The Constant Gardener
Focus Features | Release Date: August 31, 2005
7.0
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 294 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
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192
Mixed:
54
Negative:
48
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User Reviews

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5
StanleyS.Sep 18, 2005
Anyone that has read an article or two about the subject matter which this movie deals with (i.e. drug testing on 3rd world populations) will be bored-silly by this movie. Some may find that the interplay between the personal and political Anyone that has read an article or two about the subject matter which this movie deals with (i.e. drug testing on 3rd world populations) will be bored-silly by this movie. Some may find that the interplay between the personal and political aspects of the film to be interesting, but for me it leaves the movie muddled. The ethical issues are oversimplified, character development is MIA and the plot is not tight or thrilling. Judging from the critics' response, this is the most over-rated movie of the year.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
EduardoC.Sep 18, 2005
Intelligent.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
3
GeoSep 17, 2005
Having a 60's-style raging "I'll fight for everybody's rights, even if it gets me killed"-activist married to a conservative, British diplomat, is as implausible, as it is impractical as a device that drives the story - it Having a 60's-style raging "I'll fight for everybody's rights, even if it gets me killed"-activist married to a conservative, British diplomat, is as implausible, as it is impractical as a device that drives the story - it makes everything predictable in a crass, boring, no-surprises-left way. The raw, deliberately shakey camera work , and very quick cuts try to create visual tension, and extreme closeups that drive most indoor scenes project the feeling of oppressivenes. All of this fancy shooting might work, if the plot was actually dynamic or suspenseful. But since it is not, all the camera fireworks seem fake, "artsy," and gimmicky attempts to give the coveted "arthouse movie" feel to an otherwise plodding, boring, and largely predictable production.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
JulieSep 17, 2005
Mesmerizing
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
SteveSep 17, 2005
Brilliant picture!!!
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
CriticsRmadSep 16, 2005
The relationship between the two characters was touching and believable, but the movie as a whole was okay. Very slow, with a seemingly simple plot played over 2+ hrs.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
SteveC.Sep 16, 2005
The acting and the story line were excellent -- and the focus on the evils of the large, multi-national drug companies is long overdue. This otherwise excellent film is absolutly ruined by the manic cinemaphotography and editing: it had the The acting and the story line were excellent -- and the focus on the evils of the large, multi-national drug companies is long overdue. This otherwise excellent film is absolutly ruined by the manic cinemaphotography and editing: it had the look and feel of seeing the world through the eyes of a crystal meth addict. All the fine acting was completely upstaged by out-of-focus, jerky, and just plain sloppy camera work that never let the viewer completely relate to the characters or the plot. A pitty!… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
2
DetroitSep 15, 2005
Awful, slow and boring.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
3
AndrewW.Sep 14, 2005
A horrible movie, so predictable, that i found myself thinking there must be some other twist. movie was not the worst ever, but since it got the best reviews of the year, i believe the movie critics and the makers are in bed together. movieA horrible movie, so predictable, that i found myself thinking there must be some other twist. movie was not the worst ever, but since it got the best reviews of the year, i believe the movie critics and the makers are in bed together. movie sales have steadily been going down for couple years, worst slump ever for movies, running out of good ideas, they need sales, which is why they give a totally mediocre movie like this good reviews. you heard it here first.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
AndyB.Sep 13, 2005
Fiennes character was one of the most interesting that I have seen in a very long time. I was never caught up in suspense or intrigue with what would happen next, but rather with what "he" would do next. He was an exagerrated nice guy, never Fiennes character was one of the most interesting that I have seen in a very long time. I was never caught up in suspense or intrigue with what would happen next, but rather with what "he" would do next. He was an exagerrated nice guy, never ruffling feathers, no judgement and no interference in others' affairs. I thought this movie was more about his path toward taking a stand for something. The story itself was pretty interesting and Weisz was amazing as usual.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
