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The Legend Of Bagger Vance [2001]
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Though it is never made explicit, Vance is an angel and the film is really about redemption, the golf scenes being a not exactly subtle metaphor for life itself. Some may find it corny and unoriginal; the movie has much in common with director Robert Redford's own The Natural (1984) as well as Heaven Can Wait (1978) and Field of Dreams (1989). Yet after a clunky opening Bagger Vance finds its swing and proves a delightful light romantic drama, with gorgeous cinematography, fine performances and a wonderful score by Rachel Portman. On the DVD: The Legend of Bagger Vance on disc has an anamorphic transfer of the original 1.85-1 image, and though a little dark is very sharp and filled with detail and vibrant colours. The Dolby Digital 5.1 sound does everything expected, being atmospheric and showcasing the score to good effect. Extras are a four-minute interview with Robert Redford and a three-minute "featurette" which is really an extended trailer to complement the teaser and conventional trailer also included. There are several pages of electronic press kit production notes, and biographies and filmographies of 18 of the film's stars and production personnel. As Redford believes commentaries and in-depth behind the scenes features ruin the magic of the movies this is as extensive a collection as is likely to appear. Finally there is a truly appalling trailer for the DVD of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. --Gary S Dalkin
RRP: £12.99
Our Price: £3.77 (subject to change)
Editorial
Amazon.co.uk Review
Based on the bestselling novel by Steven Pressfield, The Legend of Bagger Vance is a beguiling addition to the tiny genre of feel-good mystical sports movies. In Georgia at the height of the Depression, Adele Invergordon (Charlise Theron) organises a golf tournament to publicise her inherited luxury hotel/golf course. Taking part are two genuine golf stars of the period, together with one-time Southern sporting hero, Rannulph Junuh (Matt Damon). Shattered by the Great War, Junuh has retreated into a bottle and it is up to a local boy, Hardy Greaves (an excellent J Michael Moncrief making his screen debut, and as an old man Jack Lemmon in his final film) and caddy Bagger Vance (Will Smith) to help him find his lost swing.
Based on the Bhagavad Gita
Review date: 2007-05-20 Rating: 10 out of 10
This film was based on a novel by Steven Pressfield but the real inspiration was from the Hindu Epic The Mahabaharata where there is an interesting conversation that leads to the holiest of Hindu Scriptures known as the Bhagavad Gita. Will Smith as Bagger Vance (pronounced in an Indian way as Bhagawan; another name for Krishna) is brilliant and is ably supported by Matt Damon as R. Junuh (alternatively pronounced as Arjuna). The story shows Smith as a caddy and also spiritual guide to Damon...as in the Bhagavad Gita.
A nice, tender film at the hand of writer/director Robert Redford. Matt Damon is the leading man in this film as a former golfer that brushes up on his talents of the past, whilst Will Smith plays a supporting guardian angel type of character which he carries off beautifully. It seems that at this stage in his career, he is better as a supporting actor (as in 'Made in America', 'Six Degrees of Separation' and 'Enemy of the State'), and needs to learn from his more experienced contemporaries like Matt Damon how to maintain audience interest throughout a film. Smith plays a convincing aged character by the name of 'Bagger Vance' who aids Damon in the process of regaining his confidence to win a golf tournament. It is almost a guest appearance in a self contained film which neither belongs to Matt Damon or Robert Redford. It is a film that stands by itself.
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Reviews
Misunderstood by all
Review date: 2007-02-26 Rating: 10 out of 10
This is not a film about golf or caddies or anything that it initially seems. It is about life and and Hindu philosophy. Bagger Vance in based on the Sanskrit text from the Mahabharata called the Bhagavad Gita. This story is a discussion of Hindu philosophy between the god Krishna (here Bagger Vance played by Will Smith) and Arjuna (here the character R. Juner played by Matt Damon). The Bhagavad Gita begins before the start of the climactic battle at Kurukshetra and Bagger Vance starts before the battle between two of the greatest golfing gods of their day Ben Hogan and Bobby Jones. Despite the potentially deep philosophical meanings of the film, the screenplay is well adapted and provides great cinematography and a good story. Bear with it and you will be rewarded with a great film about life (and a bit about golf too).
