Disappointing movie after Burnett's book (also known from Little Lord Faunterloy) about young Mary who moves back from India to England after her parents are killed in an earthquake. There she meets up with her nephew (bedbound Colin) and Dickon, a service boy. The three of them restore a neglected 'secret garden' and become friends while doing it.
I'm gonna say it flat-out: the acting of the kids was disappointing. In particular the kid who plays Colin (and, as we learn, never acted again afterwards) is as wooden as can be. The Mary-kid has done a lot since this one but she's not that great either. That and the fact that the roles these kids are playing are highly dislikable and the pace is dreadfull make up for not the best movie around (mildly put).
The older actors are great though: Maggie Smith is excellent as the tough Mrs. Medlock, who's job it is to protect young Colin and John Lynch is fantastic as the uncle. The scene where he finds out his son can walk is one of breath-taking beauty, but it takes forever to get to that point.
In short: disappointing, could have been a lot better, 5/10.
I'm gonna say it flat-out: the acting of the kids was disappointing. In particular the kid who plays Colin (and, as we learn, never acted again afterwards) is as wooden as can be. The Mary-kid has done a lot since this one but she's not that great either. That and the fact that the roles these kids are playing are highly dislikable and the pace is dreadfull make up for not the best movie around (mildly put).
The older actors are great though: Maggie Smith is excellent as the tough Mrs. Medlock, who's job it is to protect young Colin and John Lynch is fantastic as the uncle. The scene where he finds out his son can walk is one of breath-taking beauty, but it takes forever to get to that point.
In short: disappointing, could have been a lot better, 5/10.