"Put $50,000 in the right hands and you can test battery acid as skin lotion" what a profound and telling statement.... especially with what's happening in the world today.
482 Reviews
Great story.... and sad truths about Big Pharma
tmendonca-5095617 December 2021
Great Great film.
yolanda_flcn2 September 2005
I thought the movie was great and worthy of the praise it has been getting from audiences and critics alike. Ralph Fiennes gives the performance of his career as a grieving man looking for answers and is slowing discovering the corruption all around him and Rachel Weisz steals the film whole heartily with a really deserving Oscar worthy performance as a human rights activist who will stop at nothing to get at the truth. The story is pretty scary and the cinematography is fantastic. Yes, the shaky camera can get in the way but it's not distracting enough to ruin the film.
If you want to see a movie that will make you think, this is it.
If you want to see a movie that will make you think, this is it.
Beautiful, Haunting and mesmerizing
marylives31 August 2005
Great romantic thrill ride that is made even more special by the performances of Rachel Weisz and Ralph Fiennes, who both give this adaptation of the John Le Carre book a real sense of beauty, dignity and grace with their on target performances. Weisz is perfection as Tessa Qualye, a civil rights activist who is murdered for trying to bring awareness of their illegal practices on the poor natives of an African village. Weisz gives her character a self-righteous drive that is made poignant by her determination and sheer will and she also makes her character human, not a stereotype, which makes her performance the more real. Ralph Finnes plays her grieving husband Justin, who takes up her cause and begins to lean of how wonderful his wife really was and what he missed during the time she was alive. His haunted performance is in my opinion his best ever and is the driving point of this haunting odyssey of justice, lost and self sacrifice. Rachel Weisz and Ralph Fiennes both deserve Oscar nominations for their superb performances and Fernando Meirelles deserves one as well for his superb direction that puts you smack in the middle of the story that is unfolding right in front of you.
Hands down, the best film of the year so far.
Hands down, the best film of the year so far.
Thought-provoking - especially relevant now post Covid-19.
paulclaassen6 February 2023
When I watched 'The Constant Gardener' many years ago, it didn't quite have the same impact as it did now post-Covid. This film makes me wonder what goes on behind the scenes of some of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies. What secrets lie behind closed doors?
Rachel Weisz stars as feisty Tessa Quayle, an outspoken young woman who will do whatever it takes to uncover the truth. The film starts with Sandy (Danny Huston) telling Justin Quayle (Ralph Fiennes) he believes Tessa has just been killed in an accident in Kenya. The film then jumps backwards in time to tell us how Justin and Tessa met, and the circumstances leading up to the accident. When the film catches up again, it continues the story, now with Justin looking for answers.
Justin uncovers more than he bargained for - from conspiracies to cover-ups, and murder. In the process, his own life becomes in danger as he finds himself the target of a pharmaceutical company who wants to prevent a negative report Tessa wrote about them, to surface.
There's a lot of information here to digest, and there are several twists and character reveals. There are also many characters to keep track of, each of which played a pivotal part in the events that lead to Tessa's 'accident'. You have to pay close attention. I nevertheless found the film interesting throughout, and one I rather enjoyed. As mentioned, I found the film more relevant now - and disturbing even - than I did when I first saw it many years before the Covid-19 pandemic. Once you've seen it, you'll understand why.
The film features wonderful performances by Ralph Fiennes and Rachel Weisz, especially. The cinematography was also beautiful.
Rachel Weisz stars as feisty Tessa Quayle, an outspoken young woman who will do whatever it takes to uncover the truth. The film starts with Sandy (Danny Huston) telling Justin Quayle (Ralph Fiennes) he believes Tessa has just been killed in an accident in Kenya. The film then jumps backwards in time to tell us how Justin and Tessa met, and the circumstances leading up to the accident. When the film catches up again, it continues the story, now with Justin looking for answers.
Justin uncovers more than he bargained for - from conspiracies to cover-ups, and murder. In the process, his own life becomes in danger as he finds himself the target of a pharmaceutical company who wants to prevent a negative report Tessa wrote about them, to surface.
There's a lot of information here to digest, and there are several twists and character reveals. There are also many characters to keep track of, each of which played a pivotal part in the events that lead to Tessa's 'accident'. You have to pay close attention. I nevertheless found the film interesting throughout, and one I rather enjoyed. As mentioned, I found the film more relevant now - and disturbing even - than I did when I first saw it many years before the Covid-19 pandemic. Once you've seen it, you'll understand why.
The film features wonderful performances by Ralph Fiennes and Rachel Weisz, especially. The cinematography was also beautiful.
Thought Provoking and Beautifully Stirring Political Potboiler
WriterDave6 September 2005
Ralph Fiennes stars as a British diplomat whose complacency is challenged when he is forced into a soul searching quest for the reasons behind the tragic death of his activist wife (Rachel Weisz) that uncovers a sinister pharmaceutical company in cahoots with British and Kenyan governments testing a new TB drug on expendable HIV+ Africans.
