La leyenda de Bagger Vance

It has been a long time since I have enjoyed a movie as much as I did this one. We all watch movies for a lot of reasons besides the obvious reason of "entertainment." While THE LEGEND OF BAGGER VANCE does it in a most charming and entertaining way it is all about Redemption. Each of us faces adversity in our daily life and how we face it marks the quality of the life that we live. Junuh has faced personal demons for more than ten years since he fought in WW I. The "Loss of his swing" is more than an athletic loss that he refers to. He has lost his faith in himself and his ability to face life after his return from the war.

The role of Bagger Vance, ably played by Will Smith, was not as God like as the character described by Steven Pressfield in his book from which this film was adapted. In the movie Vance had the ability to help people think beyond the obvious and to reach back for something special. In Junuh he helps reinstill a personal belief and an appreciation of life. In the Pressfield book, Vance WAS a God.

All of the roles were well played and the young boy playing Lemmon in his youth stole the show. It was also good to see Jack Lemmon in his final movie role. I thought it was an interesting coincidence that Lemmon's final role was in a mystical movie just as Burt Lancaster's was in THE FIELD OF DREAMS. The score was also especially moving and the music fit the movie to a "T." This is a different kind of movie but still qualifies as a "feel good" movie. We don't always have an opportunity to go back and take a second stab at life and that is the beauty of this movie.

It is a wonderful thing to be able to go back and make amends for mistakes we have made in our lives and to come out on the other side as a better person. That is what Junuh was able to achieve and that made me feel very good when the credits rolled. For those of you who thought this was a golfing movie that is not the case. It is a movie about life and the chance to make a fresh start which is always important for those who struggle to overcome adversity.

The thing you have to bear in mind when watching The Legend of Bagger Vance is that sports movies, by their very definition, tend to match the atmosphere of the sport they depict. Football or Ice hockey movies for instance tend to be loud, bombastic and flashy, just like the games themselves. Basketball movies meanwhile often rely on the street/hip hop connection and are just as loud, but with a slightly more gritty edge to them, provided you completely forget about the atrocious Space Jam. Bagger Vance on the other hand revolves entirely around golf and consequently, is a lot quieter, slower paced and gentle than its brash genre cousins, but it nevertheless possesses a charm and subtlety that is quite endearing.

Told completely in flashback, the film's story involves Matt Damon's depressed World War One veteran Rannulph Junnuh taking part in a highly publicised golf tournament against two established (real life) professionals - Walter Hagen and Bobby Jones. At first things don't look good, Junnuh hasn't played the game since getting back from the trenches and is a slovenly drunken washout. Despite having the support of the townsfolk, nobody really expects him to win. And then he gets a new caddy in the shape of Bagger Vance (Will Smith).

At this point I imagine alarm bells are ringing in your head. Will Smith must mean wise-cracking, one-liners and the word 'damn' being stretched out so that it consists of two syllables right? Well you'll be relieved to know that Bagger is a pleasant change of direction for the normal Smith stereotype. Relaxing on his heels and working his acting muscles instead of his action hero ones, Smith is the undeniable soul of the movie. His eminently likable charm is still there, but he relies more on home spun wisdom and gentle prodding to help Damon back into his game, rather than calling him names and effecting a cocky swagger. Playing off against him, Matt Damon is suitably vulnerable and insecure but is overshadowed a bit. Thankfully, Junnuh's redemption and Vance's easy going friendship is enough to carry the film and the story, while corny, is just as charming as the title character.

Elsewhere, director Robert Redford once again shows off his knack for beautiful cinematography. As most of the film takes place on golf courses you're never too far away from some gorgeous scenery and the contrast between the vibrant green vegetation and stunning blue sky makes Bagger Vance a feast for the eyes. Given the film's somewhat slow pace, it also makes this an ideal choice for a wet Sunday afternoon where you'd like to go for a walk and appreciate the countryside but are unable to thanks to the rain.

That said, Bagger Vance still has its faults. The writing is a bit hackneyed and anyone who doesn't like cheese would do well to stay away. Junnuh's love interest sub-plot with golf promoter Adele Invergordon (Charlize Theron) meanwhile feels tacked on and unnecessary, as though somewhere along the production line someone decided that if Junnuh was to fully come to terms with himself he'd have to get it on with a sweet country belle. The positives outweigh the negatives though and if you're in the mood for a relaxing, slow paced movie with a lot of subtleties that not everyone will appreciate, you can't really go wrong with Bagger Vance. This is a film to watch with your feet up, the house clean and a big mug of hot chocolate in your hand. And refreshingly enough for a sports movie, it doesn't feature a scene where a big crowd begins cheering wildly while over-the-top power ballads play in the background, that alone should be enough to raise an eyebrow or two.

