a promo saying that other BBC drama classics are coming to DVD. This is great news! The Chronicles of Narnia (already released) along with Just William, The Secret Garden, Five Children and It and The Box of Delights. It is great that all of these classics are being re-released for a new generation and all will be great additions to collections!
So overall, this is definelty worth buying if you like quality dramas, it can be enjoyed by children, families or...yes, adults!
Customer Reviews:
One of our all time favourite BBC adaptations.......2006-05-10
Faithfully based on Mary Norton's books from the 50's, my son (9) and daughter (11) loved the two BBC 'borrowers' series, first screened in 1993 and 1994 - this DVD has series two only (6 separate half hour episodes). Check out the twin DVD set though as this has both Borrowers series one and two on 2 DVDs (12 episodes in all), as often that is cheaper than buying the two series as separate single DVD sets. Picture quality is quite good (better than the older BBC Narnia sets). If you don't want to pay the presnt high price of £14, the DVD is ideal for renting.
My kids really enjoyed the 1997 film version, but to be honest this BBC series is far darker, being played straight with no slapstick. Despite the Borrower's amusing antics and the witty script, it's got many quite tense moments and is all the better for it. The special effects in The Borrowers are actually very good - certainly more than adequate - although a lot of the atmosphere is derived from the superb 'miniature' sets. It's also set in the original isolated 1920'ish shires countryside, about the time of Norton's childhood, in a period when children were more strictly brought up and would think nothing of keeping big secrets from the adults.
The 'Borrowers' are a family of tiny people, just a few inches high, who live in a miniature world under the floorboards of an old country house in England. Pod, Homily and their thirteen-year-old daughter Arrietty collect things for their miniature home by "borrowing" food scraps and oddments which are no longer missed by the humans in the house. There are many famous faces in the cast, including Ian Holm (simply great as the sensitive and secretive Pod), Penelope Wilton (the house proud Homily), Sian Philips (the sinister and strict 'human' Mrs Driver, scourge of the human boy George unfortunate enough to be left in her care) and Gemma Jones ('human' Muriel Menzies). The principal child actors who play Anrietty, George and Spillar are also top notch, interacting completely convincingly with humans and borrower alike. These adaptations are a real delight both for any new audience, adult or child, and for those revisiting the series ten years on.
Being presented in serial form as screened, the Borrowers DVD is ideal for one or two episodes a night before bedtime. The pretty beginning and end credits and catchy theme tune really set the pace as the serials are always scripted to the cliffhanger. Plus there's no adverts, previews giving away the main plot elements from next week's episode or anyone prattling over the credits and music. The original 'Borrowers' books are a good fairly easy read as for later preteens. Just a shame the BBC didn't continue with a few more of the Borrower's books with this superb cast.
Wonderful adaptation........2005-01-23
This is a charming BBC drama for children.
Our whole family were glued to the first and second series from beginning to end. The characters are well portrayed and the effects generally stand the test of time very well. This programme is safe for the whole family, and carries none of the hard, gritty edge which seems to now sadly be an integral aspect of drama for children. Why don't they make magical adaptations like this any more?
If you like this, you'll also love the Box of Delights which has finally been released on DVD, along with the BBC version of "Five Children and It."
Customer Reviews:
One of our all time favourite BBC adaptations - Both seasons.......2005-12-09
Faithfully based on Mary Norton's books from the 50's, my son (9) and daughter (11) loved the two BBC 'borrowers' series, first screened in 1993 and 1994 - this twin DVD has both series (6 separate half hour episodes per season, 12 in all). Picture quality is quite good (better than the older BBC Narnia sets). If you don't want to buy, the DVDs are ideal for renting.
My kids really enjoyed the 1997 film version, but to be honest this BBC series is far darker, being played straight with no slapstick. Despite the Borrower's amusing antics and the witty script, it's got many quite tense moments and is all the better for it. The special effects in The Borrowers are actually very good - certainly more than adequate - although a lot of the atmosphere is derived from the superb 'miniature' sets. It's also set in the original isolated 1920'ish shires countryside, about the time of Norton's childhood, in a period when children were more strictly brought up and would think nothing of keeping big secrets from the adults.
The 'Borrowers' are a family of tiny people, just a few inches high, who live in a miniature world under the floorboards of an old country house in England. Pod, Homily and their thirteen-year-old daughter Arrietty collect things for their miniature home by "borrowing" food scraps and oddments which are no longer missed by the humans in the house. There are many famous faces in the cast, including Ian Holm (simply great as the sensitive and secretive Pod), Penelope Wilton (the house proud Homily), Sian Philips (the sinister and strict 'human' Mrs Driver, scourge of the human boy George unfortunate enough to be left in her care) and Gemma Jones ('human' Muriel Menzies). The principal child actors who play Anrietty, George and Spillar are also top notch, interacting completely convincingly with humans and borrower alike. These adaptations are a real delight both for any new audience, adult or child, and for those revisiting the series ten years on. Personally I slightly preferred the first seasons (DVD 1) storyline, although season two (DVD 2) follows on straight from the end of the first one (from memory the same as the books).
Being presented in serial form as screened, the Borrowers DVD is ideal for one or two episodes a night before bedtime. The pretty beginning and end credits and catchy theme tune really set the pace as the serials are always scripted to the cliffhanger. Plus there's no adverts, previews giving away the main plot elements from next week's episode or anyone prattling over the credits and music. The original 'Borrowers' books are a good fairly easy read as for later preteens. Just a shame the BBC didn't continue with a few more of the Borrower's books with this superb cast.
