Rating: 
Summary: Visually and audibly captivating
Review: It started innocently enough. I just attempted to walk through the room where my kids were watching this movie. But I never made it to the other side. I happened in on the part where Mary is following the little bird through a maze of shrubbery. The visual is stunning enough, but what really makes this version work is the soundtrack. In this particular part, there is a very gusty, cold, damp wind blowing against the grey and dark green shrubbery, and in the background, behind the swishing of the leaves and the twittering of this little bird comes a piano and French horn duet that absolutely fascinated me with it's solemn, haunting mellowness. It's hard to describe how powerfully the soundtrack melds into the visuals in this version of the classic children's book. Usually, the soundtrack provides an underpinning for the visuals and tries not to get in the way of the story or characters. But in this rendition, the soundtrack provides at least fully half of the impact. Needless to say, I was stuck there for the rest of the movie and have watched it again numerous times - most often alone. I've not seen the other (1987) version, but of the bad reviews that it gets I can tell you there is none of that here aside from the normal English snobbery. My only hesitation is that the movie dabbled ever, EVER, so slightly on the occult (not enough to be offensive to most religious people), until going off the deep end briefly..., BRIEFLY..., in a short, but blatant seance with strong Celtic/Wiccan leanings. It was very brief, and it goes way past the understanding of young kids who may be watching. I could fairly easily edit it out, but unfortunately, the seance is a key turning point that makes the rest of the plot make sense. In writing this review, I may be guilty of reminiscing. Perhaps the stunning visuals, scenery, and mood are only appealing to me because I was born and raised for most of my childhood in England, in settings very much like this. But the soundtrack is universal. Buy this movie, and then go buy it's soundtrack CD. I recommend this movie primarily for adults - not due to the content, but because the story is dark and moody, and children will most likely be bored by it. If you are prone to tears, keep a box of tissues nearby. The ending is so emotionally powerful that it will absolutely push you over the edge. I'm a fully grown, 36 year old man, and I couldn't speak to my wife for half an hour after the movie ended. If you like this, our other favourites include "Shadowlands" (based on a true story and also a major tragic tear-jerker) and "Sense and Sensibility".
Rating:
Summary: Magical and Enchanting
Review: The secret garden .. I walked out of the cinema spell bound. What was it which was soooo beautiful? Was it the innocence of Mary? The simplicity of the plot? The scenery? An absolutely fantabulous film. A must, although definitely not for the shoot-em up action fan.
Rating:
Summary: Superior acting and a great ending!
Review: After watching the 1987 version, I was very disappointed with the acting and decided to definitely watch the 1993 production. The acting is superior and the setting more realistic. If someone could take the best qualities of both movies and put them into one, to me that would be the perfect Secret Garden movie. The 1987 version taught lessons more easily to younger children, while this newer one will be enjoyed more by older children and adults. Colin's father (played by John Lynch) is a much more human portrayal. We can truly empathize with his sorrow and Colin's need to have his father in his life. Mary Lenox was also played in a more serious light by Kate Maberley. She portrayed her character extremely well. Her story begins in India and we learn she is emotionally neglected, yet spoiled and physically well taken care of. She loses her parents in a massive earthquake. (In the 1987 film it is a plague.) Since she can no longer stay in India, she is literally shipped off to her uncle. As she enters the monstrosity of a castle, we feel she is doomed to be neglected, hated and locked away. Even Mrs. Medlock (the housekeeper played by Maggie Smith) is not impressed or sympathetic. Mary is told "not to go wandering and poking about." Mary's natural curiosity compels her to discover a way out of her room and soon she finds secret doors, staircases, rooms and gardens. At first Martha (a maid) is her only friend, then she soon learns to like Martha's brother Dikon. He shares her love of gardening. Martha and Dikon seem to be the only truly happy characters for the entire first half of the movie. All the actors have wonderful accents and reveal the positive and negative aspects of each character. When Mary meets Colin, she has in fact met her match. He is her cousin who is bedridden, spoiled and annoying! His hysterical screeching makes him most unlovable. Mary shows Colin that nothing is impossible when you put your mind to it. She also says something profoundly beautiful at the end of the story. I found the magic spell casting in this version a bit intense in comparison to the 1987 version, where dancing around the fire was a fun time. There is something about the 1987 version which I think appeals more to children, as the characters seem to have a bit more fun overall. This 1993 version has a much better ending. I recommend this version for those who want a high-quality movie, and the 1987 version for those who can overlook the acting. I think there is something to be learned from both movies.