DanB.Sep 13, 2005
The thing about "intelligent thrillers" is that they're often more intelligent than thrilling. And when they are then not as intelligent as they might think they are, then... regardless, good acting, looks lovely, good story... but a The thing about "intelligent thrillers" is that they're often more intelligent than thrilling. And when they are then not as intelligent as they might think they are, then... regardless, good acting, looks lovely, good story... but a bit slow for a purported thriller, and its political message is weakened simply because it's so one sided. It could be perfectly correct and true and I would be skeptical, because it's so one-sided.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
3
AlvinSep 13, 2005
Grossly overrated with a self serving implausible storyline. Do we really believe the pharmaceutical giant corporations are out to kill humanity? Like everything else before we obtain FDA approval a drug must be tested. Have you ever heard Grossly overrated with a self serving implausible storyline. Do we really believe the pharmaceutical giant corporations are out to kill humanity? Like everything else before we obtain FDA approval a drug must be tested. Have you ever heard the expression "Being a pawn?" This is true for every facet of life. The poor are always our soliders and guinea pigs. These medicines must be tested somewhere? Where do you think we should start at the top of the food chain or the bottom? These drugs are given for free to the impoverished nations of the world. These medicines by and large help cure and prevent disease. To make the drug companies out to be cold blooded killers is not fair. Just another propaganda film to make us think otherwise. And before you think I have a agenda, NO I don't work for or any drug company or have a relative/friend that does. It just appalls me to see something sensationalized to make a movie and a boring one at that.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
PaulA.Sep 12, 2005
Simply a great film...truly what filmmaking should be about: commenting on the human condition while entertaining.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
DavidD.Sep 12, 2005
With the exception of one very short period, this movie kept me involved from start to finish. Extremely well acted by all.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
KenG.Sep 11, 2005
Intelligent thriller, which was well acted and also works as a poignant love story, thanks largely to genuine chemistry between Fiennes, and Weiss. It is also nice to see that this movie understands that a thriller doesn't have to have Intelligent thriller, which was well acted and also works as a poignant love story, thanks largely to genuine chemistry between Fiennes, and Weiss. It is also nice to see that this movie understands that a thriller doesn't have to have large body counts, or characters whose only point in being in the movie is to be knocked off. I hope Hollywood is taking notes, but I doubt it. However, this movie blows its ending (alot of movies this year have done that) for 2 reasons. First of all it is overly vague, (and takes on an artsy-pretentious feel) even allowing for the fact that not everything has to be spoon-fed to us. Secondly, it feels phony. Fiennes makes a decision that it doesn't feel believeable he would make at that moment. Maybe later on he would make a similiar decision, but at that time he would want to see things through and make sure things worked out the right way, and not trust it to fate and a stranger, when things could still go wrong. Overall I enjoyed the movie, but because of the ending I did work out with an unfulfilled feel.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
0
HinckleyA.Sep 11, 2005
The reason for the zero is that I went to the theater expecting to see somthing spectacular. Instead, I was treated to a very slow developing poltical statement against the big drug corporations who test medicines in the third world nations The reason for the zero is that I went to the theater expecting to see somthing spectacular. Instead, I was treated to a very slow developing poltical statement against the big drug corporations who test medicines in the third world nations in Africa. Excuse me but are we suggesting that these pharmaceutical companies actually knowingly kill innocent people purposely? Of course not. It is no different that the world's soldiers who actually get killed fighting are poor people from around the world. In order to perfect a drug it must be tried somewhere before obtaining FDA approval is it not? So what we are doing is providing our drugs for FREE to third world nations and monitoring its effects. Yes, some drugs I'm certain have side effects. But most, actually help sick people, a fact that was lost on the producers of this one sided propaganda film. As for the acting it was okay but the story had more plot holes than Carter had little liver pills. Very slow moving and boring to tell the truth. The rave reviews are not warranted considering the subject matter.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