Fiennes gives his most humanistic and endearing performance ever, perhaps even topping his Oscar nominated turns in "Schindler's List" and "The English Patient." Rachel Weisz is an illuminating revelation, turning in the performance of her career. Her character develops and becomes even more compelling after she dies and we learn her secrets through expertly paced flashbacks. Director Fernando Meirelles takes the amazing style he honed with "City of God" and adds a heart with "The Constant Gardener," a big heart that bleeds a beautiful cinematic poeticism onto the screen.
This film truly rewards its audience as it works on so many levels. Like this year's earlier word-of-mouth and hot-button issue sleeper, "Crash," you won't be able to stop talking about it after you leave the theater. The politics here are engaging and bound to stir up even the most complacent viewer. What's even more amazing is that all of the timely political discourse and subsequent thriller aspects of the film (courtesy of the source material, John Le Carre's novel) are wrapped up in a timeless romance. We the audience join Fiennes on his journey, and we rediscover the love story between he and his wife that anchors the film in a poetic realism usually reserved for movies with much less on their minds.
To top it off, it's all delivered in the maddeningly genius Meirelles style that took critics and audiences by storm in his debut "City of God". We have the shaky hand-held camera darting through vibrant and colorful third-world locales juxtaposed with jaw-droppingly gorgeous aerial photography of Africa in all its blazing glory. Meirelles again shows us he is a true artist willing to show both the shocking beauty and abject horror of the people and places that populate his films. Again he delivers a message that people are doing horrible things to other people the world over (be it in the form of wishy-washy governments turning a blind eye, greedy corporations putting a price tag on a human life, local thugs preying on the misfortune of their neighbors, or friends betraying friends). With "City of God" he seemed to be saying the only hope is to document it. With "The Constant Gardener" he makes that argument again and takes it one brilliant step forward. We may not be able to stop a war or a huge global injustice, but we do have the power to help one person at a time. It takes a courageous film to make such a statement, and a brilliant film-maker to deliver it, and that's just what "The Constant Gardener" does.
Fiennes gives his most humanistic and endearing performance ever, perhaps even topping his Oscar nominated turns in "Schindler's List" and "The English Patient." Rachel Weisz is an illuminating revelation, turning in the performance of her career. Her character develops and becomes even more compelling after she dies and we learn her secrets through expertly paced flashbacks. Director Fernando Meirelles takes the amazing style he honed with "City of God" and adds a heart with "The Constant Gardener," a big heart that bleeds a beautiful cinematic poeticism onto the screen.
This film truly rewards its audience as it works on so many levels. Like this year's earlier word-of-mouth and hot-button issue sleeper, "Crash," you won't be able to stop talking about it after you leave the theater. The politics here are engaging and bound to stir up even the most complacent viewer. What's even more amazing is that all of the timely political discourse and subsequent thriller aspects of the film (courtesy of the source material, John Le Carre's novel) are wrapped up in a timeless romance. We the audience join Fiennes on his journey, and we rediscover the love story between he and his wife that anchors the film in a poetic realism usually reserved for movies with much less on their minds.
To top it off, it's all delivered in the maddeningly genius Meirelles style that took critics and audiences by storm in his debut "City of God". We have the shaky hand-held camera darting through vibrant and colorful third-world locales juxtaposed with jaw-droppingly gorgeous aerial photography of Africa in all its blazing glory. Meirelles again shows us he is a true artist willing to show both the shocking beauty and abject horror of the people and places that populate his films. Again he delivers a message that people are doing horrible things to other people the world over (be it in the form of wishy-washy governments turning a blind eye, greedy corporations putting a price tag on a human life, local thugs preying on the misfortune of their neighbors, or friends betraying friends). With "City of God" he seemed to be saying the only hope is to document it. With "The Constant Gardener" he makes that argument again and takes it one brilliant step forward. We may not be able to stop a war or a huge global injustice, but we do have the power to help one person at a time. It takes a courageous film to make such a statement, and a brilliant film-maker to deliver it, and that's just what "The Constant Gardener" does.
Intelligent drama plenty of suspense,intrigue ,moving and sensational performances
ma-cortes30 May 2007
The film concerns about an obstinate and mild-mannered widow named Justin Quayle(Ralph Fiennes),the constant gardener,,he must discover the wife 's death named Tess(Rachel Weisz).She appeared in the lagoon Turkana(location of human being's origin) at a remote zone of Northern Kenya.Tessa'companion,an African medic named Blum,he has fled and is the prime suspect.Quayle helped by his friend Sandy Woodrow(Danny Huston), embarks in a dangerous journey which will take various countries risking his own life and confronting against nasties and powerful pharmacy company ruled by magnate named Pellegrin( Bill Nighy)in charge of delivering vaccine AID,HIV positive into African continent .Meanwhile he memorizes records with Tessa,their lovely relationship by means of continuous flashbacks.He investigates a powerful corporation called CEO, a conspiracy by strange British High Commission and the wrongfully practices and corrupts business of the billionaire pharmaceutical enterprises in third world.
