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).
May 24, 2008When an earthquake in India leaves her an orphan, Mary Lennox is sent to live at her uncle's remote estate in England. The spoiled, bratty Mary is quite miserable with no one to talk to or play with and a stern housekeeper (Maggie Smith) hovering over her. When Mary begins exploring the manor, she discovers not only a secret garden but also a secret cousin!
This is a beautifully-filmed children's story about the power of friendship and overcoming adversity. I wasn't familiar with the 1911 book (although I want to read it now), so I expected something awful to happen to the garden or the children, but only good things happen, so it's ideal for kids of all ages.
The Yorkshire location is lovely and the acting is uniformly wonderful. The joys of bringing an old garden to life and befriending a shut-in child are the simple, yet profound pleasures of this story. Highly recommended for those who like sweet, sentimental stories.
May 24, 2008I saw the movie and it was good. This movie whole story was good and it's sad and laugh. Also some scenes are beautiful. This movie feels love and lonely. The soundtrack was nice. This movie was good for whole family.
April 2, 2008What a wonderful story with a visual thrill. A movie for the whole family.
And to watch over and over for the beautiful photography and small detail that was missed. Wonderful casting and directing.
March 4, 2008 |  | "The whole world is a garden..." |  |
This is a wonderful version of this classic book brought to life. In my opinion the variations don't detract from the timelessness. I loved the time-lapse photography of the blossoming garden, the abundant critters, and the relationships of the children. The story itself is very moving, and Mary blossoms beautifully with the garden. The symbolism is subtle with a good example at the end of the white lily in the pond, mirrored by the white horse in the field, followed by an even more distant shot of the countryside with the flower represented by the manor. If you look closely, you can see "the whole world is a garden..."
February 22, 2008More reviews at Amazon.com ...
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