Opened: August 13, 1993

Directed by: Agnieszka Holland

Starring: Kate Maberly, Heydon Prowse, Andrew Knott, Laura Crossley, John Lynch, Maggie Smith, Irène Jacob, Peter Moreton, Colin Bruce & Walter Sparrow

A children’s drama that moves quickly despite not much happening within the plot, The Secret Garden is a beautiful film that continues to impress.

After her parents die in an earthquake in India, Mary Lennox (Kate Maberly) is sent to live with her uncle, Lord Archibald Craven (John Lynch), in England. Lord Craven has become distant since the death of his wife (Irène Jacob) and feels their son Colin (Heydon Prowse) is constantly ill.

Though there’s nothing in this film that would necessarily make it stand out from others, the intrigue brought out by its young cast members holds your attention. All three of them are discovering new parts of life in different ways despite the adults – including the intensely sharp housekeeper played by Maggie Smith – trying to shield them from dangers.

Final say: Don’t keep this a secret. ★★★★☆