An Emotional Void!!!
Review date: 2006-04-10 Rating: 2 out of 10
Where "Seabiscuit" marked the return of the intelligent and artistic sports picture, "Legend Of Bagger Vance" directed by Robert Redford does not.
This is a very confused Motion Picture. The first reel is taken up with short expletory scenes and flashbacks all ending with the familiar fade to black. This constant use of the fade out halted any narrative and kept the film firmly in the stalls for what seemed an age.
It is impossible to cut around a poor leading performance as you might do a bad piece of Production Design. The young boy at the heart of the film transmitted none of the emotion or crisis he supposed to be was facing. He couldn't do this because he was a bad actor and being badly directed.
Matt Damon and Charlize Theron had no sexual chemistry. Not for one moment did I believe that they were in love or ever had been. Matt Damon was also mis-cast. Joel Gretsch seemed the more likely casting choice for the lead. As for Will Smith, his underwritten part and performance can only be described as poor.
Redford's direction as a whole was terrible. Why talk about the horrors of war and then recreate them in such an amateurish way? Why do we need 5 shots of Will Smith walking & dancing into the sunset?
The music by Rachel Portman seemed to be a reworking of her "The Joy Luck Club" score and was awash with syrupy strings and tinkling piano. Her unsubtle music pointed directly at how the audience "should" feel at each scene and so as usual with all her uninspired scores the music became a dirge of sentimentality and confusion.
On the extras Redford explains that he is an ecologist and this film had interested him because it was about nature. Does Redford not know that golf courses are responsible for untold damage to wild life and nature preserves? Golf is not eco-friendly, Robert!
The Legend of Bagger Vance
Review date: 2005-10-06 Rating: 10 out of 10
It truly is a legend in the newspapers. Based on the book by Steve Pressfields, this golfing movie is a true masterpiece. Directed by Robert Redford (Horse Whisperer, A River Runs through It) starring Matt Damon and Will Smith, Matt Damon is the confused pro golfer who lost his swing after the 1st world was and Will Smith is the understanding caddie who helps Damon get a better grip on life. Damon is invited to play in a golf competition and to stand up for his state. His talent wearies with his mood and thoughts. He starts off rusty and asks Smith for advice and help, and he ends up not only finding about golf, but about life, friendship and relationships.
This is the kind of movie that everyone should have in their movie collection.
Genre: Drama
Length: 2 hours and 7 minutes
Released: 2000
Rating: PG-13
"It's just you,the ball and the hole."
Review date: 2004-03-27 Rating: 10 out of 10
this has got to be one of the greatest sporting films ever made!will smith as bagger vance gives the performance of his life!jack lemmon narrating gives it that extra special feeling to it and matt damon is quite superb!WELL DONE
Product Details/Specifications
Actor(s):
Charlize Theron
Matt Damon
Bruce McGill
Joel Gretsch
Will Smith
Creators:
Will Smith (Primary Contributor)
Matt Damon (Primary Contributor)
Chris Brigham (Producer)
Jake Eberts (Producer)
Joseph P. Reidy (Producer)
Karen Tenkhoff (Producer)
Michael Nozik (Producer)
Jeremy Leven (Writer)
Steven Pressfield (Writer)
Director(s):
Recording label: 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
EAN: 5039036008204
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: Anamorphic, PAL, Widescreen,
Release date: 2002-02-11
Number of discs: 1
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Audience rating: Parental Guidance
Region code: 2
Running time: 121 minutes
Theatrical release date: 2000-11-03
Language: English (Original Language)
Language: English (Subtitles For The Hearing Impaired)
Language: English (Subtitled)