My 6 year old saw it and had nightmares and trouble sleeping for 2 months!!! Be careful! Serious themes (life/death/illness/sadness) that kids under 12 cannot process.
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The Secret Garden
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)
Not age appropriate for kids under 6, age appropriate for kids over 8; suggested age 8. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Great book, great adaptation.
Themes in this movie include: friendship
updated 10.23.09
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 8 and Up
The good stuff
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Educational value:
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Role models:
What to watch out for
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What Parents Need to Know
About The Secret Garden
Parents need to know that this is a fine family film, with no inappropriate content. Many kids will be drawn into the mystery of the garden and the strange crying in the house, yet be aware that this is a sedate story and may bore kids used to action-packed films.
Read our full review by Nell Minow
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about how the movie compares to the book, and how Mary changes through the course of the story.
- Why do you think both Mary and Colin were so spoiled when we first meet them, and what caused them to change into more caring children by the end of the film?
Our Members Say
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title off for age 12 and give it
Not appropriate for kids under 12!
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
A beautiful and charming family "must-see."
My kids (boy - 10, girls - 8 and 4) and I love this movie for its charm, beauty and humor. The only scenes that we had trouble with were: 1) The main character, Mary, is sometimes treated harshly by other children as well as by her uncle's housekeeper, and 2) Mary has suffered the loss of significant family members. Parents really just need to know how strongly their own kids will react to the misfortune of movie characters. Otherwise, there is absolutely nothing inappropriate here - this is a lovely film.
- I rate this title iffy for age 8 and give it
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
This is the perfect movie for anybody to watch.
This movie and the book as well are amazing choices to watch or read. You understand what's going on from the very begining, and it keeps you wanting to know what happens next. It teaches not only kids but others as well how to enjoy the company of people you don't like or if you're just shy. This is a truely amazing choice of intertainment. You can watch or read it as many times as you like without the possibility of the magic leaving it.
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
a fav since i was little
this is such a beautiful movie!!! i used to watch it all the time when i was little, and now i rent it once in a while on DVD...its a great movie and u will just LOVE the garden and wish u had one just like it!
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
Great Childhood Drama
Must see one non-cartoon version of this.
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Ratings at a Glance
| 50% | of parents say there are good role models |
| 50% | of parents say it gives kids positive messages |
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