This movie was so-so. It had it's moments, but wasn't the greatest.

When a movie has you begging for it to end not even half way through it's pure crap. We've all seen this movie and this characters millions of times, nothing new in it. Don't waste your time.

Exactly the movie you think it is, but not the movie you want it to be.

Like the great film, it's made with a great deal of visible affection both in front of and behind the camera.

My grandmother introduced this to me as a young boy and I instantly fell in love with it. The story, as I'm sure you know, was written by Frances Hodgson Burnett in the early 1900s. It is about a young selfish girl who demands attention and, after the sudden death of her parents, moves to an enormous mansion in England. As she settles in, she notices the dark history this place has and is determined to uncover each and every one of its mysteries. Not all Hallmark movies are up to par, but I would definitely say this one is. The two child leads do a splendid job bringing their characters and transformations to life. The haunting score matches the sinister atmosphere beautifully and makes for a very enjoyable viewing and listening experience. A few recognizable actors include Michael Hordern and a brief appearance by Colin Firth.

Many may disagree with me, but this is a wonderful movie. The young actors playing Colin, Mary and Dickon are likable and convincing. The scenery is beautiful; one can tell most of this movie was shot outside and not on a sound stage. This particular interpretation is haunting; and initially it is dreary. Mary is a sad little girl at the beginning of the movie (obviously, since she lost both of her parents and is transported from sunny India to dreary Northern England). The outside scenes of Mistlethwaite Manor (possibly even the inside, I don't remember) were filmed at an old mansion that was reputedly haunted. Pastoral scenes of real gardens and forests permeate most of this film, and it is really a visual delight. Haunting classical music (mostly played on solo piano) binds the aesthetic aspects of this film together. I agree with this interpretation because there is so much sadness in this story; Mary lost both of her parents, Colin's mother died, his father is depressed. Most people are familiar with the plot, so I won't give it here; but the ending may not please literary purists. Mary, as an adult comes back to Mistlethwait Manor to visit the garden. She is a medic in the war (I believe World War I). She runs into the old gardener (his name escapes me at the moment). They talk about Dickon, who died in the war in a forest and how he would have wanted it that way. Colin appears, (who was also a soldier), who is on leave because he was shot in the leg. We learn at this point that he and Mary kept in touch by writing letters. Colin proposes to Mary, she says yes; and the final scene is the three of them walking into the garden. I personally like this ending, because although it isn't what the author intended, it satisfies questions about the fate of these beloved characters.

Out of all the different versions of the Secret Garden films, I would have to say this is my favorite.I feel that they brought the essence of the book to life in this film. Not only was the music enchanting, but the cast was well suited.It was if they stepped right out of the novel and came to life. I would recommend this to anyone who is a fan of Frances Hodgson Burnett's the Secret Garden.It stays true to the book no matter what the critics say.

the main character, mary, was played by an actress who couldn't fake a british accent to save her life (among others). the acting overall was pretty horrible - much of it seemed contrived and forced. holland's movie version (1993) with kate maberly is much better both in imagery and acting. i'm not sure why this version scored so well.