The picture based on John Le Carre novel displays emotion,thriller,suspense and thought-provoking drama. Although sometimes is slow moving,however is developed with sensibility and intelligence but are narrated ethics,moral issues with great sense of ductility ,besides a sour politic critical about the unjust practices of pharmaceutical industry .The tale is supposedly to take place in Kenya ,instead of in South Africa where most part of the production is placed.Exceptional performances for all casting with special mention for two main actors: Ralph Fiennes and Rachel Weisz.She's actually pregnant in a nudism scenes.She won Oscar Academy Award for best acting by an actress in a supporting role.Fernando Mereilles won Alma Award by outstanding director of a motion picture.Evocative,sensible music for nominated Alberto Iglesias(Pedro Almodovar's usual musician) and appropriately cinematography by Cesar Charlone(Merielles' habitual cameraman).Direction by Fernando Mereilles(Oscar winner by City of God,an unflinching portrayal at the underbelly of Rio Janeiro)) is awesome and stylish .The flick will like to denounce-drama enthusiastic and Fiennes and Weisz fans.Rating: Above average.
The picture based on John Le Carre novel displays emotion,thriller,suspense and thought-provoking drama. Although sometimes is slow moving,however is developed with sensibility and intelligence but are narrated ethics,moral issues with great sense of ductility ,besides a sour politic critical about the unjust practices of pharmaceutical industry .The tale is supposedly to take place in Kenya ,instead of in South Africa where most part of the production is placed.Exceptional performances for all casting with special mention for two main actors: Ralph Fiennes and Rachel Weisz.She's actually pregnant in a nudism scenes.She won Oscar Academy Award for best acting by an actress in a supporting role.Fernando Mereilles won Alma Award by outstanding director of a motion picture.Evocative,sensible music for nominated Alberto Iglesias(Pedro Almodovar's usual musician) and appropriately cinematography by Cesar Charlone(Merielles' habitual cameraman).Direction by Fernando Mereilles(Oscar winner by City of God,an unflinching portrayal at the underbelly of Rio Janeiro)) is awesome and stylish .The flick will like to denounce-drama enthusiastic and Fiennes and Weisz fans.Rating: Above average.
Meirelles, Weisz and Fiennes make a modern political masterpiece.
lovemoreself31 August 2005
Intelligent and moving political thriller that should be held right up there with "All The Presidents Men" and "The Killing Fields " as one of the best political thrillers ever made. Fernando Meirelles tops his last directional effort with a thriller that is moving, scary and down right forthright in it's views of big companies gone wrong and the horrors that they are willing to inflect on others for the sake of profit. Rachel Weisz and Ralph Fiennes give career best performances in this film and that's a huge compliment considering the fact that they are good in almost everything they do, even in bad movies. Weisz is strong willed and obsessive and Fiennes is determine and endearing and both of them compliment each other with there destine to be award winning chemistry and acting chops. The director compliments both of them with a view of Africa that is rarely seen in film and a sense of reality that is only found in real life.
Rachel Weisz, Ralph Fiennes and Fernando Meirelles all should be honored at award season for their amazing efforts in this film because as of right now, this is with out a doubt the film to beat come Oscar time.
Rachel Weisz, Ralph Fiennes and Fernando Meirelles all should be honored at award season for their amazing efforts in this film because as of right now, this is with out a doubt the film to beat come Oscar time.
Not a great movie
marc-warner11 November 2005
The constant gardener has it easy. It picks an emotionally charged subject matter and involves issues that are at the forefront of the political agenda. It has to be easier to make a film that has an impact on its audience from this starting point. It could have been genuinely awesome.
However i felt that the film was totally one dimensional. For those that haven't seen it (and this will in no way spoil the plot), the central theme is large biotech companies in Africa. It is undeniable that such companies do exploit the poorer nations but it is likewise undeniable that if such companies didn't exist we would not possess the range of drugs that we do today. There is no question that these companies do some good. With such a rich subject matter an exploration of shades of grey of the debate could be the basis for an excellent film. Sadly the film fell firmly on the anti-biotech side without any sort of fair trial. It is the lack of sophistication about the biotech = bad message that i objected to. Then as if the portrayal wasn't one sided enough anyone involved with either the British government or the biotech company was made a thoroughly unlikeable character in terms of personality.
I don't mean to suggest that as a stand alone piece of work the film was bad. The fact is that by choosing a subject matter that is so emotive the filmmaker must take on certain responsibilities. In the case of the constant gardener i thought the complex issues were not explored at all. We've all seen brilliant movies that balance both sides of a debate, exploring both the "hero's" and the "villain's" motivations, and justifying both to us. The constant gardener does not do this, and i believe is a worse movie for it.
