The Secret Garden

G

Released Aug 1, 1993

1 hr. 41 min.

Kids & Family

Drama

Fantasy

List

89%

44 Reviews

Tomatometer

80%

100,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

Adaptation of Frances Hodgson Burnett's classic fairy tale, "The Secret Garden." Mary Lennox (Kate Maberly) is an orphan sent to live with her uncle at his mansion that is full of secrets. She discovers a crippled cousin she never knew she had and a neglected garden she is determined to bring back to life.

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Critics Consensus

The Secret Garden honors its classic source material with a well-acted, beautifully filmed adaptation that doesn't shy from its story's darker themes.

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Sai M

This movie came out when I was a little girl and I've loved it ever since. I think that Kate Maberly's role as Mary is one of the best and even though the book is a great source for the tale - the remakes of the movie haven't come close to the greatness that this movie did. I think the cast probably helped facilitate that with legends such as Maggie Smith to lend their talents and bring characters like Mrs. Matlock to life. The lush scenery of the garden and when spring hits in particular are refreshingly beautiful scenes and it makes the entire movie a heartwarming and beautiful experience that I feel is a sort of sunshine effect and I love to revisit it often, but particularly when Spring descends or Easter is near. A lovely family film that has been a favorite for over 25 years now, I feel the story, the scenes and the acting are superb and it's a cult classic now for that reason.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/19/24

Full Review

Audience Member

Based on the book by Francis Hogdson Burnett being the third adaptation directed by Agnieszka Holland A small girl Mary grows up in India in the early 1900s with her parents not wanting her in the slightest She was always alone and after both of them die she's sent to live with her uncle in England But he neglects her as well so Mary explores the whole mansion stumbling into a small boy Colin closed off from the outside He can barely walk but they both discover an enchanted garden filled with lush flowers and wildlife I didn't find this interesting or as magical as I wanted it to be I felt the same thing about 'Fairy Tale: A True Story'

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

08/14/23

Full Review

Cameron L

Lovely and beautifully enchanting as the heavens above

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

06/13/23

Full Review

Alec B

"The Secret Garden" is a timeless and enchanting cinematic gem that captures the essence of Frances Hodgson Burnett's beloved novel. Director Agnieszka Holland's meticulous attention to detail brings the Yorkshire moors to life, creating a visually stunning backdrop for this tale of discovery and transformation. The young cast delivers remarkable performances, with Kate Maberly shining as the spirited Mary Lennox and Heydon Prowse capturing the essence of Colin Craven's vulnerability. The film beautifully explores themes of healing, friendship, and the power of nature, instilling a sense of wonder and magic in every scene. With its lush cinematography, evocative score, and a touch of whimsy, "The Secret Garden" is a captivating and heartfelt journey that will transport audiences of all ages to a world of imagination and hope.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

06/01/23

Full Review

Marina A

The best adaptation ever! Wonderful!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/24/22

Full Review

Kyle E

Some people complained the makers changed the message of the book. They didn't, or I don't think so anyway. If that was the case, that was the only thing they changed. The script is focused and the direction masterful. The book in my opinion is one of the most enchanting children's books ever written. The film is equally enchanting, and the director manages to spoof a spirited performance from the lovely Kate Maberly. Haydn Prowse was great as Colin, and John Lynch is suitably melancholy as the uncle. Stealing the show, however, was Maggie Smith as Mrs Medlock, the truly beastly housekeeper. The film itself looks beautiful thanks to the stunning cinematography, and I loved the Gothic darkness tone retained from the book. Another mention is the haunting and poignant music score, that makes me cry. What does work best of all is its simplicity though. I thoroughly recommend this and Little Princess, 10/10 Bethany Cox

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/21/22

Full Review

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Agnieszka Holland

Director

Kate Maberly

Mary Lennox

Heydon Prowse

Colin Craven

Maggie Smith

Mrs. Medlock

John Lynch

Lord Craven

Andrew Knott

Dickon

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Fred Camper

Chicago Reader

...though Solomon seems to assert that his films fundamentally consist of the physical images themselves, and not what those images might represent, he doesn’t abandon representational imagery completely...

Jun 2, 2022

Full Review

Jay Carr

Boston Globe

The result is an instant classic -- rich, dense, resonant, powerful.

Aug 1, 2013

Full Review

Jeff Shannon

Seattle Times

While drawing superb performances from her young leads, Holland has masterfully contrasted the garden -- a place where melodic robins seem almost conversant -- with the dread of Misselthwaite.

Rated: 3.5/4

Aug 1, 2013

Full Review

Josh Slater-Williams

Vague Visages

Maybe it’s not worth complaining that there aren’t more films like The Secret Garden when the way it quietly excels is partially dependent on how modest its pleasures are in comparison to its louder peers.

Nov 13, 2023

Full Review

Brian D. Johnson

Maclean's Magazine

Visually, The Secret Garden is enchanting. Working in English for the first time, with Francis Coppola as her executive producer, Agnieszka Holland conjures up a fairy-tale world of images...

Oct 9, 2019

Full Review

Quentin Curtis

Independent on Sunday

The film has charm, without wandering into the realm of magic.

Nov 28, 2017

Full Review

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Synopsis

Adaptation of Frances Hodgson Burnett's classic fairy tale, "The Secret Garden." Mary Lennox (Kate Maberly) is an orphan sent to live with her uncle at his mansion that is full of secrets. She discovers a crippled cousin she never knew she had and a neglected garden she is determined to bring back to life.

Director: Agnieszka Holland
Executive Producer: Francis Ford Coppola
Screenwriter: Frances Hodgson Burnett, Caroline Thompson
Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures
Production Co: Warner Brothers
Rating: G
Genre: Kids & Family, Drama, Fantasy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 1, 1993, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 1, 2011
Box Office (Gross USA): $30.0M
Sound Mix: Surround, Stereo, Dolby Stereo

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