The Secret of NIMH

The Secret of NIMH

Year: 1982

Runtime: 82 min

Language: English

Director: Don Bluth

AdventureSci-FiDramaThrillerFantasyAnimationFamily

A courageous widowed mouse, Mrs. Brisby, faces a daunting challenge when she must relocate her family to escape a farmer's plow. Seeking assistance, she encounters a group of intelligent rats with a mysterious past. Drawn into their complex conflicts and ancient secrets, Mrs. Brisby must rely on her resourcefulness and bravery to safeguard her children and uncover the truth.

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Timeline & Setting – The Secret of NIMH (1982)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Secret of NIMH (1982). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The events of the movie take place in a timeless, pastoral setting where anthropomorphic animals coexist with humans. While it does not specify a particular time period, the story reflects themes of family, bravery, and the struggles against adversity that resonate across generations.

Location

NIMH, Thorn Valley, Farmer Fitzgibbons' Field

The story unfolds primarily around the Brisby home, nestled within a fragile cinder block on the edge of Farmer Fitzgibbons' fields. Nearby lies the secretive society of the Rats of NIMH, who inhabit a rosebush, utilizing their intelligence and electricity for their community. Thorn Valley, a promised land for the rats, symbolizes their hopes for a safe and prosperous future, contrasting the perils of their previous life.

🏡 Home 🌼 Nature 🐭 Society

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:24

Main Characters – The Secret of NIMH (1982)

Meet the key characters of The Secret of NIMH (1982), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Mrs. Brisby

Mrs. Brisby is a compassionate and brave mouse struggling to protect her family amidst dangerous circumstances. Despite her timidity, she displays unwavering determination and resourcefulness, seeking help from powerful allies. Her character evolution encapsulates a profound maternal instinct, emphasizing the protective nature of motherhood.

🐭 Mouse 💪 Determination 👩‍👧‍👦 Family

Nicodemus

Nicodemus is the wise and thoughtful leader of the Rats of NIMH, revered for his intelligence and connection to Mrs. Brisby’s late husband. His character provides guidance and hope for the future, as he embodies the ideals of courage and sacrifice. Nicodemus's tragic fate emphasizes the risks associated with leadership and the fight for survival.

🐀 Leader 🧙‍♂️ Wise 💔 Tragic

Jenner

Jenner is the antagonistic rat whose ambition and betrayal pose a significant threat to both the rats and Mrs. Brisby's family. His desire for power drives the plot's conflict, showcasing the darker aspects of ambition and distrust within a community. Jenner's treachery becomes a catalyst for the struggle between good and evil.

🐀 Antagonist ⚔️ Ambitious 😠 Manipulative

Jeremy

Jeremy is a clumsy yet earnest crow who aids Mrs. Brisby on her quest. His character adds a light-hearted element to the story while providing comedic relief. His loyalty and support emphasize the theme of friendship, showcasing how even the most unlikely allies can play significant roles in overcoming obstacles.

🐦 Friend 😂 Comedic 🌟 Supportive

Dr. Ages

Dr. Ages is the knowledgeable and caring doctor who looks after the Brisby family, offering his expertise in their time of need. His character illustrates the importance of medical knowledge and compassion in facing crises. He serves as a bridge between the human and animal worlds within the narrative.

🐭 Doctor 👨‍⚕️ Caring 📚 Knowledgeable

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:24

Major Themes – The Secret of NIMH (1982)

Explore the central themes of The Secret of NIMH (1982), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🐭 Courage

Courage is a prominent theme as Mrs. Brisby overcomes her fears for the safety of her children. Her journey to seek help from the Great Owl and the Rats of NIMH exemplifies the lengths a mother will go to protect her family. The story highlights the idea that true bravery often lies in facing one's fears and taking risks.

💔 Sacrifice

Sacrifice is evident as Mrs. Brisby risks her life and well-being to save Timmy and her family. The loss of Nicodemus and the treachery of Jenner underline the harsh realities of sacrifice in pursuit of a greater good. The balance between personal safety and familial duty creates emotional depth throughout the narrative.

🤝 Community

The importance of community is reflected in the interactions between Mrs. Brisby and the Rats of NIMH. Their history of transformation and collective effort to escape danger showcases how collaboration and unity can provide strength in adversity. The story underlines that in difficult times, allies can emerge from unexpected places.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:24

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Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Movies with Unlikely Heroes like The Secret of NIMH

Unassuming characters discover inner strength to overcome overwhelming dangers.Explore films featuring timid or ordinary characters who find extraordinary bravery. If you liked Mrs. Brisby's journey in The Secret of NIMH, you'll enjoy these similar stories of underdogs rising to the challenge in animated adventures and family-friendly fantasies.

courageoussuspensefulheroicanxioushopefulagainst-all-odds

Narrative Summary

Narratives in this thread follow a linear quest structure spurred by an immediate threat. The protagonist begins in a vulnerable state but is compelled to act, meeting allies and facing obstacles that test their mettle. The central conflict is external, pitting the hero against a powerful antagonist or a dangerous environment, culminating in a triumph that affirms their newfound strength.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their shared focus on character-driven courage. They balance medium-intensity suspense with a fundamentally hopeful tone, creating an uplifting experience centered on personal transformation. The pacing is steady, maintaining urgency without sacrificing emotional depth.

Fantasy Movies About Protective Mothers like The Secret of NIMH

Stories of maternal love tested by magical dangers and impossible choices.Discover films where a mother's love is the ultimate weapon against dark forces. If you enjoyed the maternal core of The Secret of NIMH, these movies offer similar tales of sacrifice and courage in enchanting yet dangerous worlds, perfect for fans of heartfelt family fantasies.

motherhoodmagicalmelancholicsuspensefulhopefulprotectivesacrifice

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern revolves around a mother confronting a crisis that directly endangers her family. The plot is a linear journey fueled by her determination, often involving seeking help from enigmatic allies and unraveling a larger mystery. Themes of sacrifice, resilience, and the primal instinct to protect are central, leading to an emotionally rewarding conclusion.

Why These Movies?

These movies share a unique blend of fantasy adventure and profound maternal themes. They maintain a steady pace driven by urgency, a medium emotional weight grounded in family bonds, and a tone that is ultimately hopeful despite the presence of melancholy and suspense.

Unlock the Full Story of The Secret of NIMH

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Secret of NIMH in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Secret of NIMH is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Secret of NIMH Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Secret of NIMH, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Secret of NIMH Summary

The Secret of NIMH Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Secret of NIMH with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Secret of NIMH Timeline

The Secret of NIMH Spoiler-Free Summary

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The Secret of NIMH Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Secret of NIMH

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Secret of NIMH: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The Secret of NIMH