Rating:
Summary: The Best
Review: I have seen two different versions and I would say that this one was the best of the two. It was, of course, a great story. My favorite part was the great acting that they had!
Rating:
Summary: The very best
Review: 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!
Rating:
Summary: Touching, poignant, heart warming, and utterly beautiful
Review: When writing or directing a children's film, far too often people find it necessary to dumb down work in order to cater to a young audience. Fortunately this is not the case with The Secret Garden, a film in which the story it presents is well crafted and intelligent, and appealing to both young and old audiences. In many ways the production could have gone dreadfully wrong. One can see where in the hands of a less talented writer or director the story could have become melodramatic, overly sentimental, or comical, yet The Secret Garden is a beautifully executed picture that rings true as a result of its naturalistic storytelling. Much of this is due to the credit of its fine cast. Frequently, child actors are employed to act "cute" onscreen, but there is not a young actor in this movie who does not give a performance of great depth. In fact, it can easily be argued that each one of these children exhibit greater skill than many adults currently working in the realm of cinema. But what is at the heart of The Secret Garden is a beautiful lyrical story about love, childhood, growth, and healing. There are moments in the film that are so genuinely touching the viewer's heart almost stops. Such is the case of the scene in which the bedridden Collin is escorted outside of his house and his eyes open to see spread before him his mother's beautiful garden. No line of dialogue is necessary, for the happiness and peace that appears on Collin's face speakvolumes in regard to his character. The film's ending emotion is so rich and moving that it is impossible for the filmgoer to sit untouched. This story is an absolute delight, and should be a must for everyone! 10/10
Rating:
Summary: An utterly breathtaking film for all ages.
Review: I saw this movie when I was in elementary school and loved the character of Mary, I relished in the classic story from the children's book, and I begged my mom to purchase the video. To this day I still watch that movie, with every viewing more intrigued. The music is haunting, the landscape eerie and beautiful, and the acting superb. I still marvel at this film and only wished it was more celebrated. Adults and children will enjoy this classic film.
Rating:
Summary: A lovely, wonderfully done film
Review: There are so many wonderful things about this vivid, affecting film: mesmerizing cinmetography, a captivating story, a pretty good script, a very good music score, wonderful acting, even gorgeous flowers! Agneiska Holland does a wonderful job of bringing out all the subtle little points and lavish details of Frances Hosgson Burnett's classic story, and also in getting great performances out of her child actors, particularly from Kate Maberly as Mary, who at the age of ten succeeds remarkably in carrying the whole film. At her most effective when biterly recalling her parents and angrily confronting Colin, also played well by Heydn Prowse, she also makes a believeable transformation into a good, caring little girl as she tends a lovely hidden garden. Maggie Smith also delivers as Mrs. Medlock, the housekeeper who seems to be mean but really is only doing what she thinks best, even if it means locking Mary up and attempting to control Colin's every move. There is not a dud performance to be found here, but those mentioned are the best. The magical qualities in the garden are very apparent here, and wonderfully demonstrated. There are many good film versions of this great book, and some that aren't so good. If you want to own only one, my vote would go to this one, the best of the bunch.
Rating:
Summary: A heart warming, wonderful movie!
Review: 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!
Rating:
Summary: BEAUTIFUL!
Review: I love this movie! The scenery is gorgeous, the acting is great, and the story is outstanding! Agnieszka Holland did a wonderful job. I recommend this movie to everyone! Children and Adults!
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