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The Secret of Moonacre (2008)

Director: Gabor Csupo

Time Out rating

Average user rating

22 reviews

Movie review

From Time Out London

This adaptation of Elizabeth Goudge’s much-loved 1946 novel ‘The Little White Horse’ (JK Rowling’s girlhood favourite, no less) has all the ingredients of a classic children’s story. There’s a lonely orphan dispatched to a big house in the country after her father’s demise. There’s Moonacre manor itself, with its secret passages, spooky woodlands and a mysterious spectral white horse galloping in the fields. And there’s a mystery to be solved, as clues in an illustrated manuscript tell of an ancient curse on the land… a curse only a ‘Moon Princess’ can lift.

What with Ioan Gruffudd glowering as the surly uncle, a steady supply of new dresses and a touch of tween romance, it’s all expertly tailored for slightly bookish little girls, with ‘Golden Compass’ star Dakota Blue Richards an agreeably unprissy lead. Unfortunately, the fate of Moonacre Valley is a slightly academic issue, so we never care as much as we should. Nicely put together, but just a little dull.

Author: Trevor Johnston 2009-02-03 11:45:11

Time Out London Issue 2007, 5 - 11 Feb, 2009

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User reviews of this film

Chelly said...

Posted on Aug 24 2009 00:42 Please remember people you usually have to change stories a bit to get them on the screen, you must watch the filme first then read the book but if you have already read the book then make some allowances. It's a hard job pleasing fans and making a movie that works. Not everything in a book works on the screen.

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julie granger said...

Posted on Aug 22 2009 18:56 Having not read the original book I must say the film was a let down for me. I am a total fan of childrens films but felt let down by this movie

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Lily and Katie said...

Posted on Jul 30 2009 10:51 We are sisters of 10 and11. We read the reviews and were not sure about waching it. But when we wached it we actualy quite enjoyed it! We have never read the book but we would like to now that we have seen the film.
Loving the dog and Lavina. The best bit was when the horses came out of the wave.

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Samanthaa said...

Posted on Jul 11 2009 23:49 FANTASTIC!!!! well pleased they're showing a matinee, can't wait to see it again. I recommend it to any person any age male or female.. The best fantasy/adventure film since stardust.. AMAZING!!!

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Elfie said...

Posted on Apr 13 2009 20:26 Horrible. I couldn't believe how horrible this film was. The Little White Horse is one of my favourite books and this film made a mockery of it. I hope it will at least encourage people to read the wonderful book.

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Heather said...

Posted on Apr 01 2009 19:45 hello people. All peeps who like this film post in a comment that says aye. All people who dont agree with me and say that the film was "rubbish!" post a comment saying neigh thankyou people i come in peace!!!!!

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samantha said...

Posted on Mar 29 2009 09:41 i think the secret of moonacre is really cool. I love the bit where the white unicorns come rushing out of the sea it is so emotional. I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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ahr said...

Posted on Mar 28 2009 21:35 The LIttle White Horse is one of the most magical stories ever written for older girls/ early teens. It fires the imagination and is perfectly crafted. The original story is perfectly suited for transferral to the big screen - a tale of good triumphing over bad, a wonderful pale and carroty haired but zesty heroine, fabulous beasts and enchanted places rooted in reality. Please could someone give me a few million pounds so I can hotfoot it to Cornwall and Devon and finally make a film that is true to the original book. The credits for this film should contain a profuse apology to the authoress Elizabeth Goodge. I suggest that viewers READ the original book - the pictures that will be conjured up in their heads will be infinitely more rewarding that the images that they see on screen.

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lynne said...

Posted on Feb 21 2009 19:27 i wasnt sure this film would suit a 6 year old and an 8 year old but we were all engrossedin this film and it kept their attention all the way through .i thought the bit where the unicorns came from the waves was very dramatic and very awesome .

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Jenny said...

Posted on Feb 20 2009 19:54 well i read the book, loved the book, read the book a million more times, hoped they'd make a film, got excited when i found out they were, got highly disappointed when i saw the trailer.
even the TRAILER makes it look completely different to the book loved by so many. whats with the random with lady?! when in the book, did she try and drown herself?! when did wrolf die?! where the hell did she get magic?! she didn't!! he didn't!! COMPLETELY WRONG!! it simply won't do.

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Eleanor said...

Posted on Feb 17 2009 20:18 This film is PERFECTLY fine for a 13 year old as I am myself. I hope you enjoy it. Look at my review below if you feel the need :D

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liv said...

Posted on Feb 17 2009 15:21 me and my two friends are gunna go to the cinemas but one dosnt want to watch this film what do you think about this film for a 13 year old???

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Lauren said...

Posted on Feb 16 2009 08:09 Going to see it today looks real awsome

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liam said...

Posted on Feb 15 2009 10:28 pathetic......................thats all i can say

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samantha said...

Posted on Feb 15 2009 07:57 hi im samantha
i havn't seen moonacre yet but i have seen some clips and it looks absolutely amazing!!!!!!!

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