Customer Reviews

The Legend of Bagger Vance [VHS]

5 star:		(75)
4 star:		(47)
3 star:		(13)
2 star:		(7)
1 star:		(23)

 

 

This is a drama. Don't watch it looking for action of a lot of laughs, but don't think you won't enjoy it just because it doesn't have tons of humor or action. It deals with very real pain and develops some very strong characters.

The movie is set in the Savannah, Georgia in the middle of the Great Depression. Rannulph Junuh, played by Matt Damon, is a war veteran and former golfer who at one time possesed a lot of talent, but has now lost his "swing", not to mention his faith. Despite this he has been asked to play in an exhibition match against the two greatest golfers of his day. His caddy is Bagger Vance, played by Will Smith. Bagger is an angel, Junuh's gaurdian angel. He is the guide who shows Junuh the way to rid himself of his inner demons, and move on with his life.

This movie is wonderful film, and another of Redford's works of art. The acting is superb, and will be hard to surpass. The casting was done very well, and the story extremely well written. Don't miss this one.

One of the things I love best about Robert Redford's movies is the singular visual quality he employs in each, and the way he uses the environment to add to the telling of the tale. Whether it be in the breath-taking "A River Runs Through It", in which the stunning Montana countryside is a virtual unattributed co-star in the film, or "The Horse Whisperer", in which every rugged natural element about the pristine rural surroundings add to the tale, he always uses his topography, climate, and setting to charm the audience into the frame of reference he is using to spin his yarn. This is no less so here, where he uses the gorgeous background of the rural countryside in telling this tale of a man coming to terms with his potential.

This is a classic tale of a professional golfer with almost unlimited potential who is content to let it all ride because he is basically afraid of success. And with Matt Damon, he finds a believable and sympathetic protagonist who decides to take the chance and make the effort based on the mysterious appearance and subsequent profound influence of Bagger Vance, an almost angelic figure who we are finally left to wonder about. Will Smith steps out of his usual cocky roles to give a thoughtful and whimsical performance, and add immeasurably to the film.

Smith acts as a fulcrum throughout the movie, showing us the wisdom of homespun realism as opposed to city wisdom, of simple virtues as opposed to more sophisticated aims and pursuits, and of honesty and craftsmanship over gamesmanship and conniving.
This movie is very much in line with his previous efforts in "the Natural', another whimsical tale about a man coming to term with his talents and his demons, learning to finally accept both as coming from him at the same time he resolves his existential situation. This is the case here, too, and one walks away from the film feeling good about the world. And watching Charlize Theron support her man is enough to make anyone cheer.

This is beautifully filmed period piece, and all of the production values from costumes to dialogue to settings to historical accuracy are impeccable drawn together in service to the plot and resolution. The golf sequences are extremely well done, and there is hardly a golf fan in the world who wouldn't like the film just on that basis alone. For those of us who are fans of Redford's work, this is another in a series of thoughtful efforts to paint us a picture of an alternative side to this busy and frantic world we might otherwise never see. Enjoy!

I absolutely love this movie. I know it gets some mixed reviews but I think it is because the world is way too cynical. Redford does and excellent job with view of sport as Metaphor for life. Juna has lost his swing which in life terms is his soul and must get it back if he is going to get back in the game. Bagger is a spiritual sage (caddy) of some sort who is there to help him find his way.

The cinematography is just breathtaking. The golfcourse looks like the Garden of Eden. I love stories about larger than life characters on a great journey. This is certainly one of them. The movie just makes you feel good about life. I find the score enchanting as it especially enhances the golf scenes. A very pleasing movie indeed. Will Smith does a great job in his untradional dramatic role although he has a few rather humorous parts.

The best is Lemmon's ending line as narrator. "Bagger always said it is a game that can't be won only played. So I played. I play on. I play for the moments yet to come. Looking for my place in the field."

One aspect of this film not brought up is the fact that it is loosly based on the Bhagavad-Gita (refered to my many as "the Hindu New Testiment"). Anyone who has read this great masterpiece of literature should see this movie, if they have not already!

Will Smith's Character Bagger Vance reprsents Krishna, who is also called "Bhagavan"; Matt Damon plays Randall Juna ("R. Juna") who represents Krishna's friend Arjuna. Instead of Arjuna's chariot driver, Bagger is Juna's caddy. While this doesn't follow the story of the BG exactly, for those who know the story and the philosophy, both shine through in a beautiful and endearing way. Juna has returned from WWI with a case of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder(called Shell Shock back then) and refuses to pick up his clubs and play golf in a tournement held in his hometown (like Arjuna's refusal to fight at the opening of the Barata War). Bagger tells Juna that "Inside each one of us is our one true authentic swing" and once, when someone asks him what is wrong with Juna, Bagger answers "The problem is, he still thinks he's Randall Juna!" Hindu philosophy is peeking out of ever dark corner in this film. It is truly a Gem, and I'm not usually a Will Smith or a Matt Damon fan...

If you're a student of Indian religion or philosophy, you MUST see this film!

