Review of The Constant Gardener (2005) by Rev.rikard — 12 Oct 2005
Most films provide us with a fleeting escape from reality, or reveal a mirror into which we see reflections of the self. This film offers that rare window through which we gaze upon a world that is startling and worrisome.
It is a world to which we are intimately connected, yet we are unaware of its existence. It is a world from which we are emotionaly disconnected because of the personal contentment within the secure, insulated worlds of our making.
Director Mierelles succeeds in giving us that window. He employs "contrast" to keep us in suspence. However, suspence here is used honestly. It is not tossed in to make a film about a serious issue profitable.
The suspence arises from the issue itself and the contradictions and contrasts that live within that issue. The viewer witnesses commited love and jealous suspicion; politics as career versus politics as an obstacle to change.
We watch individuals deeply concerned about themselves, as the poor are treated like laboratory mice. Perhaps the most potent contrast is the beauty of ultimate commitment to truth for compassion's sake against "altered and adjusted truth" for financial profit.
The acting is outstanding and the story is mesmerizing. As we gaze through Mierelles' window, the film dares us to sacrifice our desensitizing manner of living that we might rediscover the power of compassion, and finally capture that ellusive experience in life called "purpose.
This review of The Constant Gardener (2005) was written by Rev.rikard on 12 Oct 2005.
The Constant Gardener has generally received very positive reviews.
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