The Constant Gardener

Justin Quayle (Ralph Fiennes) is a mild-mannered British diplomat. His wife Tessa Quayle (Rachel Weisz) is killed in remote Kenya. She was an activist researching a corrupt pharmaceutical company. His friend Sandy Woodrow (Danny Huston) is the High Commissioner in Nairobi. He starts investigating Tessa's murder and her research. He finds her friend Dr. Arnold Bluhm was also killed.

The movie does have the jumbo structure flashing back and forth. It would work even better if Justin starts investigating sooner. It's not until midpoint when Justin goes off into the field. The flashbacks could be incorporated into the investigating. The little clues are better if Justin is looking for them. Otherwise, this is a first class movie. It has an exotic African location, great performances, and a passionate story with a social angle. This is one of those great murky John le Carré espionage tales.

I walked away from The Constant Gardener wondering how drug companies actually bench test their drugs. (The current Vioxx settlement certainly inspired cynicism) This is a thriller for the thinking crowd – with sufficient chase scenes and action sequences to justify the genre. It's paced slower then the average Grisham or Ludlum (Jason Bourne) movies I've come to love. But if you're interested in the stark realities of how medicines are tested in third world nations without having to endure negative consequences, this is a film you will want to see. It purports to reveal real-world events from Africa.

Pharmaceutical company corporate greed and compromised government ethics set the mood as Ralph Fiennes and Rachel Weisz (on separate courses) do what they can to reveal the corruption spinning all around them. Fiennes is a British diplomat who understands what it takes to succeed in a compromising diplomatic position. Weisz refuses to give in. She's on a mission to reveal the truth - taking the political activist route - from the moment they meet. Fiennes is a love interest to the luscious Weisz, someone who offers an opportunity to cut the red tape and speed the truth about the mischief to which the drug company(s) are up to in Africa.

It's a brilliant movie showcasing how third world countries are (or can be) exploited. It deals with how a major pharmaceutical firm conducts harmful tests on ignorant, unsuspecting Kenyans. We see the other side of Africa – the side unseen in the enticing Kenyan safari tourist posters.

This is a thriller that thrills both the mind as well as the spirit. It left me wondering, "how close to the truth did they actually come?"

This is a rare gem in today's gravel pit of features. Rachel Weisz is truly transcendent. She is just so immensely real and powerful and alive! Fienne's role as that of a somewhat distant man is the perfect complement to this.

Visually, this is one of the finest films I've seen in years; the editing is brilliant and the cinematography is beautiful; the DP gives us subtle stylistic cues and approaches which highlight the many different worlds we encounter, from the abject poverty of Africa to the interior of a private London club.

See this film...and see what a movie can really be.

"Put $50,000 in the right hands and you can test battery acid as skin lotion" what a profound and telling statement.... especially with what's happening in the world today.

The film concerns about an obstinate and mild-mannered widow named Justin Quayle(Ralph Fiennes),the constant gardener,,he must discover the wife 's death named Tess(Rachel Weisz).She appeared in the lagoon Turkana(location of human being's origin) at a remote zone of Northern Kenya.Tessa'companion,an African medic named Blum,he has fled and is the prime suspect.Quayle helped by his friend Sandy Woodrow(Danny Huston), embarks in a dangerous journey which will take various countries risking his own life and confronting against nasties and powerful pharmacy company ruled by magnate named Pellegrin( Bill Nighy)in charge of delivering vaccine AID,HIV positive into African continent .Meanwhile he memorizes records with Tessa,their lovely relationship by means of continuous flashbacks.He investigates a powerful corporation called CEO, a conspiracy by strange British High Commission and the wrongfully practices and corrupts business of the billionaire pharmaceutical enterprises in third world.

The picture based on John Le Carre novel displays emotion,thriller,suspense and thought-provoking drama. Although sometimes is slow moving,however is developed with sensibility and intelligence but are narrated ethics,moral issues with great sense of ductility ,besides a sour politic critical about the unjust practices of pharmaceutical industry .The tale is supposedly to take place in Kenya ,instead of in South Africa where most part of the production is placed.Exceptional performances for all casting with special mention for two main actors: Ralph Fiennes and Rachel Weisz.She's actually pregnant in a nudism scenes.She won Oscar Academy Award for best acting by an actress in a supporting role.Fernando Mereilles won Alma Award by outstanding director of a motion picture.Evocative,sensible music for nominated Alberto Iglesias(Pedro Almodovar's usual musician) and appropriately cinematography by Cesar Charlone(Merielles' habitual cameraman).Direction by Fernando Mereilles(Oscar winner by City of God,an unflinching portrayal at the underbelly of Rio Janeiro)) is awesome and stylish .The flick will like to denounce-drama enthusiastic and Fiennes and Weisz fans.Rating: Above average.