Product Details

• Actors: Will Smith, Matt Damon, Charlize Theron, Bruce McGill, Joel Gretsch
• Directors: Robert Redford
• Writers: Jeremy Leven, Steven Pressfield
• Producers: Chris Brigham, Jake Eberts, Joseph P. Reidy, Karen Tenkhoff, Michael Nozik
• Format: Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, DTS Surround Sound, Widescreen, NTSC
• Language: English
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
• Studio: Dreamworks Video
• DVD Release Date: April 3, 2001
• Run Time: 126 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (201 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B00003CXI4
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,838 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)
  • #43 in Movies & TV > DVD > Sports
  • #68 in Movies & TV > DVD > Fantasy
• Learn more about "The Legend of Bagger Vance" on IMDb

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

The Legend of Bagger Vance doesn't break any new ground, but with Steven Pressfield's inspirational novel to guide them, director Robert Redford and screenwriter Jeremy Leven have tilled fertile soil with a graceful touch. Redford does for golf what A River Runs Through It did for fly-fishing: the sport is a conduit for a philosophy of living, and Redford achieves the small miracle of making golf a central metaphor that's visually compelling.

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

Product Description

UPC: 667000000000

A disillusioned war veteran; Capt. Rannulph Junah (Matt Damon); reluctantly agrees to play a game of golf. He finds the game futile until his caddy; Bagger Vance (Will Smith); teaches him the secret of the authentic golf stroke which turns out also to be the secret to mastering any challenge and finding meaning in life.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 36 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Drama at its finest. May 19, 2003

By S. K. Leggate

Format:DVD

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.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars A Wonderful Whimsical Golf Tale! September 10, 2002

By Barron Laycock HALL OF FAME

Format:DVD

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! Read more ›

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The rythm of the game is just like the rhythm of life. September 6, 2002

By Tony Zerhusen

Format:DVD

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."

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Hindu Philosophy meets Golf in the Deep South April 14, 2002

By Jonathan L Thompson

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!