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Film Essay: The Constant Gardener (2005)

It's time to get started with my bucket list (I am pissed off by the two day delay already). The first chosen topic is a movie called 'The Constant Gardener' starring Rachel Weisz and Ralph Fienns and this is one movie that I wanted to talk to you all about for last couple of years. During this time, I have revisited it and the experience was surreal like the very first time.

You know, I always find the stories from Africa fascinating. 'Blood Diamond' has become an Iconic film from that part of our world and almost every movie aficionado would claim to watch it. But like the very talented but understated star-cast of 'The Constant Gardener', the movie itself is very subdued but certainly not devoid of emotions and feel and you do know that how much these two virtues are today in demand for great film-making.
The movie is based in Kenya and the beautiful, frank and effervescent Rachel Weisz is an investigative journalist who covers the story of distribution of essential life-drugs by Big Medicos in third world countries such as Kenya and Ethiopia. Ralph Fienns who we more popularly know for his portrayal of dreaded and most feared Lord Voldemort in Harry Potter Series is a conservative yet morally conscious spokesperson of UN becomes charmed by Rachel's inquisitive nature and ultimately marries her.

Rachel through her work gets to know that big Medicos are exploiting these third world countries by testing their very dangerous drugs on their inhabitants and that too without getting the proper approval from concerting authorities. Instead we get to see Big Medicos bribing their way out of everything and when Rachel tries to uncover the identity of one of them, she gets murdered. Ralph devastated to find out about her wife's death goes on to a mission to reveal the details about this gory incident but what he instead finds out is web of deceit, corporate treachery and political inefficiency at the highest imaginable level of World Administration. The movie meets its tragic end when Ralph bows down to his fate and is murdered by the way too powerful conspirators. You will be gut-wrenched by the time the end-credit rolls on the screen.

We all are aware by Rachel Weisz and Ralph Fienns Credentials. Rachel won an Oscars for her performance the following year but this movie was made all the more special by Fienns, Pete Postlethwaite, Bill Nighy and Danny Hudson's supporting yet illuminating contributions. I shall write a follow up piece each for Ralph Fienns and Pete Postlethwaite sometime later for they do deserve a mention for their acting achievements and all the other accolades.

And you wouldn't find a better 'photographed' film well-oiled by a soothing and hauntingly beautiful background score by Ayub Ogida. Ayub has penned and mouthed a song titled 'Kotabiro' for this movie and only when you would YouTube it that you would get to know about its 'universal appeal'. The landscapes of Kenya have been photographed in all their glory and yet, unflinching realities punctuated by scenes that entail malnourished children and underage mothers. You would definitely like to reach out to them with your hands but alas, all you find is a screen that drips with emotions and pain that has never been smothered on your face till now. In short, you have just been made realize what your life really stands for in this world.......I'm done.........‪#‎NakedEmotions‬

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