The Constant Gardener - Directed by Fernando Meirelles

There are two major things that stood out in this film, let me write about "The Big Picture" first. This movie is about Africa, and it is a SLAP on the face for the rest of the World. How the rich nations ignore Africa. How vested interests swindle and exploit Africa. This message is portrayed throughout the movie but the main plot is Love, The Love of a man for his woman.

The story revolves around a UK diplomat, Justin Quayle who works in Kenya. His wife Tessa, an activist, is killed along with her doctor friend. Justin then embarks on a quest to investigate the mystery surrounding his wife's death. Justin Quayle is played by the immensely talented Ralph Fiennes; I loved his performances in Red Dragon, The English Patient and Schindler's List. Tessa is played by the gorgeous Rachel Weisz, she has lived the part and is deserving of all the accolades. Her performance, won the Oscar for best Actress in a Supporting Role.

This gem of a movie is directed by Fernando Meirelles who gave us Cidade de Deus aka City of God. The movie was also nominated for Best Editing, Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Score and Best Writing, Adapted Screenplay at the Oscars.   

SPOILER ALERT: The most heart wrenching scene in the film, for me, was when the protagonist and a doctor are running from a group of bandits who raid a village for UN's aid supplies. As they reach the UN airplane the lead character Justin Quayle and the pilot of the airplane have an argument about saving a kid by taking her with them. The girl watches as both the men fight and suddenly she jumps off the plane and runs. The airplane lifts off with the UN aid workers as the girl runs away in the distance... 

Pradeep Kumar