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Smartest Family movie

It doesn't paint children as you've come to expect in a movie. These children are brilliant. Kate Maberly as Mary Lennox is enchantingly Sensible. The music is sad and the story transforms with everything that lives. Nature and Youth blossoming together. It was like reading a cherished book. You run through so many personal emotions. I recommend A Little Princess and Finding Neverland (Widescreen Edition).

A Shining Example of Cinematography

I gave this movie an excellent rating because of the story line, the excellent adaptation from the book to the movie, and a truly exceptional cast. Even the incidental music was excellent. I've never heard of the composer but he truly embraced and enhanced the overall mood of the movie. The other thing that impressed me was how there was such careful attention to make sure that it remained true to the period, since this was set in England at the turn of the 20th century. Kate Maberly and Maggie Smith gave absolutely outstanding performances, they truly embodied their roles and it showed. It is a real shame that Kate has decided not to pursue acting as an adult because if she was this good in this movie as an 11 year old she would be a phenomenal adult actress. This movie is high on my list of one of the best ever made.

I feel confident in giving this film 5 stars!

I have owned this film for I believe 7 years and it is still in my collection after all the years of selling my movies. There is something to say, "this is a classic!" I never wanted to let go of it. I was too weak for it. Kate Maberly is one of the most beautiful ladies in the world, including her acting, being exquisite and intelligent. This film is not a Children's Film as many people claim. This is a very adult film and the more I open my mind, the more I see that an adult (I am a college student) can be watching this and feel they are learning more from a little lady, than from millions of psychologists and books out in the world.

A Job Well Done is Worth Buying

I remember when I was younger and watched the 1987 Hallmark version, and was too young to understand the low quality acting portrayed in the movie. However I was enchanted with the story at that age. However now that I'm older and have seen it again, I do not think I like it that much. So I came to this version very skeptical. However I should've known that Warner Brothers would have pulled it off. They changed the story a bit, making it an earthquake instead of cholera that killed Mary's parents, however it's a minor detail that I think could afford to have been changed. Warner Brothers even kept the British Alchemical symbolism strong in it, which I'm quite pleased with. Over all the acting and setting blew me away and trust me, it's quite well worth buying. As I always say, a job well done is worth buying. You won't be sorry for buying this treasure to add to your cove.

a charming whimsical story

I loved this film when I first saw it. The performances are sweetly done and well true to character. In other versions I've seen Mrs Medlock is demonised to the point of pure evil, here Maggie Smith keeps her character quite close to canon.It's omissions to the main text are flawlessly concealed- vital pieces of information are never missed out. The acting is nigh-on-brilliant and it's just lovely to watch. The soundtrack is also beautiful to listen to. I don't think it is as powerful as the book-but that doesn't go against it- there is no way that astounding last line from the book could be reproduced on screen.

Wonderful film about two kids coming to life

In 1993, I first saw the film "The Secret Garden", and loved it. I have the video today and whenever I look at it or think about it, it still thrills me.

This film stars Kate Maberley as Mary Lennox, a girl about ten years old who lives in India. Sadly, Mary is neglected by her parents and spoiled by the servants who look after her. But things change when she loses her parents in an earthquake (not to cholera, as in the original book. I suspect they made the change because there's more drama in an earthquake than in a cholera epidemic).

As a result, she has to go to England, where her uncle, Lord Craven, lives. But he's miserable because he lost his wife due to premature childbirth (she fell off a swing in her garden and it triggered the birth of her son, Colin). He locked up the garden and neglected Colin in sheer grief. Mrs. Medlock, trying to maintain order in the household, urges Mary not to go poking about. But sure enough, Mary does, finding first the key to the secret garden, then the garden itself, then Colin. And as she does so, both she and Colin begin to come alive, aided by Dickon, the brother of the Yorkshire servant, Martha.

I especially loved two things about the movie: the music and the actors. The music was beautiful, especially the music associated with the garden. It made me appreciate the beauty of nature and of the garden, especially when the garden came alive.

