Dickens & Rumi
Cover of The Secret Garden

film

The Secret Garden

2020

Mary Lennox is born in India to wealthy British parents who never wanted her. When her parents suddenly die, she is sent back to England to live with her uncle. She meets her sickly cousin, and the two children find a wondrous secret garden lost in the grounds of Misselthwaite Manor.

Ages 8+Source checked

Why this age? Suitable for many children, but parental deaths, grieving orphans, illness, neglect, frightening memories, and emotionally intense family conflict may trouble younger viewers. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age8+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character3/5
  • Frightening scenes3/5
  • Alcohol or drugs1/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Kindness & empathy4/5

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What’s in it?

Death of a character3/5
Why this rating?

The inciting incident involves the sudden death of the protagonist's parents; themes of grief are central.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Mild, period-appropriate language.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

Some atmospheric tension and moody scenes, particularly involving the manor and the children's fears.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Limited background smoking by adults may appear in this postwar period setting; substance use is not central or glamorized.

Violence1/5
Why this rating?

Minimal, non-graphic depictions of physical struggle or accident.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Characters show emotional courage in facing their grief and healing their relationships.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

The hidden garden and children's imaginative exploration strongly encourage curiosity, wonder, and inventive problem-solving.

Diverse representation1/5
Why this rating?

Minor representation consistent with the British colonial era setting.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Explores themes of botany and post-war history contextually.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Care, friendship, compassion, and cooperation help the children recover and support one another.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Strong themes of healing, the importance of nature, friendship, and personal growth.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

The protagonists grow from self-centered children into empathetic individuals.

Family discussion

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Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in The Secret Garden would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in The Secret Garden, and what caused that change?
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