This will be short. This will be sweet.

After viewing this film, I am feeling really good about myself right about now. This movie was uplifting and inspiring. You will feel good about yourself after seeing it. And that is probably what Robert Redford has hoped would happen. Hehe. That little s***. This movie has the exact feel of those other feel-good movies that have come before it. Ex. THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION, OCTOBER SKY, etc. But, for some reason THE LEGEND OF BAGGER VANCE seemed to be one of the better films of that genre. It almost made me cry, which very rarely ever happens. Matt Damon is a good actor. I hope to see more of him everywhere. If you are in the mood for a happy movie that will make you feel good about yourself, see this one.....5/5.

Oh, and it was good to see Jack Lemmon in this film. Especially since it is the last one he ever plays in.

Succesful film with a sentimental story and intelligent character studio . Touching and sensitive portrait of an ex-golf winner who participates in the U. S. International Open in Savannah , Georgia, against two sports idols , the 2 greatest golfers of their time, Bobby Jones and Walter Hagen to play for $10,000 and being based on a true story . Classic story rings true because of Matt Damon's complex and adequate acting and stunningly realized by director Robert Redford. Exceptional Matt Damon and Will Smith displaying first-rate performances reaching an important milestone and a terrific Joel Grestch and Bruce McGill as their upright as well as serious contenders . As a tired War Vet named Rannulph Junuh : Matt Damon gets a chance to play against two biggest winners. As Rannunlph gets to achieve for big time , thanks to a caddy , as he triumphs over by odds , but sheer determination helps them attain their dream , playing the final Open , as he gets the chance to participate in the International Golf Championship , no matter how far-fetched the dream . Meanwhile , he falls in love for a wealthy young girl (Charlize Theron) who at the same time organizes the tournament. As he has an intelligent skill to no match for the class boundaries . Some Things Can't Be Learned. They Must Be Remembered. It Was Just A Moment Ago.

A sympathetic and agreeable film about a down-and-out golfer well played by Matt Damon tries to recover his game and his life with help from a mystical caddy magnificently performed by Will Smith . An enjoyable tale based on the Savannah Championship in which took part three famous international champs played by Joel Gretsch , Bruce McGill and Matt Damon . It contains a classic plot about personal overcoming and deals with a slice of American history , and is plenty of good feeling , heartfelt , interesting characters and formidable performances . However , sometimes is some sentimental and predictable but is still pretty amusing . Likable and enjoyable plot about a disillusioned goll player who attempts to retrieve his old and authentic ¨Swing¨ and his companions a coach and caddie , both of them face the dual challenge to win a world championship and redeeming themselves . Splendid film from the filmmaker Robert Redford of another David beats Goliath sports movie , similarly to ¨Rudy¨ with Sean Astin and ¨Hoosiers¨ with Gene Hackman , and it is even better than ¨The Greatest Game Ever Played ¨ 2005 by Bill Paxton with Shia LaBeouf . Sentimental plot stretches Hollywood manipulation , but is still entertaining delivering an engaging acting as Matt Damon , Will Smith and the likeable little boy J. Michael Moncrief ; they are backed by a good supporting cast , such as : Bruce McGill , Joel Gretsch , Lane Smith , Carrie Preston , Harve Presnell , among others .

Spectacular and rousing musical score by Rachel Portman , fitting perfectly to action . Fine production design and good sets , filmmakers had trouble filling the fields with extras for the final game, and needed to move people around when shooting different angles ; extras were given 1910's hairstyles and their clothing was checked for anachronisms . Colorful and evocative cinematography by Michael Ballhaus ; filmed on location in Jekyll Island , Georgia , Savannah , Georgia , Beaufort , Hilton Head , Kiawah Island, South Carolina, Bluffton, Charleston, South Carolina . The motion picture was compellingly directed by Robert Redford , he's a notorious producer/director and especially actor ; being this one his sixth film , the first one was the Oscarized Ordinary People , following : The Milagro Beanfield War , River runs through , The Horse Whisperer , Quiz Show , The Company You Keep , Conspiracy , Lions for Lambs , Cathedrals of Culture , among others . Rating : 7/10. Better than average , worthwhile seeing .

I'm surprised this movie didn't rank higher with viewers. Will Smith is great in the way he imparts quiet wisdom. Matt Damon's portrayal of a man who has been damaged by the horrors of war, finds redemption and learns to live is spot on. The feel of the time the story is set is also very good. the camera work and the general setting is beautiful. Do I like this movie? What do you think?