Using the metaphor of golf as being life, the theme is, "It's only a game that will never be won, only played."

Being one with the ball and the flag represents being one with all things - the trinity, if you will. Oneness is a feeling and when you feel it, great things happen, as Junuh became aware of.

Robert Redford directed this winner and, as always, had an outstanding cast with a twist of thought for the script.

Some people will enjoy the movie only for the golfing theme but it's far more than any golf game. Other reviewers here found that out, and some reviewers have no clue to the deep meaning in the movie and sought out criticism of how the Southern accent was portrayed. Those people are still in the 'rough'.

Junuh had to dig deep down within himself to gather the feeling that drives him on to a winning situation salvaged from a beaten-down self-image and having the odds against his favor. Such is life and we all have that same within-ness to draw from. Bagger Vance was only the outward appearance of one who comes into and out of our lives or he was one who appears for a short time, bringing a message of hope and inspiration (much like Jesus), then leaves because he knows we'll never discover ourselves unless we HAVE to.

An excellent film. A BIG two-thumbs-up for anyone who likes the profound hidden messages built into an award-winning playable storyline. Outstanding photography. A first-class, quality movie to be enjoyed for years to come.

Gail Gupton, Author: The 31-Day Diet of Spiritual Enlightenment and Seekers of Truth

"The Lengend of Bagger Vance" is one of those movies that has a sense of beauty and magic to it. Will Smith does a tremendous job as Bagger. There are a number of one liners he delivers with a smile on his face. Yet, he conveys a deep sense of being more than he appears.

What adds to the movie is a tremendous soundtrack. The music has a way of touching the soul and leaving a mark.

It is difficult to put into words what draws me to this movie. The acting, scenery, music all combine to give the viewer a wonderful feast not soon forgotten!

I was touched By this film. The meaning of this movie to me
was . God gives all of us a mullagan every day we live.
To keep trying ,not giving up and that anything is
possable. Maybe if i keep trying i can find My swing.

The Legend of Bagger Vance is much more than a movie about a golf caddie. It's a tale of redemption and the indomitable nature of the human spirit. It's about how the rhythm of golf is the rhythm of life, and so much more.

Matt Damon plays Rannulph Junuh, the pride of Savannah and one of the area's best golfers, who returns from World War I shattered and disillusioned from the horrors of war. He reluctantly competes in a local exhibition golf match against golf legends Bobby Jones (Joel Gretsch) and Walter Hagen (Bruce McGill) to give it some local flavor. Junuh is estranged from his socialite girlfriend (Charlize Theron), who is sponsoring the tournament to save her late father's golf resort, and idolized by young Hardy (newcomer J. Michael Moncrief, played as an older man by Jack Lemmon) but still not sure of his ability until the mysterious caddie Bagger Vance (Will Smith) comes in and teaches him about golf, life, and redemption.

Director Robert Redford manages to extract superb performances from his cast, and despite the fact that Will Smith was billed as the star this picture clearly belongs to Matt Damon, who turns in his best acting performance since Good Will Hunting.

The cinematography in this film is spectacular, and Rachel Portman's score is one of the most moving and beautiful I'd heard in a long time. There's a lot to like about this movie...and it has become one of my all time favorites.

I am a teacher at Maharishi School in Fairfield, Iowa and among the subjects that my 11th grade students explore is the commentary of the Bhagavad Gita written by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. As we were only working on the first chapter, one of my students told the class that we should all see the Legend of Baggar Vance since it was so obviously inspired from the Bhagavad Gita. I hadn't heard of the movie, so I watched it and I was delighted. I think it is so very important to have such a timeless and universal message expressed in modern days situations and to show the practical value of spiritual principles. Our students practice Transcendantal Meditation twice daily and when they hear " he found a way to stop thinking without falling asleep", they can relate to this so closely for they do that morning and evening. I am planning to show the movie in class for very few students have seen it so far. We will then have a discussion finding the similarities between the Bhagavad Gita and the movie. They are going to love it. And me too. Thank you for producing such an inspiring film.

The movie is about golf only in a tangential way. It is an allegory about self-discovery and golf is only the vehicle in this case. It takes place in Savannah, Georgia during the Great Depression where a young woman, Adele (Charlize Theron), attempts to save her deceased father's golf resort by conducting a match among Bobby Jones, Walter Hagen, and the local hero Randolph Junah (Matt Damon). Junah, due to the horrors seen by him in the Great War, is reluctant to renew his love affair with Adele or to play any golf - he has "lost his swing". Bagger Vance (Will Smith in a FANTASTIC performance!) shows up and shows Junah how to regain his "authentic swing".

The acting is SUPERB, especially Charlize Theron, Will Smith, Matt Damon, and the young actor who plays Hardy Greaves (the 11 year old assistant caddy).

The photography is FANTASTIC, as is the music!! (I watched it several times for the the music and photography alone.) And the scenery is breath-taking.

Robert Redford (of whom I am NOT a big fan) co-produced and directed this film. It is far and away the best film he has ever done.

Buy it. You will watch it over and over again. It is quite simply a great movie.