However i felt that the film was totally one dimensional. For those that haven't seen it (and this will in no way spoil the plot), the central theme is large biotech companies in Africa. It is undeniable that such companies do exploit the poorer nations but it is likewise undeniable that if such companies didn't exist we would not possess the range of drugs that we do today. There is no question that these companies do some good. With such a rich subject matter an exploration of shades of grey of the debate could be the basis for an excellent film. Sadly the film fell firmly on the anti-biotech side without any sort of fair trial. It is the lack of sophistication about the biotech = bad message that i objected to. Then as if the portrayal wasn't one sided enough anyone involved with either the British government or the biotech company was made a thoroughly unlikeable character in terms of personality.
I don't mean to suggest that as a stand alone piece of work the film was bad. The fact is that by choosing a subject matter that is so emotive the filmmaker must take on certain responsibilities. In the case of the constant gardener i thought the complex issues were not explored at all. We've all seen brilliant movies that balance both sides of a debate, exploring both the "hero's" and the "villain's" motivations, and justifying both to us. The constant gardener does not do this, and i believe is a worse movie for it.
Haunting, Heartfelt and Horrifying
rayoduck1 September 2005
Slow tension building thriller that is charge even more with the great performances of Rachel Weisz and Ralph Fiennes, who both bring an essence of realism to their roles and a sense of chemistry that is really not found in movies like this anymore. Rachel Weisz brings a ferry fury that is ripe in it's convictions and Ralph Fiennes brings a cool, collective zeal that is a slow building timer ready to emotionally exploded at any minute. Both performances compliment the fine directing of Fernando Meirelles, who gives this tale a sense of brilliance in its storytelling and a sense of the way the world really works. It's a heartfelt story of lost and redemption and it's hauntingly poetic in it's horrifying look at the horrors of a world that is willing to cast a blind eye at the problems of big business and corrupt governments that are willing to do anything in order to make a fast buck. Even going as far than to destroy human life to achieve their goals.
This is a brilliant film and I can't wait to see it again.
This is a brilliant film and I can't wait to see it again.
Strange Cinematography
clagus7 February 2007
Unbearably fidgety camera work, for little or no reason it never stopped moving, tracking in, tracking out, hand held, on dolly, tilted one way then the next, knee high, up in a helicopter, down in a pit looking up. Why not give the actors room to work instead of how clever is the camera. lighting, what lighting? No shot long enough to be able to judge. What disservice to John Carre and the superb actors who were but a background to the camera. What was going through director's (Meirelles)mind? Why distract from the brilliant story with this overly mobile camera and using such very short takes, let us look at the actors faces, they are the stars not the camera. The music was superb!
The cinematography disconnected me
dinaalshibli21 April 2022
There are some flaws in the story, however that is not my main concern with this film. While some people might enjoy the type of cinematography this film had, for me I felt like it ruined the entire film. This type of random cinematography cheapened the film in my opinion, and I also did not like the color palette they put it with either. As stories about corruption are very important I think that this was such a shame, because the film simply lost me because of this and I felt disconnected the message it wanted me to come across. However I do like the theme of the film, and I certainly think more films should be made about corruption and the less fortunate, just not in this way.
Powerful and haunting story
cinemafilo1 September 2005
It's been less than a day since I have seen it and I find it difficult to get it out of my mind. The images and feelings stay with you. The direction, cinematography and editing is superb. If you loved the style of "City of God" with its "documentary style" camera work then you'll love this too. The story is done "non-linear" like it was in the book
.and I thought it made the experience of seeing the movie so much more enjoyable. Since the film starts off very early with the death of Tessa and then continues with Justin's journey of discovery to find out the cause of her death which only seems to bring even more heartache and anger.....the non-linear style allowed for some light hearted moments from Justin and Tessa's marriage to break up the tension.
The performances by both Rachel Weisz and Ralph Fiennes are excellent. The relationship between Justin and Tessa came across as very real and touching and it's a testament to the chemistry between the 2 actors. The intimate moments were some of the most realistic I have ever seen of a couple in love ...unlike "Hollywood movie love". Fiennes performance is unforgettable. I would have to rate this very close to the quality I saw in "Schindler's List". He demonstrates such a change from the beginning of the movie to the end. He conveys so much with just his face. Justin will break your heart especially as he gains wisdom. The soundtrack provides a wonderful complement to Justin's journey of discovery. The music has a haunting quality as does this movie.
It's a testament to Meireilles that the movie seems to slowly draw you in and hooks you as you go along with Justin. It challenges the viewer to see the poverty and forces you to face your own complacency in the world. So as Justin gains wisdom and is forced out of his complacency .. it is like Meireilles is turning the mirror towards the audience and asking them "Do you see what's happening in the world? What are you going to do about it?". It is a powerful and moving story and I think will soon become a favorite. I expect nominations for all the major categories.
