My family has in it several talented professional musical theatre performers, and without exception each has appeared at one time or another in the musical version of "The Secret Garden." They were a little down in the mouth when I told them they could see a non-musical version on DVD because to them music brings soul to a production. However, they were completely entranced by this dramatic film that relied solely on its dramatic merit to create what seem like insurmountable tensions, and then resolve them in the closing stages of the drama all leaving us with a sense of relief, and with that one necessity for all childrens' stories, the belief that no matter how bad seem there is beauty behind ugliness, hope behind despair, and laughter behind tears, all waiting for someone to beckon them out of the shadows and transform lives. The Secret Garden - the Moving Picture - does the job with grace, passion, and that certyain 'somehting' that weaves magic into childhood and its woes.Read full review
The Secret Garden is based on the classic children's book written by Frances Hodgson Burnett published in 1911. The Secret Garden is considered to be one of the best children's books of the 12th century. Burnett has used the garden motif to explore the healing power in living things. I read this book when I was a child and I remembered my imagination transporting me into a new world of a secret garden created by Burnett. I purchased this VHS and the book to give to my grandchildren so they may experince the joy of this wonderful story. The story-line of this movie does not disappoint, and the acting is very well done. The secret garden at Misselthwaite Manor is the site of the near destruction and subsequent regeneration of a family. It is a movie that the whole family will enjoy watching together. I would certainly recommend purchasing a DVD (or VHS)of this wonderful children's classic.Read full review
This is a great adaptation of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s classic fairy tale. Books are always better than movies but this one is actually quite good. The characters are believable- you find yourself sympathizing with Colin's need for his father to love him yet you also find your emotional heartstrings pulled by the father's own grief at the loss of his wife. Mrs. Medlock is played by Maggie Smith, who does a super job of playing on the demanding character of "Medlock." All in all though, it is a movie for the family- one that both children and adults can enjoy. And lets face it, the graphics and acting are far better than that of the 1987 version.
I bought this for a three year old and she has been in love with the story for six months now. Also, more importantly maybe, the adults who must repeatedly watch the film love it as well. There are times when I was concerned that the harsh reality of orphaned children would be too much for a child. I then rea;ized that every Disney character has lost at least one parent and in this story the children find hope and happiness without supernatural marvels. The movie is based on a book by the same author of The Little Princess which is also a family favorite.
This was actually a mistaken purchase. This video has the same title of the movie I really wanted, and the front of the box even has a similar picture, so I thought it was the same movie. I'm disappointed that I didn't get the movie that I thought it was going to be. However, to be fair, the movie is ok.
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