As for the actors, they were all excellent, especially the children. Kate, Heydon Prowse (Colin), and Andrew Knotts (Dickon) all looked like real children in a real situation. And both Kate and Heydon portrayed their characters' unlovable traits very well without forfeiting my affection for them. Also, John Lynch was fine as Lord Craven, and Maggie Smith was excellent as Mrs. Medlock, who may have seemed bad, but who was simply acting out of good, if misguided, intentions. Still, I wanted to tell her that Colin's legs were swollen and red because he was getting better, not because he was getting worse!

The film doesn't have a whole lot of action, which is just fine for the film because the film probably would be hurt by a lot of action. But if you don't like films which take their time and create a great mood, don't see this film. If you do like films which take their time to create the appropriate mood, see The Secret Garden. You won't regret it!

Belle Book

A messiah who learned how to cry

(POSSIBLE SPOILERS AHEAD)Ninety years ago Frances Hodgson Burnett wrote the classic book of childhood, "The Secret Garden," unleashing into the world of literature one of the most remarkable characters ever, Mary Lennox. Mary is a plain-looking ten year old child who was raised in India. She was all but completely ignored by her self-absorbed parents and put under the care of ayahs, who indulged her in order to keep her from bothering her parents. She had no friends or playmates of her age, so she never experienced the give and take of interacting with other children. Thus, she grew to the age of ten generally helpless, unable to care for herself, demanding, and lacking in basic social skills. Contrary to some critical opinions, Mary isn't so much nasty-bratty as haughty-arrogant. But she had a seemingly insatiable thirst for learning, and the capacity and wisdom to read and understand the ways of her world. And she had a driving will to achieve her goals. She also was able to recognize and appreciate offers of friendship and love from whatever source. (SPOILERS)Considering the depth and power given her character by author Burnett in the first half of the story of "The Secret Garden," it's ironic that with the introduction of Colin Craven, her cousin, Mary seems to be elbowed out of the way in favor of a bigger emphasis on Colin's story line. Indeed, in the original story and most of its movie incarnations, she isn't even given the privilege of sharing in the dramatic ending where Colin and his estranged father are at last united. It's especially ironic in light of the fact that it was through Mary's efforts that the garden and its magic were resurrected, Colin grew strong, and the reconciliation of Colin and his father was enabled. "The Secret Garden" is not Mary's story; however, it's the story Mary made possible. (SPOILER)Director Agnieszka Holland, a devoted admirer of the original novel, understood Mary's importance, and brought the story around in a full circle to end in the scene where Lord Craven, Colin's father, gives Mary her deserved recognition. "You brought us back to life, Mary," he tells her. So this movie starts with an arrogant child throwing her name at you, not caring whether you like her or not, and it ends with a messiah who "learned how to cry."The whole cast was great, especially the children Heydon Prowse (Colin) and Andrew Knott (Dickon) and especially, especially Kate Maberly who played Mary with such power and depth. Also, recognition should go to Maggie Smith as the intimidating Mrs. Medlock, John Lynch as Colin's somber bereft father Lord Craven, and to Laura Crossley for her heart-warming portrayal of the bright, sensitive, humble Martha.

I'm afraid I'll wear my copy out, I watch it so often!

If you love the book, this movie will completely deliver on your expectations. If you've never read the book, this movie still has plenty to offer--it's visually stunning, a magical historic drama, a fabulous performance from the great Maggie Smith (as well as from the rest of the very well chosen cast).

This movie makes great rainy day viewing, and will be a hit among adults, kids, and period-romantic drama.

Magical

Even as an adult, I find this movie to be wonderful and magical. If you have children or just want it for yourself this movie is a delight!

You know that boring adaptation of your favorite children's book? Bingo.

