When a volunteer Irish WW2 pilot is shot down and miraculously ejects a few hundred yards from his own home town, is taken in undetected by a local girl and later emerges in full dress uniform which came from who-knows-where, you know you're dealing with filmmakers for whom a realistic plot is unimportant. Later, when a heavily pregnant woman flees at fast pace from pursuers, swims several hundred metres across choppy open seawater, and then gives birth in under a minute, you know you're dealing with writers, directors and actors who have never known a pregnant lady. Couple these unbelievable plot devices with a cliche-ridden story that makes no sense whatsoever, and you'll see the preposterously unlikely ending coming a mile off. If the soporific pace hasn't put you to sleep by then, that is. The only things that makes it watchable is the strong performances from Rooney Mara, Vanessa Redgrave and Theo James.

I would do more sad ending since it's not true and true adaptation of the book. It would make more sense. Now is it like fairytale with too happily ever after.

The timelines and ages just don't work. Rose is supposed to be nearly 100. She gave birth in 1942. She has been in the asylum for 50 years. It is now either around 2008 (novel date) or 2017 (film date). So there's an extra 15-20 years unaccounted for, where was she then? And if she's nearly 100, she'd have been born about 1908-1917, so the young Rose in 1942 is between 25 (maybe) and 34 (unlikely). Rooney Mara was 32 but her character seems younger. Alternatively, if we assume the film is set in the 1990s, giving her 50 years in the asylum and nowhere else, she'd have been 50 when she gave birth. Hmm. If we go with the later dates, Dr Stephen Grene should be about 70, but at filming he was about 50 (and looks rather younger). Doesn't add up, unless we drop the idea of Rose being about 100 and say she is in her 70s. In which case, why headline it with "The chief psychiatrist of a soon-to-be-razed mental institution tries to uncover the mystery behind the confinement of a 100-year-old patient."?

We stumbled upon this movie by accident one evening. By the time it finished, we all had tears streaming down our faces. Fantastic acting, we were spellbound and horrified by " mans inhumanity to man". Highly recommended, a must see film. PS, make sure you have a box of tissues to hand.

Great acting, beautiful scenery and a wonderful film indicating just how cruel people can be. A definite one to watch with your girl...

I loved this movie and was so happy when her son came to get her from the asylum

Absolutely loved this movie. Made me cry my eyes out at the end which is something for someone on antidepressants!! Acting was absolutely 💯 and plot was amazing. Have no idea why critics didn't like it. Make your own mind up, please 🙏

I loved the movie and the actors. Normally I wouldn't watch this type of movie but it was outstanding

The acting saves the plot most of the times

It was a really good movie. I enjoyed it a lot.

One of the more depressing tragic love stories that I've seen in quite a while.

I found this to be a beautifully acted, gentle, considered portrayal.

You could smell this ending coming from a mile away. Redgrave, accused of lewd acts and killing her baby is visited by Bana towards the end of her life. As she recounts her story you can see it coming.

interesting, with many superb performances by the leads. Vanessa Redgrave was utterly stunning as the old lady. Something about the film didn't work, but it certainly wasn't the acting performances.

Great string movie that keeps the tension throughout the plot.

Great story, actors and well made. Attractive cast including Theo James!

The secret scripture has some powerful performances in a really good story. The material here is really good. What hurts the film though are the clichés and the poor pacing at times. It’s a meaningful film with a good message that could’ve been much better than what it is. Still it’s a good film and worth watching.

The secret scripture has some powerful performances in a really good story. The material here is really good. What hurts the film though are the clichés and the poor pacing at times. It’s a meaningful film with a good message that could’ve been much better than what it is. Still it’s a good film and worth watching.

A very touching movie. If you really watch it you wiI'll figure out what happens. A beautiful movieyes.

This accurately represented the tenisions between both sides and highlighted the lack of a womans voice durining this time as well. It will pull at your heartstrings.