Movies
MBE partnered with STXfilms for this Review
Movie Based on Classic Book Released
British newbie young stars Dixie Egerickx, Edan Hayhurst and Amir Wilson hold their own in the family drama fantasy The Secret Garden (2020, STXfilms), which was released on On Demand Everywhere (PVOD) today. At 15 years old and younger, this trio of kids performs alongside an adult cast ensemble of veteran actors including Academy Award winner Colin Firth (winner of the Academy Award for Best Actor in The King's Speech), Dame Julie Walters (Harry Potter, Mamma Mia) who has been nominated twice for Academy Awards, and other mature performers.
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| Image by STXfilms |
Shall I Tell You a Story?
This is the latest interpretation of The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett based on the 1911 classic title. Like the original book and three earlier films which portray it, the secret garden central to the plot in this picture is set in the countryside of England.
However, what distinguishes th2 2020 movie release from previous adaptations is that the time period has been fast-forwarded to 1947 with the story beginning in British India. It was a time of great upheaval and violence on the eve of the Partition of India, separating the former empire into two independent countries, India and Pakistan. The setting then moves to England post World War II, where the UK is in the midst of rebuilding its economy and is being forced to institute bread rationing for the masses.
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| Image by STXfilms |
The story revolves around a 10-year-old orphan girl Mary Lennox (Egerickx) who loses both wealthy British parents suddenly in a terrible accident while their family is living in British India on the eve of the Partition. Following their deaths, she is uprooted from the security of the home she grew up in and is sent to England to live with her unaffectionate widower uncle, Lord Archibald Craven (Firth), a complete stranger, residing on a vast and lonely country estate on the Yorkshire Moors.
Immediately upon her arrival she experiences a sense of imprisonment. Feeling like a captive locked in a cage full of hopelessness, loneliness, and boredom, Mary craves freedom and companionship. So, she begins exploring forbidden rooms in the creaky, old mansion as well as outdoors, unbeknownst to her uncle and the severe governess Mrs. Medlock (Walters) who is charged with looking after her.
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| Image by STXfilms |
Soon the curious young girl stumbles upon some family secrets, including her sickly cousin Colin (Hayhurst) who she never knew existed until now, as well as a magical garden hidden away on the property. Discovering kindred misfitting spirits in her newly discovered cousin and a new friend named Dickon (Wilson), the trio sets off looking for happiness and adventure together, escaping into the fantasy world of a garden with magical powers.
Brought to viewers in the US, Canada and around the world by the producers of Harry Potter and Paddington and shot in various locations around Yorkshire, North Wales and other rural places around the UK, the garden scenery is stunningly beautiful. So outdoor garden scenes are particularly engaging and magical, of course.
Top that off with some good acting by a talented cast which spans multiple generations and you have a movie the extended family, kids, mom, dad, and grandparents will all enjoy watching together at home. A new book The Secret Garden: The Cinematic Novel, which includes the adapted storyline and photos from the 2020 movie, also was just published by HarperCollins Children's Book.
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| The Secret Garden: The Cinematic Novel, 2020 |
About The Secret Garden
From STXfilms and rated PG, The Secret Garden (2020) is widely available for viewing through On Demand platforms such as Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, VUDU, cable providers, and more as of Friday, August 7, 2020. See the official site for more about the film and some fun, free activities. Also, learn more by following the movie on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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