| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
There is a newer version of this item:
|
Product Details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images? |
Set in Savannah, Georgia, during the early '30s, the story charts the redemption of disillusioned World War I veteran and former golf champion Rannulph Junuh (Matt Damon), who emerges from self-imposed obscurity in an exhibition match against legendary golfers Bobby Jones (Joel Gretsch) and Walter Hagen (Bruce McGill). Having earlier abandoned the socialite (Charlize Theron) who has organized the tournament to promote her late father's spectacular golf resort, Junuh now depends on the support of a young fan (perfectly cast newcomer J. Michael Moncrief) and the mysterious Bagger Vance (Will Smith), a smiling Jiminy Cricket who serves as Junuh's caddy, golf guru, and Socratic angel of mercy.
As Junuh regains the "authentic swing" he feared was lost forever, Redford guides his splendid cast through a spiritual journey that is specific to the discipline of golf and yet potently universal. As always, Redford also conveys his respect for nature and the rhythms of life as well as a sweet nostalgia for simpler times and purer values. With the casting of Jack Lemmon as the film's present-day narrator and elderly version of Moncrief's character, The Legend of Bagger Vance gains even greater dignity and, indeed, the glowing aura of legend. --Jeff Shannon
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.
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.
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."
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!