The Constant Gardener (2005)

WATCH NOW

Watch now ▶

A British diplomat (Fiennes) takes over the mission of his murdered wife (Weisz) as he attempts to uncover the shady dealings of drug companies in Africa.

Anyone in search of a laugh riot, or a film about the actual planting of seeds and/or bulbs, should look elsewhere. Those that desire a serious, in depth look into a rarely discussed, morally questionable industry chock full of quality acting and intriguing story lines have come to the right place. Fiennes stars as Justin Qualye, a reticent diplomat from Great Britain. He is quickly enamored with and married to the opinionated, aggressive Tessa, played brilliantly by Weisz. Within the film’s opening minutes, however, the audience learns that Tessa has been killed and Justin is left to put together the pieces of this murderous puzzle.

A significant part of the story is told through flashbacks to Tessa working with poverty-stricken, sick Kenyans. As Justin delves further into the industry in which his secretive wife had been involved, he uncovers a conspiracy that preys upon the desolate and inferior.

The actions of drug companies in third world nations is a unique, startling area for a flim to focus on, but this drama manages to bring these shady, immoral dealings into an interesting light that keeps the story moving along at a suspenseful pace.

The Oscar buzz surrounding this movie and its two main stars is well deserved. It takes on a subject that would seem to be confusing and boring, but elicits powerful emotions from the performances of its actors and the shocking revelations of its unfolding cover ups.

Also Watch.

• Vanity Fair (2004)
• Walk the Line (2005)
• War of the Worlds (2005)
• The Fugitive (2005)
• The Firm (1993)
• The Dukes of Hazzard (2005)
• The Crow (2004)
• The Cooler (2003)