Review of The Legend of Bagger Vance (2000) by Gordon W — 05 Sep 2016

The Legend of Bagger Vance is a gem. It is perhaps best appreciated, though, if it is taken on its own terms, which can be difficult to do since it uses a real geographic location in a real historical era as its vehicle. This poses a problem because the characters definitely do not fit prevailing concepts of real people from that place and era. The story is, in a sense, superimposed on that time and place. Those who say it does not accurately depict 1930s life in Savannah, Georgia, have a valid point. The purpose of the movie, however, is not to depict 1930s life in Savannah, but rather to support and encourage qualities of character and moral values. Yes, Rannulph Junnah and Adele Invergordon have nonmarital sex--but a picture falls from the wall when they do. And young Hardy Greaves, after declaring to Junnah that one thing that makes golf the greatest game in the world is that "it's the only game I know where a player can call a penalty on himself, if he's honest, which most people are," goes on, when push comes to shove, to plead with Junnah not to call a penalty on himself, saying, "it's just a stupid rule that don't mean nothing." Yet Junnah, risking a likely loss, goes ahead with calling the penalty, while Bagger Vance, responding to Hardy's pleas to him to stop Junnah, says that it is Mr. Junnah's decision to make--and indicates with his expression his approval of Junnah's decision.

Golf is another vehicle the story is superimposed on. Actually, the more a person analyzes the accuracy of the film's portrayal of 1930s Savannah and of the game of golf, the harder it is to understand the meaning and value of the story, to understand being "in harmony with the field," with the basis of all existence. Of course, the existence of the field can be disputed, and one who disputes it may have more difficulty seeing value in the movie. The respect the characters show one another as they make their way through the story can still be appreciated, though.

A favorite line of mine--of many wonderful lines--is Junnah's saying to Hardy, regarding his father's working as a street sweeper, "Your daddy stared adversity in the eye, Hardy, and he beat it back with a broom." Recognition of the importance and value of everyday honesty and character is sadly lacking in so many of today's movies. It is very refreshing to see these qualities supported.