RonMexico

City of God was one of my favorite movies of all time. I am a little hesitant to buy the Constant Gardener because of the subject. Vitamins and Ralph Fiennes doesnt seem too sexy after a movie about brutal gangs in Brazil starring local kids. The reviews have been good but ive been burned before.

I love beautiful movies and COG, so Im wondering if it would be a good blind buy

DonnachaOne

If you liked City Of God, then yes. The style is similar and Ralph Fiennes' performance is nothing short of brilliant.

RonMexico

Thanks for the feedback

Artman

Curious to check this one out as well. Is the liberalism really in-your-face or is that just touched upon?

DonnachaOne

Ralph Fiennes character is a bureaucrat, mouthpiece for the government; basically, he shuts up until he's told to say something prepared. As he goes on his journey, he meets various people who tell him - and the audience - about "how things really work", but that doesn't affect him as much as much as the information he can glean about his wife. The conflicts are less about liberals and conservatives as much as they are about a greedy rich sucking ife from the poor. Anyone who appreciates good filmmaking can appreciate The Constant Gardener, whatever their political stance.

pro-bassoonist

Huh? Exactly what is that statement meant to reflect? The Constant Gardener is as liberal as Platoon is pro-war!

With this said, the film has very little in common with City of God. The director uses a completely different approach to build up his story and the deductive scheme which Feinnes follows is nothing short of brilliant. One of the best films to come out of Germany/England in the last 10 years.

Ciao,
Pro-B

Cinemaddiction

Came across as one of those "political thrillers" that adults, who are looking to kill two hours, can appreciate, a la "The Interpreter". Moderately paced, with a somewhat fulfilling payoff.

pro-bassoonist

Could not disagree more!! The only other film that impressed me as much as The Constant Gardener in terms of intelligent storytelling is probably M. Mann's The Insider.

Ciao,
Pro-B

illennium

The Tailor of Panama was quite good (another John Le Carre adaptation).

RonMexico

Wow thats high praise

DonnachaOne

... and deserved, too.

Heavens, you're going to put in the DVD and expect a visit from God now. I hope we're not building up your expectations too much.

Bateman

I agree and though Syriana was also up there in that regard as well as some similarities with Constant Gardener.

Bateman

I had some very high expectations when I first watched it. I absoluty loved City of God and was looking foward to another Meirelles film. Add that with a screenplay based on a John le Carré novel (which tend to adapt well in film) and starring Ralph Fiennes. I wish I would have watched it when it first came out in the theaters but I still enjoyed it very much on DVD.

dpz301

Was a very good movie and worth it. It was slow at some points, but it didn't make the film boring in any way.

DoubleDownAgain

A very well mad movie, in all aspects. For reasons I have yet to pinpoint I just didn't enjoy it very much.

Willh51

I blind bought this and yes, I feel it was worth it. The acting is very good, as is the story. It is moderately paced, not slow imo and has some very intriguing scenes.

OldBoy

this was such a fantastic, knock you on your ass movie that captivated me. Ralph was just so good. finishing what she couldn't...he showed such a palette of emotion right down to the dramatic end. he was utterly amazing!

Ralph should have been nominated, moreso than Rachel.

purplechoe

Yikes, talking about one of the most over rated movies of the year. Not nearly as good as City of God. I had high hopes for this one, but "art" it is not.

theneobez

I actually prefer this film to City of God, though of course, both are incredible. Constant Gardener is in my top 3 for 2005.

JaxComet

This flick is a true one time watch. It's good ,but I can't see myself ever wanting to see it again..........

nycdude

what he said.