The 1993 version of The Secret Garden is probably always hailed as the best version of the classic children's novel. The thing I loved about Frances Hodgson Burnett's classic was that it was her only book that she didn't write about a perfect little kid who had to struggle – The Secret Garden is about a imperfect, bratty little kid who had to struggle. But hey, I loved the book so that brings high expectations to the film – and I was disappointed.For those illiterate people (I'm kidding) who do not know the story, the story beings with Mary Lennox (Kate Maberly), a spoiled little brat who lived in India with god-knows-how-many-servants who take care of her. Her parents do not care for her and instead they go to parties and enjoy themselves. One day a horrible earthquake hit India and many died, including Mary's parents.Mary is sent to live with her uncle (John Lynch), a heartbroken widow. The house is like a mansion, watched closely by Mrs. Medlock (Maggie Smith). While Mary goes searching around, she finds a "secret" garden, a garden that her uncle has locked up many years ago after his wives' death. Mary meets Dickon (Andrew Knott), the brother of one of the servants, Martha (Laura Crossley) who happen to talk with animals and helps Mary with the garden. Mary also meets her cousin Colin the son of her uncle who is isolated and alone, fearing death may come (like a smaller 1900s version of Woody Allen's character in Hannah and her Sisters).A huge problem of the film is that I find it impossible your average ten year old would enjoy the film. The film is slow and has a lot of moments where cute little kids run through corridors. The ending seems abrupt and kind of phony. Sometimes the dialogue even sound fake or just what adults think children would say to each other. In the book (excuse me for comparing film to book), Mary seems to really develop, while in the film, she just suddenly becomes a little angel. There are even moments in the book that Mary still seem a little bratty and probably haven't fully changed and in here, she just magically changes in the instant that she steps into the garden. Dickon, which I thought wasn't as likable in the movie as in the book (especially when he seems like he is harassing Mary in some scenes) – I enjoyed book Dickon a lot better.Directed by Agnieszka Holland, it visually looks stunning but the screenplay written by Caroline Thompson disappoints me because it lacked the book's heroic spirit. There are some scenes that seemed so sudden, like a coincidence. There are a few likable moments in the film where you just smile and mentally wink at the screen, but nothing more. Overall, the film seemed like a drag, seeming longer than it really is. The acting is not superb and sometimes even over-the-top. Maggie Smith is actually quite good here, showing that she hasn't really aged since (watch the Harry Potter movies).

A High Victorian masterpiece

This exquisitely made film is a Victorian genre painting come to life.Mary Lennox is Thomas Cooper Gotch's "The child enthroned".The late 19th century middle and upper classes were obsessed by the idea of children and childhood,a preoccupation encouraged by the high infant/mother mortality rate due to paucity of medical knowledge and the lack of what today would be considered even the most basic hygienic practices. Despite the Industrial Revolution and the consequent leaps and bounds of technological progress childbirth and womens' health was very much a side issue in a patriarchal society.Colin's father has no interest in his son's upbringing despite - or,arguably,because of the fact that his wife,whom he clearly loved had died giving birth to the boy.He is an intelligent man and knows that such an attitude is not reasonable,but it is the status quo for a man of his position .That he loves and understands children is made clear by his attitude towards Mary and his defence of her against Mrs Medlock,but his gender and his own upbringing are not easy forces for him to overcome. And Mary is not an immediately attractive child.Orphaned by an earthquake in India,she is sent to England,where she has never been,to live with her uncle,bereaved husband of her dead mother's late sister. So spoilt and mollycoddled that she is unable even to dress herself,she soon comes into conflict with her cousin's governess/nurse/minder Mrs Medlock,and her cousin himself,an apparently sickly boy,bedridden,self-pitying and petulant.How she changes the lives of the boy,her uncle and Mrs Medlock is told in "The Secret Garden". It is a film made with loving care and attention.Every set-up is beautifully composed,perfectly colour-balanced and lit . The shot where Mary looks longingly out of the window is stolen from Sophie Anderson's "No Walk Today" and that is not meant as a criticism. The secret garden itself could have been painted by Helen Allingham. The long lingering close-ups of Mary's face,her eyes and hair superbly lit,recollect the almost mythologising aspect of Victorian child portraiture.Perhaps it takes a European director to reveal the potential for real beauty in the long hallways,sweeping staircases and secret passages in an English manor house.British filmmakers are often too concerned with post-colonial guilt and wracked with naive ideas of class conflict to give a balanced picture of life in Victorian England. The fact that Dickon is very much a village boy and several social strata below Mary and Colin is never referred to in the film. Instead he is depicted as a child of nature,almost a gypsy,born to country ways and in almost Buddhist-like commune with wild animals. The last scene,a tremendous long shot where he rides off over the moors on his white horse has a fine mythic echo to it. It would take a colder heart than mine to turn aside from the redemption through innocence proposition that is at the centre of "The Secret Garden"

The Secret Garden (Up Lifting!!)

