The Secret Garden (1993)

Sadly Over-hyped

Lack of good storyline.

A Major Disappointment

The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

I had a 4th-grade teacher in 1961-62 who began to read aloud out of the book. We didn't get far before she stopped, so my vague memory was of a somewhat menacing character named "Dickin" and a strange boy in the basement named "Colin." I never did read the book....my reading then was more about Tom Swift Jr. and the Hardy Boys and what little I could follow then of "War of the Worlds" and "White Fang."I happened to start watching this 1993 version on one of my HBO channels a couple of years ago. Not to sound like a pedophile, but the little girl played by Kate Maberly is just so cute. I think this would be the standard reaction of most people. And she played the role as an adult would, with none of the phoniness and we see in so many children's movies.The three child actors are just great. And the three main adults--the housemistress, the gardener, and the uncle are also excellent. Also, the "commoner," the servant. Watching it again, as I write tonight, I am struck by how great this film is. Roger Ebert had it right in his 1993 review when he said this is more of a great film for adults than it is a children's tale.I highly, highly recommend it.--Tim May, California

I finally got an HBO subscription so now have many films at my disposal (I've seen most anyways but still). I also had this film on DVD lying around somewhere but finally decided to watch it. I wasn't very clear on what the film was about beforehand but the premise sounded like the family friendly fantastical tale that could be worth the watch.The Secret Garden is about a spoiled girl who lives in India until her parents untimely death. She is then relocated to her uncles mansion where she discovers she has a recluse cousin (who is hidden away) who is sealed off because he is ill and can't walk. They both travel out to a secret garden which seems to improve his health mysteriously. Along the way, the two form a connection despite initially butting heads. The film is based off the novel of the same name.The verdict is that this film makes for an enjoyable time. Its an older film so the film could use some digital enhancing to make some of the scenes more vibrant (ahem Blu-Ray treatment). The film has the charm of 90s children fantasy films that movies of today cannot really recreate. While thee child acting is not great and the accents (especially of the child maid) are horrible its forgivable when you think of the films market. The film's fantastical elements are undertold as it relies on the magic of the garden and placing faith in its spiritual abilities without actually seeing much on screen, which is fine.The film isn't an absolute must watch by any sense, nor is it something that many people will have heard of. It is however, a harmless film that captures a bit of the essence of children's films of the past while establishing inspiration amongst curious kids as they journey into something fantastical together. There's plenty of cute animals and naturalistic shots for those who would appreciate that sort of thing anymore. Its not a film that would be successful today because of its simplistic presentation and understated visuals, but its solid.7/10

After losing her self-indulging parents in an earthquake, a bitter young girl named Mary Lennox is sent to live in England with her reclusive uncle.Some have said his film seems like a precursor or inspiration for Harry Potter. Along with "Troll", I can definitely see it. Of course, the two are wildly different, but there are some aspects of it being (British) children in a mystical environment. One cannot help but notice the appearance of Maggie Smith.While I was not as crazy about this movie as some people are, it definitely has charm and I can see it being really fun for kids.

I don't like this version there were to many things that didn't jam. Like the fits and tantrums that Collin throws at times it was just too much. And many times there were too much screaming form everybody. Although Maggie smith and Luara Crosley's performances were good and the only reason I give this a. 4 and not a 2 out of ten. Ther garden looked beautiful the key is found in some place and that was it the rest was awful. The best version for me is the one that came out in 1947. Don't waste your time with this one if you want the lovely experience of "the secret garden" go and see the 1947 version!!!! If you can get it!!!