On a dare, twelve-year old, terminally ill Owen Walters sneaks into the mortuary and videotapes Mr. Rice's funeral. Later, Owen and his friends break into Mr. Rice's house to watch the tape. In the bedroom, they discover a... more » sealed envelope addressed to Owen - a letter from Mr. Rice, written in his secret code. Owen soon discovers that Mr. Rice has left him a medieval code ring, a treasure map and a series of clues. Clues that will lead him on a surreal treasure hunt and one steop closer to his destiny - which may save his life.« less
"If you are seeing this film for ANY other reason than David Bowie, you may want to run and not just walk away, NOW. However, Bowie's performance lights up this film, and considering all of the less than well-chosen works of the cinema under his belt, this film is sweet and very under-rated....in a sentimental kind-of way. However, this film has a definate message, one that has resounded in other Bowie works (music and film), as well as from Bowie himself. Everyone makes a difference - it's what you do in life that counts, not how long you live. Take if from me, this film isn't as bad as people would want you to beleive!"
A Secret we could All Learn from.
rocknrohl88 | Westminster, CO. United States | 05/19/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Mr. Rice's Secret is a wonderful opportuitity to explore the
imporantance each of us represents in Life. No matter how long
or short your life is; it's what you do while your here that
counts. How you treat others and what you believe in. I liked
the moral this story left me with. Be true to yourself and each
other.Rejoice in every moment you have been given."
Warm
Eolake | Lancashire, United Kingdom | 06/29/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I found this film engaging and uplifting. One of those films that makes you think about the essential things in life in a healthy and inspiring way."
Great find
J. D. Fung | San Francisco | 10/28/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I discovered this movie accidentally on a lazy summer Sunday afternoon, flipping channels on the TV. I enjoyed it, but the 11-14 year olds that I showed it to related to it even more. The film explores issues of disease and death, responsiblity, bullying, friendship, and finding meaning in life. David Bowie plays Mr. Rice, who dies at the very beginning of the film. However, he is anything but dead because of the legacy he passes down to Owen, a boy struggling through early adolescence and cancer therapy. Owen is haunted by the reality of his own probable death, as he faces his peers, and goes on a quest to solve a riddle left to him by Mr. Rice."
Bowie is the only real star here, has good message for kids.
Eolake | 01/09/2003
(2 out of 5 stars)
"So your search for anything Bowie has finally led you here. The story seems like a resurrected after school special with silly adventures and dialogue that just doesn't exist for kids. But then David (Mr. Rice) starts speaking... and things don't seem so bad. Uh, then again. A 400 year old man you would think wouldn't require kids to let's say, exhume a corpse! There is a message to the movie, very predictable, but this movie doesn't get past it's simpleton plot. And for you diehard Bowie fans, you'll love how he and his voice take over."