KIDS FIRST! Film Critics' Campaign

The Secret of Moonacre

SYNOPSIS: After being orphaned, young Maria Merryweather (Dakota Blue Richards) must leave her luxurious home and live with her eccentric uncle Sir Benjamin (Ioan Gruffudd) at the mysterious Moonacre Manor. There, she discovers a magical moonlit world torn apart by an ancient feud and inhabited by outlandish characters and mythical beasts. Now, Maria must unearth the secrets of her past in order to fulfill her destiny… all before the 5000th moon rises and Moonacre Manor disappears into the sea forever.

Length: 103 minutes

Ages: 8-12

Actors: Ioan Gruffudd, Tim Curry, Natascha Mcelhone, Juliet Stevenson, And Dakota Blue Richards

© Eurofilm Studio/Davis Films Productions/LWH Films Ltd/UK Film Council 2008

Discussion Guide:

KIDS FIRST! Film Critics Discussion Guide
for The Secret of Moonacre

The Secret of Moonacre, a film adaptation of the novel The Little White Horse by Elizabeth Goudge, is the fictional story about 13-yeqar-old Maria Merryweather (Dakota Blue Richards) whose father dies, leaving her orphaned and homeless. She must leave her luxurious home in London to go live with her eccentric uncle Sir Benjamin (Ioan Gruffudd) at the mysterious Moonacre Manor. There, she discovers a magical moonlit world torn apart by an ancient feud and inhabited by outlandish characters and mythical beasts. Now, Maria must unearth the secrets of her family's past in order to fulfill her destiny… all before the 5000th moon rises and Moonacre Manor disappears into the sea forever. Directed by Gabor Csupo, who also directed the Bridge to Terabithia, it is filled with magic somewhat like the Chronicles of Narnia or The Golden Compass.

The story offers many talking points that a parent, teacher, or other adult can discuss with their child after viewing that will enhance their film experience.  We encourage you to “view and review” the film together with your eight to 12-year-old child – the ideal audience age – and then post your review on your social media site so that you can share it with others during our first annual KIDS FIRST! Film Critics’ Campaign.

General Guidelines for Creating Reviews

Here are some suggestions for creating your review of a film or DVD.

Title of Film: _________________________

1. How well did you like the film? Talk about what you liked most about the film and explain using examples from the film. If you didn't like it, or didn't like some parts of it, talk about that; be specific by giving examples

2. What was your favorite part of the film? Describe it fully and talk about why you liked it so much.

3. Who was your favorite character(s) in the film? Why did you like him or her? Was the actor who played your favorite character someone you know from other films? Talk about what other films that actor has been in and describe why you like him or her.

4. Describe what happens in the film as if you were describing it to someone who has never seen it. Remember that most people who read your review have not seen the film. Their decision to go see it or not see it might be based on what you say.

5. How much did you like the soundtrack and music? Was there anything outstanding about the soundtrack or music that drew your attention - perhaps a favorite musician or musical group - and if so, talk about it.

6. Talk about the production aspects such as the (a) sets ,(b) locations, (c) costuming and (d) cinematography? Describe anything that stood out. Was the cinematography fantastic, mediocre or lacking? If the film is animated or has special effects, talk about that. Make no assumption that your audience knows these things; they look forward to your spin on them. .

7. Last, who would you recommend this to? Would you recommend this film to your friends? Talk about what age group you think it is best suited for and whether girls or boys might like it best and why. Tell us why you are making your recommendation. And - give it urgency such as - "Rush out as soon as you can, you don't want to miss this one." or "You can wait til it comes to DVD."

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