Highly imaginative.......2005-11-18
This highly imaginative story really entranced my 5 year old, he couldn't wait to get the second series. Quite dramatic stories about the struggles of being 6 inches tall. Well acted and highly recommended.
Amazon.co.uk Review
The popular children's books by Mary Norton have been filmed before, but never with as much imagination and ingenuity as you'll find on display in this delightful fantasy film released to critical praise in 1998. The eponymous Borrowers are a family of tiny people who live in the walls and under the floorboards in the homes of "normal-sized" humans; they earn their by "borrowing" the household items (string, food crumbs, buttons, and so on) needed to furnish their tiny hiding places and provide their meals. The little Clock family lives happily undisturbed in the home of an aged aunt, but when the aunt dies and her will is stolen by an unscrupulous lawyer (John Goodman), the Clocks face eviction and the frightening hazards of the outside world. Under the ingenious direction of Peter Hewitt, this simple, straightforward movie mixes comedy, adventure, and suspense with some of the cleverest special effects you've ever seen, taking full advantage of effects technologies to immerse you in the world of the tiny people. A climactic chase scene in a milk-bottling plant is a visual tour de force, and the movie's smart and dazzling enough to entertain parents and children alike. After its modest success in cinemas, The Borrowers stands a good chance of becoming a home-video favourite. --Jeff Shannon
Customer Reviews:
Trans-Atlantic take on The Borrowers - not totally succesful but still very good.......2006-01-03
Unlike the superb BBC serialisation that was faithfully based on Mary Norton's book from the 50's, this film has been updated and an American TV star brought in. Unfortunately the script and plot isn't really quite as good as the original book and the out of place slapstick does reduce the tension somewhat. My son (9) and daughter (11) really liked this film, but I preferred the two BBC 'borrowers' series, first screened in 1993 and 1994 (make sure you get the two DVD set, series one and two - 6 hours of quality children's TV). The BBC series is far darker, being played straight with no slapstick and despite the Borrower's amusing antics and the witty script, it's got many quite tense moments and is all the better for it. The special effects in the film (and much of the BBC series) are actually very good - although a lot of the atmosphere in both is derived from the superb 'miniature' sets.
The BBC series scores though by being set in the original isolated 1920'ish shires countryside, about the time of Norton's childhood, in a period when children were more strictly brought up and would think nothing of keeping big secrets from the adults. This film is set in a UK town around 1956 and so seems quite modern in comparison. However, in any era the Borrower's worst fear, above even cats and rats, is to be 'seen' by a human, after which they know the human will spend all his time trying to find them again (so they will have leave and find a new home). The cast in the film are very good, although Jim Broadbent's character doesn't capture the sensitive and secretive nature of Borrower Pod as brilliantly as Ian Holm (BBC version). Also Penelope Wilson (BBC) just 'is' the timid house proud Homily. Likewise John Goodman doesn't hold a candle to the BBC's strict and rather sinister Sian Philips 'Mrs Driver', scourge of the human boy George unfortunate enough to be left in her care. It's not that the film's bad, far from it, its script and reliance on special effects just limits the actor's a little. In the films favour, it's so different it can easily be viewed as a sequel to the BBC series, and the film is certainly great fun (there's also a British A-list support cast and I particularly enjoyed Ruby Wax's cameo). The films break neck action sequences also make repeat viewing enjoyable.
If you can't decide whether to buy this film even at the knockdown price, try renting first, as the film is well worth a family view or two on a quiet winter's Sunday. Do also have a look at the BBC DVD set. Plus the original 'Borrowers' books are a good fairly easy read as for later preteens. Just a shame the BBC and the film industry didn't continue with a few more of the Borrower's books.
A Nice Family Film!.......2004-05-27
When i saw that this film was on in the holidays i decided that i would watch it, knowing how much attention 'The borrowers' had attracted back in 1998 when it was released. Although i don't usually like this type of film, with this it was different, and i quite enjoyed it.
Unfortunately i have never read the book so i don't know how accurate this film is, but it didn't really matter, becuase the supurb mixture of comedy, action/adventure and suspense, made it a really fun fil to watch.
The Clock family live in the walls and under the floor boards of an old aunt, however when she dies, and her will is stolen by a fat mean lawyer who wants to demolish the house for building land, the borrowers must escape before they are all squished. But saftey is a long way away and they need the help of a young boy when they venture into the outside world of cars, and 'big' people.
Overall a very fun and entertaining film, which kids are sure to love watching, as are the parents who watch it with them. I highly recommended movieif you want a few hours of good 'clean' family viewing.
Funny,captures your imagination and makes you want to be lit.......2001-11-28
This film is hysterically funny and makes you look at everything from a differrent perspective!
It basically makes you want to be a borrower! Definately worth watching.
DVD:
- The Care Bears Movie [1985]
- The Lion King (Special Edition Gift Pack) [1994]
- The Phoenix and the Carpet [1997] (REGION 1) (NTSC)
- The Popeye Collection
- The Pregnancy And Postnatal Workout
- The Princess and the Goblin [1992] (REGION 1) (NTSC)
- The Real Ghostbusters - Sea Fright
- The Sundowners [1960] (REGION 1) (NTSC)
- The Wiggles: Hoop-Dee-Doo! - It's a Wiggly Party/Dance Party (REGION 1) (NTSC)
- The Wiggles: Space Dancing/Top of the Tots (REGION 1) (NTSC)
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