Greenfingers

My wife and I caught this nice, heartwarming film quite by accident. We started watching it as there was nothing else on. Then, as the story progressed, quite rapidly, we were engrossed.

The was quite good, as should be expected by British actors, the cinematography and settings were great and the story was superb, though simple.

Too few of these nice little foreign films get airplay in the States (we are currently living in Taiwan), and it's a shame, because this is a great little film.

"Daysees, pahnsies and buttucups, you blokes are a disgrace to the prison system."

'Greenfingers' is a marvelous and splendid little film. Writer and director Joel Hershman shows brilliant understanding of the British culture and the fascination towards gardening as it is superbly depicted in the film. Do not let the premise mislead you because 'Greenfingers' is about much more than 'a group of inmates interested in gardening'. Clive Owen's character Colin pretty much mentions it in one scene when the officials drop by to consider his parole. The gardens and flowers are a splendorous sight to behold. Hershman's solid writing gives us some wonderfully witty and humorous dialogues and one-liners but there are a few plot holes like how Governor Hodge handles the officials after Tony's escape, since the reputation of the 'open prison' is of utmost importance to him. The cast is first-rate and it includes an understated Clive Owen, a zesty and gorgeous Helen Mirren, a frolicsome David Kelly, a compassionate Warren Clarke, a childlike Danny Dyer, a funny Adam Fogerty and a sweet Natasha Little. Owen and Little form quite a nice pair. I also liked the background score. The songs inject further energy into the film. The beautiful visuals are picturesque rich with vibrant colours. 'Greenfingers' reminded me of the artistic values that flora brings to our lives and some nostalgic memories of when we had a garden that preoccupied us. This film is one entertaining and beautiful little movie.

This lovely little film isn't trying to be anything it's not. It's interesting, touching, sad at times, and very, very funny! What more could you want for entertainment? I enjoy going to a movie and feeling good - okay, so YES, this is a feel-good movie. It has a really, really excellent feel-good plot. Bad guys make good... at gardening!

It's based on a true story, and that's one thing that really makes the story work. You root for the characters (you should!), you hope for the best (what's wrong with that?!), and along the way not everything goes as it "should". Well done folks. Also very well-acted. Scenery great. Characters great. Ending great (no, it isn't over-the-top good-good, if you hate that like I do...).

Sad to have to do the cliched and tired "if you liked _____ you'll love _____", but gotta do it: If you liked "Saving Grace", this is a great movie for you! (Though a friend of mine thinks I should say "if you liked "The Full Monty"...)

I say, spend the money if you are inclined, I don't think you'll regret a minute of it!

Actually, I can't recall any scene with greenhouse naughtiness, but there is plenty of gardening and a smattering of lustiness. True story or otherwise, this is my favourite British film for a couple of years, including last year's boy in the ballet flick. It's got that expected gentleness in the tale, in spite of the prison setting, but it seems so well made that I forgave its overly romanticised telling. David Kelly, as the terminally ill serial wife killer, was quite superb. I suppose I am being too fanciful to expect him to get a Best Supporting Actor nomination next year, but he certainly deserves it. The rest of the male cast did an adequate job, whilst Helen Mirren shone as the expert gardener. Finally, I have to mention Lucy Punch, if only to say that I was disappointed her part was not as enlarged as her midriff became. 7/10. A film which interested me from start to finish.

This is a wonderful (true) story of hardened criminals who, through gardening, become human again. The performances are all quite excellent, including that of the ever-enjoyable Helen Mirren. Even if you aren't a gardener, you will enjoy this film about redemption and triumph.