Based on the wonderful book, this Don Bluth film is a favorite of mine. It follows the story of Mrs. Frisby (for some reason, Mrs. Brisby in the movie), the widowed mouse mother of four children, one of whom (Timmy) has pneumonia. The movie opens with her seeking out Mr. Ages, an ancient mouse who helped Timmy when he was sick as a baby. A cantankerous Mr. Ages gives Mrs. Brisby a packet of powder to stir into a broth and bids her a cranky farewell. On her way home, Mrs. Brisby meets Jeremy, a clumsy crow played by Dom Deloise. His antics attract the attention of the farmer's cat, and the two newfound friends narrowly escape with their lives.

Unfortunately, Mrs. Brisby comes home to discover that Moving Day, the day when the farmer makes the rounds with his tractor, is coming earlier than expected. She must move her family to escape the tractor's blades, but Timmy is too sick to be moved. So, in a rush of bravery, she goes to see the Great Owl to ask him for advice. Because the owl knew the late Mr. Brisby, he hears her out and advises her to see the Rats.

Mrs. Brisby accordingly makes the visit, and Mr. Ages happens to be there so he reluctantly lets her in. Inside the rats' home, it is like a whole new world. Lights twinkle from every direction, bulbs stolen from Christmas trees. These rats are no ordinary rodents; they are escaped lab rats from NIMH, a sinister laboratory that does grotesque experiments on the animals within its walls. In their time in the laboratory, the became extremely intelligent, allowing them to build this impressive fortress. Mr. Brisby escaped NIMH with them.

Most of the rats are more than glad to help move Mrs. Brisby's house, but opposition comes in the form of a rat named Jenner. While Mrs. Brisby risks her life to drug Dragon, the farmer's cat, Jenner is plotting to kill Nicodemus, the ancient ruler of the rats of NIMH, and take over control, sabotaging the plan to save Mrs. Brisby's house in the process.

This powerful movie not only has the great plot, animation and characters which Don Bluth productions consistently provide, it also exposes the horrors of some animal testing. Some parts of the movie may be frightening for younger viewers, but most children will be enthralled by this fascinating look at what the rodents in the backyard just may be up to. Comic relief from Jeremy the crow lightens the movie up, as do the antics of the Brisby children, most especially Martin, the obstinate youngster given voice by the young man who played Wesley Crusher on "Star Trek: The Next Generation." The beautiful theme song will leave a smile on your face as the credits roll. A worthy addition to any video collection.

Don Bluth reviews:
All Dogs Go to Heaven
An American Tail
An American Tail: Fievel Goes West
The Secret of NIMH
Land Before Time
Anastasia

Recommended: Yes