Movie Review: The Secret Garden (1993)

Based off the 1911 novel, the 1993 adaptation of “The Secret Garden” portrays a coming-of-age story like no other in its time.The film features tales of tragedy, mystery, and newfound hope after years filled with torment, sickness, absence, and death. This older children’s movie is unlike modern films in the sense that its origins are not for the faint of heart, causing emotion in much of its audience with the fluent commonalities of grief. However, viewing growth amongst characters as they discover new territory of themselves is worth it all, putting into perspective the significance this movie sparks.

The opening sequence includes the tragic death of the parents of young Mary Lennox, and the length of her trauma is pushed with the inclusion of her inability to show emotion just after witnessing the loss of her parents in a shocking earthquake. It is frequently conveyed throughout the film that Mary, being raised with privilege and entitlement, is naïve in her ineligibility to care for herself. Orphaned, the young girl is sent away to live in a gloriously gloomy manner with her uncle, where it becomes clear that with the death of his wife (being her aunt) has left him to wallow in his sorrow, leaving Marry once again neglected. It was quite a genius touch when in the first half of the movie, the manor is conveyed throughout the dead of winter, providing a bland and unpleasant color palette, leaving the viewer to experience the melancholy for themselves.In an attempt tofill the void burrowing inside of her, Mary explores the vast estate and is greeted with agarden hidden behind a barricaded gate. Aided by Dickinson, one of the servant’s boys, the two begin to plant flowers and vines to restore its former glory. Continuing in her curiousness, Mary comes across a sickly little boy named colin, the secret son of her uncle. The two rejoice in the discovery of family, and as they grow closer, it is revealed the Colin has the inability to walk, having been shut inside never seeing the sunlight following the death of his mother. Marry continues to discover unimaginable joy in her life which is conveyed throughout the transition into spring, contrasting the previous color palettewiththe screen now full of bright flowers, bushes,fountains, and architecture. Eager to greet the dazzling sunlight, Colin begs to see the changes Mary and Dickinson have made to the estate. In the glorious blooms of spring, cause for revelation and development erupt throughout the characters personalities, ending with the satisfaction of newfound familial bonds and perseverance throughout all.

The themes in this movie portray a heavy topic deriving from death and sickness,whileparental supervision is advised, nothing explicit is insinuated. The camera shots in this movie were glorious, viewing the vast planes of England and the beautiful nature encapsulated within the garden provides the audience with a sense of nostalgia, sure to give your little one something to fond over. I also found the unique portrayal of this book to be quite significant, the audience of this film is intended to be for children seeking more of an impactful fairy tale rather than pure comedy. I thoroughly enjoyed the dynamics ranging from the beginning of the movie to the end, as the development of all characters leaves the audience with joyful tears in their eyes, as they have found the ability to live comfortably in their new lives. This movie provides a sense of familiarity in those struggling with grief, or just looking for a magnificently executed movie, teaching us that, what is grief, if not love persevering?