1. Character Development and Depth:
* Book: The book provides a more in-depth exploration of the characters' personalities, motivations, and relationships. For instance, we get a more nuanced view of Mrs. Frisby's struggles as a single mother, the complexities of the rats' society, and the motivations of the various characters, including the owls, the cat, and even the villainous Mr. Ages.
* Movie: The movie simplifies these characters and focuses more on the plot's main points. It does not delve as deeply into the characters' internal struggles or motivations.
2. Theme and Focus:
* Book: The book emphasizes themes of self-reliance, community, and overcoming adversity. It explores the importance of individual courage and the power of collective action in facing challenges.
* Movie: The movie maintains these themes but gives more emphasis to the adventurous and fantastical elements, focusing on the rats' escape from the NIMH facility and the conflict with the owls.
3. Plot Points:
* Book: The book features several subplots and details that are absent in the movie, such as Mrs. Frisby's struggles with her deceased husband's debts and the complexity of the rats' political system within NIMH.
* Movie: The movie focuses on the core plot of Mrs. Frisby's quest to move her family's home and the rats' escape from NIMH. It streamlines the plot, eliminating some subplots and details for pacing.
4. Visual Style:
* Book: The book uses a simple, illustrative style to describe the characters and setting, leaving room for the reader's imagination to fill in the details.
* Movie: The movie brings the story to life with vibrant animation and a distinct visual style, creating a more immersive experience.
5. Ending:
* Book: The book ends with a sense of bittersweet closure, highlighting the sacrifices made by the characters and the enduring power of hope.
* Movie: The movie concludes with a more optimistic and happy ending, focusing on the triumph of the rats and the sense of renewal.
Overall:
While both the book and the movie tell the same story, the book provides a deeper and more nuanced exploration of the characters, themes, and plot, while the movie streamlines the narrative, emphasizing its adventurous and fantastical elements for a broader audience.