MarkB.Sep 10, 2005
Last year's compelling and engrossing (if overextended and overlong) documentary feature The Corporation boiled down the most common characteristics of most global corporations; then, as if the firms were human beings, subjected them to Last year's compelling and engrossing (if overextended and overlong) documentary feature The Corporation boiled down the most common characteristics of most global corporations; then, as if the firms were human beings, subjected them to a battery of psychological tests. The result was that the typical corporation displayed a profoundly psychopathic personality--completely devoid of any sense of ethics, decency, morality or anything else that could possibly (if only slightly) get in the way of record profits and huge bottom lines. Well, if that film was the dictionary definition of a global superfirm, The Constant Gardener could very aptly serve as Figure 1-A. Fernando Meirelles' film of John leCarre's novel is an indictment of the actions of major drug concerns in testing an iffy tuberculosis medicine in Africa without consideration of moral or legal boundaries on any level; you know where the film's going early on when a character wisecracks that drug companies, even though in the business of healing, never do anything strictly out of the goodness of their hearts. The director received great acclaim (and an Oscar nomination) a couple years ago with the impressive but somewhat overrated City of God; the jigsaw-puzzle structuring, busy pictorial sense and jumpy MTV framing and editing style that distracted me rather than drawing me into the drama there is better suited for this movie's thriller material, and the distancing it provides is rather a blessing; knowing that the film involves using innocent people as guinea pigs, perhaps an approach that simmers rather than boils prevents a movie with this subject matter from being utterly unwatchable. You will, however, care very deeply about the two central adults involved in the mystery: Raph Fiennes has never been more engagingly wonky than he is in the role of the perhaps-too-diplomatic Justin, and the talented, underrated Rachel Weisz, again displaying the singular skill at completely concealing the author's secrets that she did in three 2003 films (Confidence, The Shape of Things and Runaway Jury), is wonderfully alive and sympathetic as Fiennes' radical and highly unlikely spouse. Jeffrey Caine's script adheres a little too firmly to certain well-worn thriller conventions near the end (a car chase that seems inorganic, the villain exposing his scheme to the hero in great detail), and unlike its current spiritual opposite, the compact and commercially apolitical suspenser Red Eye, this could've comfortably divested itself of about ten or fifteen minutes. But limitations and all, The Constant Gardener is still a worthy, provocative kickoff to the movies' annual Serious Season and an effective debate starter...although for me, the most thought-provoking image was a closeup near the end of a Bible being used for distinctly unscriptural ends. That shot (almost, but not quite a throwaway) and everything leading up to it, reminded me that, even though I know most Christians to be wonderful, decent, loving people, I probably will never "get" the Religious Right. Many of its number seem to be totally willing to write multinational corporations a legal and ethical blank check to do anything they want to do (doesn't that fall under the category of idolatry or worshipping mammon?) even if it involves murdering the opposition (isn't that what Jesus' foes tried to do to him?) And while it's well and good that they do everything possible to preserve the sanctity of life during pregnancy, the philosophy from the way that African children are regarded and treated in The Constant Gardener seems to be "We'll protect your lives as long as you're in the womb--but once out, you're on your own, kids!"… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
Bluezboy8Sep 9, 2005
Mesmerizing work from Meirelles! Fiennes turns in another great performance, as does the supporting cast, especially Huston and Nighy. This sophisticated "thriller" is layered with just the right amount of retrospect to effectively fulfill Mesmerizing work from Meirelles! Fiennes turns in another great performance, as does the supporting cast, especially Huston and Nighy. This sophisticated "thriller" is layered with just the right amount of retrospect to effectively fulfill Tessa's life, but if I were directing, I would only decrease the frenetic handheld sequences by, maybe, half. The tension is already palpable, and the "caffeinated" lenswork serves only to nauseate more than titilate.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
StanC.Sep 9, 2005
Not a great mystery...not very likeable characters; yet beautifully filmed, with great acting. A real mixed bag...glad I saw it, I think!
