The Constant Gardener

[Ambrya]

I'm not sure how much I am or am not allowed to spoil here, so I will try to couch my remarks in general terms so as not to spoil the plot for anyone who hasn't seen it yet.

I went into this movie drawn by the strength of the casting alone, really not having much of an idea of what it was about, and was thoroughly pleased with the result.

Most striking was the quasi-documentary style of the filming, which at times could be a little unsettling because it took a while to make out what you were looking at, but really was a perfect match for the very harsh, stark subject matter the movie was dealing with. Glamour make-up was used sparingly, if at all, even on the women, further adding to the realism.

The plot was tight and the way the story unwound between flashbacks and present day very well done. I kept expecting some very cliched, Hollywood-style plot twists regarding Ralph Fiennes involvement in the fate of Rachel Weisz's character, and then found myself wonderfully surprised when they didn't come.

At any rate, a very well-made, wonderfully acted, and somewhat disturbing and thought-provoking movie. Not light entertainment by any stretch of the imagination; don't go if all you want is to be amused and entertained.

[Tuluz]

I agree with Ambrya here. A very thought provoking move. Very well done. I like both of the main actors/actresses in general. They perform excellently here.

I completely empathized with Ralph Fiennes character here. I would have been suspicious just like him at first then once I found out what was really going on I would have gone done the very same road he did.

Good flick, very heavy subject matter. If you are looking for something light this is not your movie. If you are looking for great acting, cinematography and something that doesn't make you less intelligent for watching it this is for you.

[Erling E.]

I absolutely loved this movie. I appreciate the fact that they shyed away from over-using action elements. I've been to Kenya and Nairobi myself - even around the slum area that was in the film - and I completely felt like I was back there again. It was very realistic in that way.

I love the landscape shots in this movie. Having travelled through Kenya by car myself, again I completely felt like it was the same country I visited. Using the Lake Turcana setting was excellent - it is unbelievably beutiful there.

[minor spoiler]

The moment that really brought tears to my eyes, was when Ralph Fiennes character went back to Rachel Weisz' character's apartement, and started crying outside in the rain. Other than that, the movie had many precious moments that made my heart ache a little. Kenya is definetly near my heart.

And it surely dosn't hurt that Rachel Weisz is the most beautiful actress in the known universe.