Adapted from the novel by the master storyteller of espionage, John le Carré, The Constant Gardener is an engaging, good old-fashioned conspiracy story.
Mild-mannered diplomat Justin Quayle (a nervous, unassuming Ralph Fiennes – The English Patient, The Dig) marries passionate political activist Tessa (Rachel Weisz – The Favourite, Black Widow) before they return to his Nairobi posting. When Tess is murdered amidst gossip of infidelity and corporate corruption, Quayle sets out to discover the truth, only to find that truth runs much deeper than he anticipated.
Director Fernando Meirelles (City of God, The Two Popes) perfectly captures the urgency of le Carré’s narrative as The Constant Gardener thrillingly (and despairingly) reveals both its social commentary on the west’s treatment of Africa and the lengths big business will go to protect its concerns.
Nominated for 4 Oscars in 2006 including best adapted script (Jeffrey Caine – GoldenEye, Exodus: Gods and Kings) and soundtrack (Alberto Iglesias – The Kite Runner, Parallel Mothers), won 1 for best supporting actress.
Rating: 79%
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