The performances by both Rachel Weisz and Ralph Fiennes are excellent. The relationship between Justin and Tessa came across as very real and touching and it's a testament to the chemistry between the 2 actors. The intimate moments were some of the most realistic I have ever seen of a couple in love ...unlike "Hollywood movie love". Fiennes performance is unforgettable. I would have to rate this very close to the quality I saw in "Schindler's List". He demonstrates such a change from the beginning of the movie to the end. He conveys so much with just his face. Justin will break your heart especially as he gains wisdom. The soundtrack provides a wonderful complement to Justin's journey of discovery. The music has a haunting quality as does this movie.
It's a testament to Meireilles that the movie seems to slowly draw you in and hooks you as you go along with Justin. It challenges the viewer to see the poverty and forces you to face your own complacency in the world. So as Justin gains wisdom and is forced out of his complacency .. it is like Meireilles is turning the mirror towards the audience and asking them "Do you see what's happening in the world? What are you going to do about it?". It is a powerful and moving story and I think will soon become a favorite. I expect nominations for all the major categories.
Stunning....
Piltdown_Man20 September 2005
This is a rare gem in today's gravel pit of features. Rachel Weisz is truly transcendent. She is just so immensely real and powerful and alive! Fienne's role as that of a somewhat distant man is the perfect complement to this.
Visually, this is one of the finest films I've seen in years; the editing is brilliant and the cinematography is beautiful; the DP gives us subtle stylistic cues and approaches which highlight the many different worlds we encounter, from the abject poverty of Africa to the interior of a private London club.
See this film...and see what a movie can really be.
Visually, this is one of the finest films I've seen in years; the editing is brilliant and the cinematography is beautiful; the DP gives us subtle stylistic cues and approaches which highlight the many different worlds we encounter, from the abject poverty of Africa to the interior of a private London club.
See this film...and see what a movie can really be.
A depressing and frustrating experience
abum1904 October 2006
The movie's frustrating because it gives you a problem in this world to be angry about, depressing because that problem probably won't be solved anytime too soon. It becomes even more depressing because it puts more than one face on the problem and allows us to see the issue through someone who experienced it firsthand.
It doesn't matter if that person is fictional or not. Ralph Fiennes makes him real, and Meirelles surrounds him with what looks and feels like the real world. Ralph Fiennes plays Justin Quayle, a British diplomat married to Tessa (Rachel Weisz, in a heartbreaking performance just as noteworthy as Fiennes's). Justin has a job to do in Africa, and Tessa makes him take her with him, despite his misgivings. They end up entangled in a pharmaceutical battle that has taken lives before and, before the movie is over, will take many more.
The subject matter here begs to be heard, and Meirelles has provided it with a compelling venue. He films with a style that constantly keeps us engaged. It's hard to find fault with this movie. I didn't find myself wholeheartedly loving it either, but I admire it for its courage and emotional truth. The Constant Gardener grips you from the start in the lives of these two people and never lets you go, not even when the movie is over. It's hard to forget this story. I wouldn't want to.
It doesn't matter if that person is fictional or not. Ralph Fiennes makes him real, and Meirelles surrounds him with what looks and feels like the real world. Ralph Fiennes plays Justin Quayle, a British diplomat married to Tessa (Rachel Weisz, in a heartbreaking performance just as noteworthy as Fiennes's). Justin has a job to do in Africa, and Tessa makes him take her with him, despite his misgivings. They end up entangled in a pharmaceutical battle that has taken lives before and, before the movie is over, will take many more.
The subject matter here begs to be heard, and Meirelles has provided it with a compelling venue. He films with a style that constantly keeps us engaged. It's hard to find fault with this movie. I didn't find myself wholeheartedly loving it either, but I admire it for its courage and emotional truth. The Constant Gardener grips you from the start in the lives of these two people and never lets you go, not even when the movie is over. It's hard to forget this story. I wouldn't want to.
intelligent story
MLDinTN8 August 2006
This movie was good; the well written script had a lot to do with it. While many films have plot holes and silly stunts, this movie had a real story and was realistic. You could picture something like this happening in real life. A diplomat's wife, Tessa, is gathering evidence against a big pharmaceutical company, that is using an experimental drug on the poor of Africa. The Africans must give consent to take the drug in order to receive any kind of medical care. The company covers up the people who die from the drug. They are buried in unmarked graves. It seems the company doesn't want to go back to the drawing board with their drug by admitting it has serious side effects. It would the cost the company a couple of years and millions of dollars to redesign the drug. Instead, they adjust the drug undercover so, they can keep running trials on the poor.
Tessa is murdered along with her friend who was helping. Her husband, Justin, starts investigating what his wife was working on, and soon finds his life is in danger.
So, the movie is basically a well acted murder mystery with a believable plot and resolution.
FINAL VERDICT: Well written. I'm sure the teen crowd would say its slow and boring since there are no explosions and girls in bikinis. But, I recommend this if you like intelligent films.
Tessa is murdered along with her friend who was helping. Her husband, Justin, starts investigating what his wife was working on, and soon finds his life is in danger.
