The Constant Gardener Details

[Highly rated reviewer]

Gripping tragic love story hidden behind a propaganda thriller

I didn't know what to expect but this movie hit lots of my favourite buttons. Fiennes and Weisz are outstanding, and are supported by Bill Nye (always excellent - here the exact opposite of his Love Actually role), Pete Postlethwaite, and other familiar faces.

The ostensible plot revolves around nasty capitalist pharma companies killing innocent Africans, in cahoots with the naughty British government. Amidst many beautiful settings (in London and in Africa), there is the occasional overwraught scene by the famous Brazilian director. There are marriages, mistresses and MI6 - complete with references to Bond.

But despite the minor gripes, overall the story is compelling, the (white, British) characters charismatic, and your initial ebb and ultimate flow are completely controlled thru-out in a master performance. One to watch for 2006 Ocars.

Close to being a great film

Evocative drama which was very nearly a great film, but in my opinion fell short by not slowing down enough to create convincing characters or understandable plot lines.

The love affair between Weisz and Fiennes just isn't believable - I can't see any chemistry there at all. The pharmaceutical company theme never seems to be developed enough to make it intriguing. It's never entirely clear who is doing what in the dipomatic service. And I'm sorry, but Fiennes final scene just doesn't seem to fit his character at all.

Having said that, I did really enjoy the film! It gave a creditable portrayal of life in Africa, and the plot was interesting enough to keep you engaged the whole way through.

So I do recommend it - it's just a pity that it was so close to being unmissable.