The Constant Gardener (2005)

Wait, there's no damn gardens in the desert!!!

Genre: Drama Thriller (Germany, UK)

Starring: Ralph Fiennes (Red Dragon; Spider), Rachel Weisz (The Fountain; Enemy At The Gates)

Directed By: Fernando Meirelles (City Of God)

Overview: An English diplomat marries a bold activist and find that her accidental death might be less of an accident than is purported.

Acting: Rachel Weisz? From Constantine to this? Quite the step up. Her career is certainly going places. Ralph Fiennes has no problems either. The direction? Holy wow. This movie is amazing. Seriously. The actors, all of them, know their stuff.
Rating: 9

Cinematography: There are a few artistic moments, the blurry love / nude scenes, the trail of birds in flight, the overhead plane shots. Juxtaposed with the story that's unfolding it's nice to look at serenity amidst the horror. As for location shots, all the spots they chose to shoot n African are heart-wrenching, even the imposing little PR machine commercial logo blurbs have an evil air to them. The look of this is great.
Rating: 8

Script: As I say, anything taken from a best-selling novel can't be all bad right? Not poetry, but very intelligent. It leads you just right and there's a couple really interesting moments that when you hear them repeat it the second time in context, the veils of mystery are uncovered. Smooth, sir. Yes indeed.
Rating: 8

Plot: The tale is a long one, but the story is one that need the full telling. We learn of a couple's love, their differences, their political activities, then she dies (it's ok it happens in the first 10 minutes, not spoiling) and as he investigates her demise, he not only learns about her and about the plea of Africa, but himself as well. It's a very interesting tale, highly recommended.
Rating: 9

Mood: Taking John Le Carré's blockbuster novel, having the director of City of God direct it, and putting such talent as The English Patient's Ralph Fiennes is one thing. Telling it so well as this is another. The sick thing about this is that we know Big Pharma is this evil and everything happening here is not a surprise stretch or suspension of disbelief, ever. You're there, and it's good. Man, Africa sucks.
Rating: 8

Quick! Don't let them get the Azaleas!

Overall Rating: 84% (You'll Dig it For Sure)

Aftertaste: I call 'em real good you know. I knew nothing about this movie and I knew it would be good. Am I a Film Psychic? No, because you ALSO know that this is one of those must see movies. And now you got proof. It's cerebral, but with some nice action too. Something for everyone.