Review of The Secret Garden (1993) by Jonny B — 04 Nov 2011

Caught this on television late in the morning, saw Deakins's name, and decided to go back to childhood with a viewing. I cannot think of another kids movie that looks like a Bergman/Nykvist collaboration and that's a good thing for Mr.

Deakins who lets the kids fable unfold amidst a Victorian, rich, and moody backdrop. The acting from all the youngsters is commendable. The story doesn't get laborious like other movies of its ilk and most importantly 'The Secret Garden' exists somewhere else, outside from what Hollywood wants families to see, outside from the mainstream of the movies starring twelve-year-olds who are already actors/musicians/models/products and only bring an expectance of witless dialogue and a total destruction of the phrase 'family fun' to the movies they star in.

What I'm getting at is this movie wouldn't get a green light in todays movie climate and that's a shame.