So, the movie is basically a well acted murder mystery with a believable plot and resolution.
FINAL VERDICT: Well written. I'm sure the teen crowd would say its slow and boring since there are no explosions and girls in bikinis. But, I recommend this if you like intelligent films.
great
SnoopyStyle12 October 2016
Justin Quayle (Ralph Fiennes) is a mild-mannered British diplomat. His wife Tessa Quayle (Rachel Weisz) is killed in remote Kenya. She was an activist researching a corrupt pharmaceutical company. His friend Sandy Woodrow (Danny Huston) is the High Commissioner in Nairobi. He starts investigating Tessa's murder and her research. He finds her friend Dr. Arnold Bluhm was also killed.
The movie does have the jumbo structure flashing back and forth. It would work even better if Justin starts investigating sooner. It's not until midpoint when Justin goes off into the field. The flashbacks could be incorporated into the investigating. The little clues are better if Justin is looking for them. Otherwise, this is a first class movie. It has an exotic African location, great performances, and a passionate story with a social angle. This is one of those great murky John le Carré espionage tales.
The movie does have the jumbo structure flashing back and forth. It would work even better if Justin starts investigating sooner. It's not until midpoint when Justin goes off into the field. The flashbacks could be incorporated into the investigating. The little clues are better if Justin is looking for them. Otherwise, this is a first class movie. It has an exotic African location, great performances, and a passionate story with a social angle. This is one of those great murky John le Carré espionage tales.
Well made film
leanawin24 July 2021
This was a well done movie, with a definite undercurrent of conspiracy theory, justified though it may be. The topic is horrific, really; desperately ill, defenseless, trusting people in third world countries used as guinea pigs in experiments that are frequently fatal for them. But, hey! They have no real voice, so it must be okay.
It left me wondering: "How close to the truth did they actually come?"
WCS0231 August 2005
I walked away from The Constant Gardener wondering how drug companies actually bench test their drugs. (The current Vioxx settlement certainly inspired cynicism) This is a thriller for the thinking crowd with sufficient chase scenes and action sequences to justify the genre. It's paced slower then the average Grisham or Ludlum (Jason Bourne) movies I've come to love. But if you're interested in the stark realities of how medicines are tested in third world nations without having to endure negative consequences, this is a film you will want to see. It purports to reveal real-world events from Africa.
Pharmaceutical company corporate greed and compromised government ethics set the mood as Ralph Fiennes and Rachel Weisz (on separate courses) do what they can to reveal the corruption spinning all around them. Fiennes is a British diplomat who understands what it takes to succeed in a compromising diplomatic position. Weisz refuses to give in. She's on a mission to reveal the truth - taking the political activist route - from the moment they meet. Fiennes is a love interest to the luscious Weisz, someone who offers an opportunity to cut the red tape and speed the truth about the mischief to which the drug company(s) are up to in Africa.
It's a brilliant movie showcasing how third world countries are (or can be) exploited. It deals with how a major pharmaceutical firm conducts harmful tests on ignorant, unsuspecting Kenyans. We see the other side of Africa the side unseen in the enticing Kenyan safari tourist posters.
This is a thriller that thrills both the mind as well as the spirit. It left me wondering, "how close to the truth did they actually come?"
Pharmaceutical company corporate greed and compromised government ethics set the mood as Ralph Fiennes and Rachel Weisz (on separate courses) do what they can to reveal the corruption spinning all around them. Fiennes is a British diplomat who understands what it takes to succeed in a compromising diplomatic position. Weisz refuses to give in. She's on a mission to reveal the truth - taking the political activist route - from the moment they meet. Fiennes is a love interest to the luscious Weisz, someone who offers an opportunity to cut the red tape and speed the truth about the mischief to which the drug company(s) are up to in Africa.
It's a brilliant movie showcasing how third world countries are (or can be) exploited. It deals with how a major pharmaceutical firm conducts harmful tests on ignorant, unsuspecting Kenyans. We see the other side of Africa the side unseen in the enticing Kenyan safari tourist posters.
This is a thriller that thrills both the mind as well as the spirit. It left me wondering, "how close to the truth did they actually come?"
CONSTANCY INEVITABLY UNEARTHS THE TRUTH!
Tony-Kiss-Castillo19 December 2023
The Constant Gardener shines with great intensity, but in a way that is rather subtle, somewhat occult, just beneath the surface.
It's the kind of "Thriller" where more often than not, a silent expression or a nervous pause communicates more than a hundred words of dialogue! Directed with panache, intrigue and passion in both scope and focus by Brazilian Fernando Meirelles (City of God), has created a tale of international dimensions!
Based on the work of John le Carré, Gardener shows us the sinister side of pharmaceutical multinationals, where human life in Third World countries serves to supply their perverse drug trials, in pursuit of ever bigger record profits!
