The Secret of NIMH (1982)

 

To save her ill son, a field mouse must seek the aid of a colony of rats, with whom she has a deeper link than she ever suspected.

From memory: Wonderful animated feature with a more mature narrative than the usual Disney-style productions entertains with gorgeous animation, lovable characters and an exciting story.

Halliwell*: "Animated cartoon by Disney artists who rejected that company's declining standards and set up their own factory. Alas, though they have the skills, the narrative they have chosen needed refining."

Maltin**1/2: "Well-animated..., but not as involving, or as well paced, as it ought to be."