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
Don'tCareSep 9, 2005
Hmm... I guess it was interesting, it was engrossing really. It was weel done, the shots were great, but where's the f'in THRILLER aspect of this film, it doesn't exist. It's not thrilling at all. The story is good, the Hmm... I guess it was interesting, it was engrossing really. It was weel done, the shots were great, but where's the f'in THRILLER aspect of this film, it doesn't exist. It's not thrilling at all. The story is good, the acting is great especially by Fiennes and the movie as a whole is really good. Yet for me, it didn't ever really go anywhere and there was no real pay off at the end. Maybe i'm just being nitpicky but i think there were a few places where they could have earned a 10. Thus i give it an 8, good but definately not worth the buzz.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
2
HairstonSep 8, 2005
Way overrated to suit my taste. Quite frankly put me to sleep.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
3
RexSep 8, 2005
Drawn out, but well acted. So predictable and takes a year to get to the conclusion. Plot holes galore. Ho hum is the best way to describe this very forgettable movie.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
1
jackr.Sep 7, 2005
A blunt instrument.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
martiej.Sep 7, 2005
Excellent thriller that stands out against the vapid thrillers out of Hollywood. "The Constant Gardener" stays with you for a couple of days and makes you think, which is more than most of the thrillers out there accomplish...Fiennes is Excellent thriller that stands out against the vapid thrillers out of Hollywood. "The Constant Gardener" stays with you for a couple of days and makes you think, which is more than most of the thrillers out there accomplish...Fiennes is absolutely excellent. Weisz is fantastic. For the reviewer who found the film "Michael Moore-like," I suggest perusing some medical journals. Huge pharmaceutical companies are out of control and the consequences are heartbreaking. Doctors, academicians, and scientists feel this way, not just firebrands like Tessa.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
BobSep 6, 2005
Way overrated for my taste. Slow moving, boring, and tedious. Why didn't they just go to the newspapers? Big Yawn!
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
GregS.Sep 5, 2005
Excellent movie; very strong performances. In my opinion, it deserves Oscar nominations for best actor, actress, and possibly supporting actor (Bill Nighy). It will almost certainly be nominated for cinematography. The movie's hook is Excellent movie; very strong performances. In my opinion, it deserves Oscar nominations for best actor, actress, and possibly supporting actor (Bill Nighy). It will almost certainly be nominated for cinematography. The movie's hook is that it creates two stories out of one plot; there's a conspiracy thriller with a powerful, liberal message, and, more memorably, a "retrospective romance", in which Quayle "learns" Tessa all over again, after her death. Advice before viewing: there is no stereotypical action movie baggage (gunplay, explosions, etc.); the few action scenes are played very low key. Don't go in waiting for that, even in the climax.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
ChadS.Sep 5, 2005
Since Justin's jealousy over Tessa's secret life is what transforms the thriller/suspense elements in "The Constant Gardner" from being the stuff of mere escapist entertainment into a story we take seriously, keeping Ralph Fiennes Since Justin's jealousy over Tessa's secret life is what transforms the thriller/suspense elements in "The Constant Gardner" from being the stuff of mere escapist entertainment into a story we take seriously, keeping Ralph Fiennes tortured to the very last frame would've helped this very good film be a great one. Tell us, but don't tell Justin. Rachel Weisz does a wonderful job of channeling Kate Winslet in this career-changing performance. She might've made "Beyond Borders" watchable.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
DanaM.Sep 5, 2005
Excellent entertainment with wonderful cimematography. Dialog difficult to follow when action picks up. Ending a disappointment after such a buildup. But overall defintely worth seeing.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
3
KrisSep 5, 2005
I felt that the problem with the movie is that it just doesn't make sense that Tessa wouldn't have contacted newspapers with her suspicions rather than going through "diplomatic" channels. So for me, it just wasn't very realistic.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
3
AndrewK.Sep 5, 2005
Everything is relative. In a season of below par film making comes a message movie that the fans of Michael Moore will embrace and cheer. But is this a great, even good movie? Not a chance. They makers want to beat you over the head for 80 Everything is relative. In a season of below par film making comes a message movie that the fans of Michael Moore will embrace and cheer. But is this a great, even good movie? Not a chance. They makers want to beat you over the head for 80 or so miniutes or so until the actual thriller portion begins which is hardly edge of your seat thriller material. Look I like thrillers, and I like message movies. I believe in the ability of a quality film to relay the director's vision and touch people. This was niether. Save your money and pray for those who make and distribute films, to wake up and give us all the quality that we deserve. Right now that is not happening.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