Rachel Weisz (The Mummy, The Mummy Returns, Constantine) has been awarded a much-deserved Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress for her role as activist and wife. Also, Ms. Weisz most certainly deserved her Oscar win! The subtlety, complexity, originality and freshness of her portrayal are nothing short of amazing.
Ralph Fiennes (The English Patient, Maid in Manhattan), despite giving one of the best performances of his life, curiously, did not even receive a Golden Globe nomination!!!
GARDNER demonstrates clearly to us that often the reality of things is not what it seems at first glance.
Justin Quayle (Fiennes) is a mid-level diplomat. He is tormented by persistent rumors and some strong indications of frequent infidelities by his activist wife. When she becomes the victim of a violent and gruesome murder, perhaps at the hands of her alleged African lover, Qualye senses something is askance and begins a methodical and patient investigation. To the extent that he gradually inches closer to the truth, threats and pressures to desist his inquiry increase exponentially!
But as secrets of his late wife's life continue to be revealed, her image has changed completely; Mr. Quayle has become obsessed with arriving at the truth, regardless of the consequences. Also, Quayle, now quite repentant for having doubted his wife to the extent he did, now comes to realize that the most suitable place for him would have been beside the wife who loved him so dearly!.
Thusly, Gardener combines several diverse elements like suspense, political intrigue, romance, action, research and international outreach with masterful skill and powerful intensity.
9*********...ENJOY!.../...DISFRUTELA!!
Any comments, questions or suggestions, in English o en Español are most welcome!
It's the kind of "Thriller" where more often than not, a silent expression or a nervous pause communicates more than a hundred words of dialogue! Directed with panache, intrigue and passion in both scope and focus by Brazilian Fernando Meirelles (City of God), has created a tale of international dimensions!
Based on the work of John le Carré, Gardener shows us the sinister side of pharmaceutical multinationals, where human life in Third World countries serves to supply their perverse drug trials, in pursuit of ever bigger record profits!
Rachel Weisz (The Mummy, The Mummy Returns, Constantine) has been awarded a much-deserved Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress for her role as activist and wife. Also, Ms. Weisz most certainly deserved her Oscar win! The subtlety, complexity, originality and freshness of her portrayal are nothing short of amazing.
Ralph Fiennes (The English Patient, Maid in Manhattan), despite giving one of the best performances of his life, curiously, did not even receive a Golden Globe nomination!!!
GARDNER demonstrates clearly to us that often the reality of things is not what it seems at first glance.
Justin Quayle (Fiennes) is a mid-level diplomat. He is tormented by persistent rumors and some strong indications of frequent infidelities by his activist wife. When she becomes the victim of a violent and gruesome murder, perhaps at the hands of her alleged African lover, Qualye senses something is askance and begins a methodical and patient investigation. To the extent that he gradually inches closer to the truth, threats and pressures to desist his inquiry increase exponentially!
But as secrets of his late wife's life continue to be revealed, her image has changed completely; Mr. Quayle has become obsessed with arriving at the truth, regardless of the consequences. Also, Quayle, now quite repentant for having doubted his wife to the extent he did, now comes to realize that the most suitable place for him would have been beside the wife who loved him so dearly!.
Thusly, Gardener combines several diverse elements like suspense, political intrigue, romance, action, research and international outreach with masterful skill and powerful intensity.
9*********...ENJOY!.../...DISFRUTELA!!
Any comments, questions or suggestions, in English o en Español are most welcome!
An Extraordinary and Moving film.
threebotsfive15 August 2006
Passionate, Intense and moving political thriller that not only fulfills it duties perfectly as a great and passionate film. Ralph Fiennes is at his best with a performance that should once and for all show people on how versatile he really is with a somber performance that is a study of how human expression can tell one' feelings and one's actions. To just look at this man act is a gift in itself and he is at his best here. While Fiennes is at his best, he is outdone by the powerful and graceful performance of Rachel Weisz, which makes this film as powerful and as haunting as it is. She brings a sense of playfulness, mystery and strong will that has not been giving by an actress in the last few years. Her character is wrap in mystery and is only remembered in flashbacks but while you are trying to piece together the truth, you still will morn for her character in the way Justin does for her and be outrage by the circumstances that is responsible for her death. The cinematography is amazing and the direction by Fernando Meirelles is just as inspiring. He lets the actors become the characters and it flows like a running steam of fresh water that is refreshing as well as uplifting.
Movies don't get any better than this.
Movies don't get any better than this.
Suspense filled, beautifully crafted and genuinely brilliant.
nick-81418 September 2005
A really great adaptation of Le Carre's book, the film is taught and filled with excellent performances. A love story told from a unique perspective, the plot extends through corruption, murder and how international corporations influence government and value peoples' lives by the currency of their relative media value.
I loved the film and the story despite the deep shame it made me feel about my ignorance of what the government that claims to represent me might be doing around the world and the genuine plight of the African peoples and how, probably, some of my good fortune in life is at their expense.
