rat_202 I must be getting old. Was a time when my idea of a perfect movie night in would be a Hong Kong action movie, but nowadays I'm quite happy to curl up on the settee with films like this. I read the book many years ago, and always thought it would make a great film. I later found out that it HAD been adapted, of course, several times. It is a classic children's novel, after all. But this seems to be the definitive film version. Firstly, let me say, straight off that this movie is beautifully shot. Bravo Mr. Roger Deakins, one of the world's best cinematographers. In too many reviews I've read, the cinematography is mentioned almost as an afterthought. From hot, dusty India to cold, grey England, this film looks wonderful. The three young leads are nothing special, it has to be said. But they are likable, or at least (in the case of Mary and Colin) become likable as the story progresses. And Maggie Smith - does this woman ever age? To be fair, she is the only actress I recognised. Chirpy young Martha and grizzled old Ben Weatherstaff are just how I pictured them, although their strong Yorkshire accents have been considerably softened. I won't spoil the ending for the very few people who don't know it, but suffice to say it is genuinely moving and made me smile. I've watched this film three times since I bought it last year, which for me is pretty good. I can't rate it as a classic despite its pedigree, but there are worse ways to spend an hour and a half.

grantss Living in India, Mary Lennox, a young, privileged girl, is left orphaned when her parents are killed in an earthquake. She is sent back to England where she goes to live on her uncle's estate. It is a fairly isolated existence and she has to find things to keep herself occupied. She finds a sickly young boy...and a secret garden.A decent adaptation of the Frances Hodgson Burnett novel. Sweet and reasonably interesting. However, lacks a spark to make it overly engaging.On the other hand, the 1949 version was brilliant: enchanting with an air of mystery and wonder. The performances by the children were spot-on and the chemistry between them worked perfectly.For whatever reason, this version doesn't get to that level of enchantment and mystery, The children are okay, but not as likable as in the 1949 version. The air of mystery hardly existed and is extinguished pretty quickly.Overall: not bad, but not compelling viewing.

scooterpie-17461 I am a seventh-grade teacher, and every year I use this film to teach basic film analysis. The students watch for lighting, camera angles, music, special effects, plot, costumes, and shots. Every year I think about using a different film, but the reaction I get from my students every year reassures me that this film is still relevant and a classic! They love it. I would highly recommend this film for children grades 4 - 7. Very suitable, and it has wonderful themes.

Hitchcoc This is the story of a little girl who has little to be happy about. She is part of a British imperialist family in India who are killed by stampeding elephants. She is left to fend for herself until she is collected and sent to live in England. She acts out and is very unpleasant, but is tolerated. At some point she meets a young girl who sort of takes her under her wing and puts up with her tantrums. They find that there are places everywhere to explore in the big house and the grounds. They do from time to time hear some whimpering on the other side of a wall. Their investigations reveal a crippled boy who gets his only satisfaction watching others play. This sets up the rest of the film. Mary Lennox, the little girl, suddenly has some purpose in her life and that's what drives things to the conclusion. Of course, this is one of the world's greatest children's books.