Impossible to rate, because whether you consider this genius or stupidity depends very much on you--it's one of those films. There is little action--and what little action there is, a raid on an African village late in the movie, seems completely contrived. Instead, we come in late to the action scenes in almost every case--or in the final one, early. But almost nothing is shown directly, only the consequences. Much of the film is told in flashbacks or jumpcuts, making the story somewhat difficult to piece together; and the one scene in which most of the dubious characters are introduced happens quite quickly. I have to confess to quite a lot of confusion about who was who and what was happening--most of it cleared up, but frankly the ending didn't seem terribly satisfactory to me. My whole family was left saying, "hunh" and my 24 year old son further opined that it was much ado about nothing. The 'hero's' revenge was pretty understated, too--a public shaming doesn't really seem enough to pay for your wife's murderer, does it? It's certainly not an American action flick; exactly the opposite. But if you enjoy British reserve, this might be the film for you. As others have said, the acting, cinematography, and music were excellent--it's the plot and it's telling that left me cold.
June 25, 2008A THRILLER INVOLVING MURDER. THE WIFE IS BRUTALLY MURDERED AFTER INVESTIGATING THE DOINGS OF A DIRTY PHARACEUTICAL COMPANY. HER HUSBAND PICKS UP THE INVESTIGATION OF THE DIRTY DRUG COMPANY AFTER HER DEATH TO FIND OUT WHY SHE DIED. JM
June 1, 2008I don't think "The Constant Gardener" is what one would call a conventional thriller. The culprits are pretty transparent early on but what I think concerns the makers of the film is not whodunit but rather how to shed light on their malfeasence. In the meantime the film offers a lot of food for thought about how the Third World is exploited by the major pharmaceutical companies and their corporate and government accomplices. I think the film also concerns itself with passive diplomat Justin Quayle(Ralph Fiennes) bringing closure to the horrific murder of his activist wife, Tessa(Rachel Weisz). Fiennes is nothing short of brilliant in an understated performance that suggests the anger and frustration that lurks within. Weisz deservedly won an Oscar in an impassioned and effervescent turn so much so that Justin's loss is the audience's loss as well. A truly great film not to be missed.
May 9, 2008 |  | LIfe turned upside down: Spies, Betrayal, Lies, & Taking one for The Queen |  |
A Diplomat's world is turned upside down, and those he trusts become enemies. Spies, betrayal, lies, and manipulations destroy a cultured life. Suddenly, the world around him is revealed, and he realizes that he was living in a world separated from the real world.
Sure, the Brits make for some slow moments, but their is also a lot of action, henchmen, and plot twists to keep you interested. More is revealed, as the movie unfolds, and we sympathize with those affected by the complicated governmental "influences."
There are cultural and other aspects of this film which give it added power and which give the viewer more perspective. I do not want to give anything away, but this movie provides drama, action, and mystery. This is not a James Bond or Bourne film, but the action sequences balance the calm, slower scenes. Both women and men would enjoy this one.
March 22, 2008Weitz won an academy award for her portrail of the crusading wife of a British Diplomat stationed in Kenya. Weitz won the Oscar, but it's the always fanstastic Fiennes who does the heavy lifting. The story is at it's core a love story, a love story of Weitz and Fiennes and a love story of Africa. What I found most shocking was that this is based on a true story!!, I'm just cynical enough to believe that company's do this sort of thing and world powers aquiese for the rich's these enterprises provide, in the case of Britain; much need jobs and for the pharm. company's untold riches. I didnt find the film the least bit preachy; just straight forward and unblinking. I must say, Bill Nightly stole the show in his supporting role of an upper level diplomat in Her Majestys foreign affairs office. The cinemaphotography is breathtaking and the on location shooting was essential to the authenticity of the film. After watching this, you won't look at your medicine cabinet quite the same way again.
February 4, 2008More reviews at Amazon.com ...
Daily Birthdays
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