This is a thought provoking film - there was almost absolute silence in the theatre when the film finished - I hope lots of people go to see the film and then stop to ask themselves how much of the story is true, how much is credible and what they want to do about it.
Credit goes to Le Carre, he has a position where he can raise the profile of hugely important issues in the public eye, ask difficult questions and if this is the standard he sets, long may he continue.
I loved the film and the story despite the deep shame it made me feel about my ignorance of what the government that claims to represent me might be doing around the world and the genuine plight of the African peoples and how, probably, some of my good fortune in life is at their expense.
This is a thought provoking film - there was almost absolute silence in the theatre when the film finished - I hope lots of people go to see the film and then stop to ask themselves how much of the story is true, how much is credible and what they want to do about it.
Credit goes to Le Carre, he has a position where he can raise the profile of hugely important issues in the public eye, ask difficult questions and if this is the standard he sets, long may he continue.
Behind Every Woman
thinker16915 April 2006
The Constant Gardner is an extremely surprising film in which Ralph Fiennes takes the life of Justin Quayle and blends it into the globe-trotting secrets of his spouse, played by Rachel Weisz. The wife herself is on a secretive high speed mission to expose the deadly pharmaceutical business of uncaring corporations out to make millions on the bodies of dead Africans. With the wife surreptitious and "Accidently" removed from meddling into the affairs of their company, upper management believes that sufficient monies will keep the soft spoken and laid back life style husband out of their affairs. They are mistaken. Instead of holding him in place, all efforts by the corporations are unleashed when they learn that Justin will not rest until he exposes his wife's killers. Action based and moralistically implied, the film earned high praise for it's sympathetic approach to the plight of millions of starving and dying Africans. A surprising performance is offered by the extremely talented Pete Postlethwaite as Doctor Brandt. ***
Constant tedium
kenjha9 April 2006
Fiennes is a man who tries to piece together the puzzle after his wife (Weisz) has been murdered in Africa. The story is told in a documentary fashion amid the political turmoil in Kenya. Fiennes and Weisz are both excellent actors and give earnest performances. The problem is that there are too many talking heads and the story wanders all over the place and goes on forever. It takes an effort to keep up with the convoluted plot. It may have served the filmmakers better to focus on only the most important elements of le Carre's novel, thereby creating a tighter and more focused film. Maybe it's just not my cup of tea but I remember having the same feeling reading one of le Carre's novels (Tinker, Tailer, Soldier, Spy): too much tedious detail.
"No country is as unfair as the world itself"
DCJerzeygrl27 July 2005
"City of God" director, Fernando Meirelles, does NOT disappoint with his film translation of the John Le Carré novel "The Constant Gardener." His treatment of the violence is on par with "COG." Subtly shown, emotionally felt, yet not glorified. In comparing the slums I've personally seen in South America, I'm drawn to the Kenyan slums on film, because of the way Fernando renders them. Yes, they are terrible, but you really don't want to look away.
Unfortunately, I have not read the novel; therefore I cannot draw conclusions (this situation will be remedied next week).
Major kudos to Ralph Fiennes for choosing Fernando Meirelles as director and to Richard McCabe, Pete Postlethwaite, Rachel Weisz, Bill Nighy, Hubert Koundé, Gerard McSorley for a job well done they're a fabulous cast. "The Constant Gardener" is a visually alive, emotionally moving film, not as ferocious as "City of God" but thought-provoking nonetheless.
Personally, I found Mr. Meirelles focused, curious, not at all jaded & cynical, down-to-earth, warm and compassionate. He conducted a Q&A after the screening of "The Constant Gardener" in Washington, DC last night. At the post-screening reception, Mr. Meirelles graciously made himself accessible to all attendees. I hope the lovely people of Venice accept "The Constant Gardener" to their festival!!
Mr. Meirelles is currently making a new movie that, through the effects of globalization, unites 5 different stories of people, spanning a myriad of cultures in Brazil, China, Kenya, NYC and the desert. Best of Luck!
Unfortunately, I have not read the novel; therefore I cannot draw conclusions (this situation will be remedied next week).
Major kudos to Ralph Fiennes for choosing Fernando Meirelles as director and to Richard McCabe, Pete Postlethwaite, Rachel Weisz, Bill Nighy, Hubert Koundé, Gerard McSorley for a job well done they're a fabulous cast. "The Constant Gardener" is a visually alive, emotionally moving film, not as ferocious as "City of God" but thought-provoking nonetheless.
Personally, I found Mr. Meirelles focused, curious, not at all jaded & cynical, down-to-earth, warm and compassionate. He conducted a Q&A after the screening of "The Constant Gardener" in Washington, DC last night. At the post-screening reception, Mr. Meirelles graciously made himself accessible to all attendees. I hope the lovely people of Venice accept "The Constant Gardener" to their festival!!
Mr. Meirelles is currently making a new movie that, through the effects of globalization, unites 5 different stories of people, spanning a myriad of cultures in Brazil, China, Kenya, NYC and the desert. Best of Luck!
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
