Every so often an exciting young new director comes on the scene who once you see their first few movies you know that everyone they direct from then on will be one to watch, Quinten Tarrantino in the 90's comes to mind. With "The Constant Gardener" following the brilliant "City of God" from 2003, Brazilian director Fernando Mierreles may be the next. His movies are alive and fresh giving beauty and life to some of the most poor, destitute places in the world. In "City of God" it was the slums of Rio de' Jenero, in "The Constant Garder" it is the shanty town of Nairobi, Kenya. In both movies he brings out the life that is burning strong within these places, but which most observers would probably miss because they are too distracted by the horrid conditions and the severe poverty.
Before I give my full review I highly reccomend that everybody sees Mierreles debut "City of God," it is a foreign movie with subtitles from Brazil which maybe was the best movie overall out of that year. (With the exception of course of "Lord of the Rings: Return of the King") yet wasn't even nominated for best foreign language film! (One of my posts in the future is worst Oscar f-ups... here's a preview: "Titanic" over "L.A. Confidential!") But I digress, "The Constant Gardener" is Mierreles first foray into English film and it does not dissapoint, an excellent follow up to a tremendous debut.
"The Constant Gardener" is a balances several genres in one movie, it is a murder-mystery, and a critique of big-business corruption. But at its heart it is a moving love story. The greatness of this movie is that it is able to blend these seemingly different genres into one beautiful whole, so that each aspect is integral to and supported by the other. I will not get to deep into describing the story because a major plot developement happens early in the movie and is the basis of the ensuing mystery.
The movie is grounded by several excellent performances, especially from the two leads, Ralph Fiennes, as Justin Quayle, a mid-level British Ambassador to Kenya, whose passion is his garden, and Rachel Weiss as his wife, Tessa, a strong willed activist for human rights in Africa. Weiss, who rightfully won an academy award for best supporting actress for this role, gives a strong performance. Tessa is a strong willed, terse, and vocal activist and Weiss portrays the intensity of her beliefs with great passion, but also handles the quieter, sensitive side of Tessa's personality with equal passion. We come to discover through the course of the movie, as does her husband, Justin, the resons behind her motives and spirit, and as the movie progresses so does the depth of the character, Tessa. The same can be said for Justin, he at first seems to be a bit of a bore; introverted and more interested in his garden and his predictable plants than to human relationships. But through the developements of the plot, a fire is stoked in his belly, and he comes to find and release the same passion within himself that Tessa wears so proudly on her sleeve. Fiennes is equal to the task and what can be said for Weiss's performance is also true for his.
The excellent screenplay, complicated full of flashbacks and memory flashes, is grounded by the performances, but at the heart of the story is Kenya. Mierelles is brilliant at filming on location and finding the beauty within the most desolate of places. Throughout "The Constant Garderner" Mierrelles finds this beauty in the vast wilderness of the African landscape, and especially within the residents of the location. He utilizes the residents and makes them an integral part of the story, movingly portraying the vitality, determination, life, and love of the Kenyans he films. He proves that the beauty of any place comes not just from the physical landscape, but especially from the people who inhabit the place. Africa proves to be the most lasting aspect in the viewer who wathces this excellent movie.
Please see this movie, and "City of God" because they have the feeling of the beginning of a great career for a wonderful director. The life and energy Mierelles brings to "The Constant Garderner" is arresting, and moving. But when you add to that a great screenplay and strong acting all around, what you get is a memorable, excellent movie.
4 out of 5 stars
City of God: 5 of 5
Note: Brian, interesting that you reviewed "City of God." I actually started this review months ago, and am glad that you have seen it. I agree with Zack, and no disrespect to you, but "City of God" is one of my favorite movies... now you have to see "The Constant Gardener." I can't wait to see what he does next. It will be hard to keep up.
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