BrianG.Sep 3, 2005
Has anyone made 2 movies in a row as consistanly brilliant as Meirelles? As great as Fiennes performance is, Meirelles is the star. The movie's composition is sublime. For a thriller, the complete storyline is completely believable. Not Has anyone made 2 movies in a row as consistanly brilliant as Meirelles? As great as Fiennes performance is, Meirelles is the star. The movie's composition is sublime. For a thriller, the complete storyline is completely believable. Not once did I say to myself, "Come on, no way would that happen." I can't believe I will see a better movie this year.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
KeithSep 3, 2005
A good, but not great film. Excellent performances by Fiennes and Weisz, but the plot was difficult to follow and the camera action jarring at times. This was a movie that critics will love more than a general audience.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
AaronSep 3, 2005
An excellent film. With this movie, Meirelles proves that 'City of God' was no fluke. He has fashioned a passionate, provocative, thoroughly engrossing adaptation out of Le Carre's novel. Fiennes and Weisz are terrific, I hope An excellent film. With this movie, Meirelles proves that 'City of God' was no fluke. He has fashioned a passionate, provocative, thoroughly engrossing adaptation out of Le Carre's novel. Fiennes and Weisz are terrific, I hope they are remembered come Oscar time. The visual style and editing in this film are amazing. Unless you have read the novek, go into this film cold, you will appreciate it more. Definitely one of the best films of 2005!… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
3
JoeSep 2, 2005
[***SPOILERS***] Fiennes is great, direction & camerwork likewise. I'm normally a big fan of Le Carre, but this movie has problems. Of course there are issues with drug companies overseas (and at home), but the basic plot of the movie [***SPOILERS***] Fiennes is great, direction & camerwork likewise. I'm normally a big fan of Le Carre, but this movie has problems. Of course there are issues with drug companies overseas (and at home), but the basic plot of the movie is silly because drug companies don't get blockbuster sales for long if their drugs kill people. It's also quite implausible that his wife would fail to tell him that the 'other guy', her constrant male companion, is gay. And to me the ending was the biggest improbability of all.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
PeterSep 2, 2005
Wonderful movie, rachel was fantastic so as ralph.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
5
JonSep 1, 2005
Maybe someone who doesn't work for Focus features should chime in here. It's not a very good movie at all, but unfortunately it's what passes for one now. Add Mireilles to the list of directors (Ridley Scott, anyone?) who make Maybe someone who doesn't work for Focus features should chime in here. It's not a very good movie at all, but unfortunately it's what passes for one now. Add Mireilles to the list of directors (Ridley Scott, anyone?) who make films that small minded critics can rave about.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
katherineb.Sep 1, 2005
Having read the book I was pleasantly surprised to find the movie kept the thrust of the social statement. The acting was excellent and both Fiennes and Weisz made Justin and Tessa more vivid almost than the book - which was excellent. The Having read the book I was pleasantly surprised to find the movie kept the thrust of the social statement. The acting was excellent and both Fiennes and Weisz made Justin and Tessa more vivid almost than the book - which was excellent. The scenes in Nairobi were startling and the use of filters for the various scenes, esp. in Britain, was most effective. Music was great.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
S.LeoneSep 1, 2005
A masterpiece made by a great director and fantastic actors. You must see it.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
jackSep 1, 2005
I just caught this film last night and really enjoyed the premise. The film realy takes you on a ride like no other so far this year. I look forward to seeing do well come Oscar season!
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
JamesSep 1, 2005
Loved this film!!
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
dank.Sep 1, 2005
Considering that city of god is also a favorite, it shouldnt be a surprise that my anticipation level for this one was through the roof. i was worried that i was setting myself up for a huge disappointment and was doubly ecstatic to find out Considering that city of god is also a favorite, it shouldnt be a surprise that my anticipation level for this one was through the roof. i was worried that i was setting myself up for a huge disappointment and was doubly ecstatic to find out that was not going to be the case! ralph and rachel have real chemistry and you really believe his story and progression of character. on top of that, the pharma controversy IS something that can happen - it did 4 years ago. if you want to go see something intelligent this weekend, this should be on the top of your list.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
RobertAug 26, 2005
Wonderful!!!!
0 of 0 users found this helpful
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