The Secret of Moonacre

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The Secret of Moonacre

PG

2009

1h 43m

Adventure

Fantasy

Romance

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Popcornmeter

23%

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22 Reviews

46%

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2,500+ Ratings

Maria Merryweather is orphaned at the age of 13 and forced to leave her luxurious life in London. She goes to stay with her somewhat eccentric uncle named Sir Benjamin at Moonacre Manor. While reading the pages of a magical book, Maria discovers her true destiny as the Moon Princess of a fantastical war-torn kingdom, which she must save from falling into the sea forever.

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Critics Consensus

Despite impressive production values, this is staid, plodding and unimpressive fantasy-fare, with poor performances struggling with an underdeveloped script.

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Edward Porter

The Times (UK)

Richards starred in 2007's The Golden Compass and, compared with big-budget fantasies of that kind, this smaller effort can't help looking mimsy, despite its good intentions.

Rated: 2/5

Feb 12, 2009

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Anthony Quinn

Independent (UK)

A sluggish narrative is further hampered by "comic" turns (Juliet Stevenson, as a gurning governess) and some frankly shameless knockoffs.

Rated: 1/5

Feb 10, 2009

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Peter Bradshaw

Guardian

A sweet if faintly soporific fantasy adventure for family audiences.

Feb 6, 2009

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Karen Wirsling

Common Sense Media

Enchanting fantasy turns teen into sweet, selfless princess.

Rated: 4/5

Feb 13, 2017

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Common Sense Media Editors

Common Sense Media

Enchanting fantasy turns teen into sweet, selfless princess.

Rated: 4/5

Jan 25, 2011

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Philip French

Observer (UK)

A film about magic that remains obdurately unmagical.

Feb 12, 2009

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Isabella H

It is and will always be the best movie i have ever seen. i definitely recommend this movie! So good!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/31/25

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Remy R

This movie is criminally underrated it’s literally my favourite movie ever. It’s a beautiful fantasy movie with amazing characters (how can you not be in love with Robin de noir be so fr) plus the costumes are actually stunning. These reviews don’t know what they’re on about you better watch it. (Plus did I mention ROBIN DE NOIR! I’m actually in love at this point guys-)

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/30/24

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Emma H

Blasphemy! Preposterous reviews! It is a fantastical masterpiece!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/08/24

Full Review

Helene J

Love the story and the universe. Wish to see more like this.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

09/19/23

Full Review

Thea G

Cute movie- mainly just lots of childhood nostalgia

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

09/01/23

Full Review

Audience Member

I really loved this film as a little kid I'd watch it a lot and it was my favourite. However now I'm older re watching it its a bit iffy in some parts with half weird slightly incestuous partnerships and a lot of light misogyny(not to mention the completely white cast aha) . As a kids film back when I was younger it was really good but now it's kinda boring and hard to watch. Will say kinda still wanna be Robin to this day 😂 great outfits. I think I'll watch it when I want to relive my favourite childhood films but I think there are plenty better like bridge to terrabithia (cannot spell)

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

01/17/23

Full Review

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Gabor Csupo

Director

Ioan Gruffudd

Sir Benjamin

Dakota Blue Richards

Maria

Tim Curry

Coeur De Noir

Natascha McElhone

Loveday

Juliet Stevenson

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Synopsis

Maria Merryweather is orphaned at the age of 13 and forced to leave her luxurious life in London. She goes to stay with her somewhat eccentric uncle named Sir Benjamin at Moonacre Manor. While reading the pages of a magical book, Maria discovers her true destiny as the Moon Princess of a fantastical war-torn kingdom, which she must save from falling into the sea forever.

Director: Gabor Csupo
Producer: Michael Cowan
Screenwriter: Graham Alborough, Lucy Shuttleworth
Production Co: UK Film Council, Spice Factory, Australian Film Commission, South Pacific Pictures
Rating: PG (Some Mild Peril|Language)
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Romance
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 10, 2016
Runtime: 1h 43m

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