he Secret of NIMH (1982) is an animated fantasy film directed by Don Bluth, based on Robert C. O’Brien’s 1971 novel Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH. The story centers on Mrs. Brisby, a timid field mouse who embarks on a perilous journey to save her family. Her world is one filled with animals who live on the edge of human society, but the tale takes a dramatic turn as it introduces a hidden world of extraordinary, intelligent rats. These animals were once subjected to secret experiments at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), which gave them human-like intelligence and capabilities.
The plot kicks off with a critical problem: Mrs. Brisby’s son, Timothy, is gravely ill with pneumonia, and he must stay bedridden. However, their home is located in a farmer’s field that is soon to be plowed, which would destroy it and endanger Timothy’s life. Desperate to find a solution, Mrs. Brisby seeks help from the Great Owl, a wise yet fearsome figure, who advises her to consult the rats living in a nearby rose bush.
These rats, led by the noble Nicodemus and the ambitious Jenner, are not ordinary rodents. They were once captured and experimented on by scientists at NIMH, who injected them with a serum that greatly enhanced their intelligence, allowing them to read, understand complex machinery, and build an elaborate underground society. The rats live in hiding, secretly powering their home through stolen electricity. However, many of them, particularly Nicodemus, dream of living a self-sustained life, free from reliance on humans.
Mrs. Brisby discovers that her late husband, Jonathan Brisby, was once part of this intelligent community and had been instrumental in their escape from NIMH. His legacy lends her credibility among the rats. With their help, they plan to move her house to safety, away from the path of the farmer’s plow.
The story takes a darker turn when Jenner, a power-hungry rat, opposes the plan to leave the safety of their current life. He schemes to sabotage the house-moving operation, leading to a climactic showdown. Mrs. Brisby’s courage and quick thinking ultimately prevail, saving her family.
The Secret of NIMH blends elements of science fiction and fantasy, with themes of bravery, sacrifice, and the struggle for independence. The film is widely praised for its rich animation, emotional depth, and its portrayal of complex moral dilemmas in a children’s story.