I am a 40 myear old mother. My daughter was 3 years old first time watching. She is now 12 years old. As we watched The Secret Garden recently, tears of joy came to me at the thought of one day she will be watching with her children. This movie is a classic in our household. Truely a wonderful bonding movie for parents with their children. Thank You Amazon for bringing it to my door.

Mrs. Safar

A beautiful cinematic experience

The Secret Garden is a lovely film that truly restores your faith in movie-making integrity. It echoes the beauty and simplicity of movies of the past and is still entertaining. The casting is excellent and I particularly like the way the wind blowing through the leaves in the garden always make it look alive--almost like it is speaking in a voiceless way. Definitely a film that the whole family can enjoy again and again.

Beautifully Done

My mother used to talk this movie up, all the time. At the time I couldn't have bothered. Childish nonsense, I thought. I wasn't into family films at all. And for the most part, I am still not. It was after my mother died recently, I saw it on HBO. I decided to watch. I was pleasantly surprised. The film is wonderful. It kindles that bit of our inner child that we all possess.The film is charming and, really does well at telling a family story of tragedy and loss. With the hope of spring and, thing's that grow.There's a scene where Mary is dreaming where she is a young toddler and is crying for her mother. I was deeply moved.I now understand why my mother loved this film so much.

Beautiful! The best!

This is the best version of the secret garden i have ever seen!I love EVERYTHING about it.The story, the acting , the settings , everything! I especially LOVE Kate maberly's , heydon prowse's, and andrew knott's acting. The three of them playing the role of the three children , mary lennox,colin craven,and dickon sowerby,
gives you a perfect idea of how the characters are.This is the very best version of The secret garden , ever!

Really good

I love this movie. I'm a big fan of the book, and even though many parts aren't quiet the same as the book it's still really great. The acting is superb and the music is wonderful. A must see for young and old! I love Mary's spunk in this movie, especially with the line 'If somebody thought that about me, I wouldn't do it!' She is perfect for spoiled little Collin. And Martha! Martha has to be my favorite character in this movie. She's spunky and manages to get Mary all riled up, although that isn't that hard.All in all this is a wonderful movie for anyone. It is a wonderful lesson in love, family, and friendship. And magic, of course!

A heart warming, wonderful movie!

The Secret Garden is by far the best movie I've seen. Mary's commitment to her aunt's garden and her cousin are lovely. The acting is also wonderful!

The very best

The Secret Garden is a wonderful film for people of all ages. Easy to follow and the actors are wonderfull. I read the book and begged my mom to rent the movie for me. I loved it more than the book itself. There were a few things in the movie that didn't go along with the book, but never the less it was excellent. If you haven't seen this movie yet, go out and rent it. It's a guarantee you'll love it!

Just as beautiful as the novel

This movie is one of my all-time favorite movies. I saw this movie about 5 times. I saw it with my friend on video tape when we were very young. Everything was beautiful - The cast, director's wonderful skills, music and the sight of a pretty garden. The girl who played Mary Lennox pulled out her best performance in this movie, Maggie Smith was as great as ever, the boy who played Collin was the most shining actor in the movie, and Martha was so kind and lovable character. Holland might be one of the most talented directors in the world, I give high points to the art in this movie and the beautiful music which I have listened to until the list of credits ended was so appealing to me. Give 10 out of 10.

The Secret Garden

This was for my 7-year old granddaughter. She loved the move and also the book!

Marilyn Fitzgerald
Carlsbad, CA