No, there’s not a sequel. And yes, Gerrod already reviewed the movie. I avoided seeing it for over a year because this story of corporate corruption and human rights abuses in Kenya looked far too serious to make for enjoyable viewing. I finally watched it, and thought it warranted a second review!
In short: You must see this movie.
Kofi Annan delivered a speech to the United Nations General Assembly a few days ago in which he shared his views on the challenges facing humanity, progress in the last ten years, and the road ahead. Though these are worldwide challenges, he mentioned the inarguable truth that many of them are playing out in Africa, just as this film does.
One particular phrase struck me:
Each of us must share the pain of all who suffer, and the joy of all who hope, wherever in the world they may live.
If I’m honest with myself, that’s why I didn’t want to see the Constant Gardener. I didn’t want to share in the world’s suffering or even to acknowledge it. Some say the film’s title refers to Ralph Fiennes’ use of gardening as a constant distraction from the harsh realities around him. I too have developed that modern skill of hearing that 1.5 million people have died in conflict in the Sudan, and being completely unaffected. But when you see in this movie an individual child being left behind at the mercy of rebels it really hits home. People are suffering, and that is certainly worth my attention.
Sure, seeing a fictional movie doesn’t help anybody. But it brings other people’s suffering closer to home and maybe movies like this motivate us to change our world view. As Kofi says:
What matters is that the strong, as well as the weak, agree to be bound by the same rules, to treat each other with the same respect.
What matters is that all peoples accept the need to listen; to compromise; to take each other’s views into account.
What matters is that they come together, not at cross purposes but with a common purpose: a common purpose – to shape their common destiny.
So put down the gardening tools and see the movie. Sermon over.
. But I’m wondering why you still need a scanner? I have downloaded a great scanner app for my phone so I just take...
6 comments
We watched The Constant Gardener a couple of months ago with some friends of ours and I almost cried. I actually started off not wanting to watch it thinking it would be a boring movie but the storyline was gripping! The end was inevitable but you still hoped it wouldn’t be the case – or was that just me?
I would highly recommend watching it, for anyone who hasn’t yet!
I agree with Jo (well I have to if I know what’s good for me!
).
It is one of those must-see movies – very moving and sadly a very plausible tale of corporate greed and government corruption.
Scott
I must admit that I have it sitting at home ready to watch and keep putting it off as I am worried that it will be really depressing. Sounds like it is definitely worth the watch though.
Very deep dude…very deep. Is this the same comments from someone who so readily rejoiced in cubicle “warfare”, and I assume stil enjoys picking up guantlet.
No dude, that article was by Kristy… notice how the title and the metadata at the end is all in purple?
Ian – you caught me out big time!
Scott