Secret Garden is a hidden place located in an old, falling apart and mysterious estate. Following her parents’ deaths, Mary Lennox (Kate Maberly) was sent to live with her closest relative, her uncle. The lively and daring girl cannot be locked behind thick doors as she always finds ways to escape and not even the uptight Mrs Medlock (Maggie Smith) could scare her away and be still.

Mary’s curious adventures led her to the secret garden where she plants new hopes and behind one door she finds her ill-cousin who has been spoiled and let motionless since he was a baby. Mary’s wildness and stubbornness spread some sparks to the dark and damp place, and she transfers some goodness and bravery into the bed-ridden boy. Soon smiles and joy multiply across the estate and the secret garden is the place that re-unites the heartbroken family.

In a way, “Secret Garden” reminds me of “Little Princess” (1995) which appears more magical and colourful to the younger audience. “Secret Garden” offers a more serious and darker tale, of course, with a happy ending.

My rating: 3/6