Greenfingers

Rating:
Summary: green thumbs up!
Review: A delightful English comedy romance for both genders. It starts off a bit slow, but gathers steam 1/2 in. The lead actor is a Cary Grant look alike, with the same suave and low key demeanor. The supporting actors are a great ensemble, but the movie doesn't flush out the complexities of their personalities too much, except for Fergus who's character is well developed. The movie has wonderful moments and is recommended highly.

Rating:
Summary: Hershman Brings Some Insight to a "Hard" Subject
Review: According to the old saying there are only two sure things in life: Death and taxes; and while that's all very pithy and emboldening in a way that suggests machismo with a John Wayne swagger, it isn't entirely accurate. Because if there is one constant in life, it's the fact that everyone makes mistakes, and moreover, that if given the chance most will at least attempt to set to rights whatever bitter pill has been wrought by their personal indiscretions and miscalculations, whether felony or misdemeanor. Which is precisely what writer/director Joel Hershman considers in "Greenfingers," a comedy/drama that seeks out the good in the bad while making a statement about the redemption afforded by the proverbial "Second Chance." Like the amazing gardens at the center of this story, and in which Hershman's metaphor can be found, this film is about the cycle of life; about death and rebirth and hope. It's a story based on actual events, told by Hershman with warm good humor and in a way that reaches out to the humanity in us all, offered for the contemplation of his audience with an eye upon a world that is in all ways a bit brighter and better.

In his youth, Colin Briggs (Clive Owen) made a mistake; and he's spent fifteen years doing hard time in prison because of it, with no indication that he'll be getting out any time soon, if ever. But the powers that be have decided he's a perfect candidate for an experimental "open prison," program, an environment without walls that will afford even "lifers" an opportunity for parole if they can make good at it. Initially, Colin is not keen on the idea, but he has no choice in the matter. He's summarily transferred, and once in his new digs he is befriended by Fergus Wilks (David Kelly), an old man who will pay for his crimes until the end of his days, but who has a perspective on life that has a subtle effect on Colin's future. It is Fergus who gives Colin a small gift that ultimately turns his life around-- a small packet of flower seeds which Colin proceeds to plant in an unlikely place in the dead of winter with no hope that anything will ever come of it. Colin, however, is about to discover one of the mysteries of life; that in a seed-- any kind of seed planted anywhere in the world-- there is the gift and promise of life. And the following Spring presents Colin with another gift-- a surprise that is going to change his life forever.

With this film, Hershman has crafted and delivered a story rooted in a subject that is essentially "hard" in nature, but he takes a positive, gentle approach to it that makes it entirely accessible and engaging. It does, in fact, provide an eye-opening perspective to an area that many are prone to view with a closed mind. Many (Roger Ebert among them) will claim that the characters portrayed here are predictable stereotypes, which on one hand is true; but on the other hand, stereotypes are often a reflection of reality, which is decidedly the case here, and moreover, Hershman successfully delves beneath that outer skin from which the label is derived to find the uniqueness that resides at the core of each of these individuals. There are so-called "stereotypical" responses and reactions effected by some of the characters here, as well, but again, within the context of the story, they are no more than a reflection of what a like situation in real life would evoke. In the final analysis, "life" is filled with stereotypes, and what is too often deemed "predictable" is more often than not a depiction of something that would be more accurately described as "inevitable." All of which Hershman so eloquently conveys in his film.

Though they would never admit it even to themselves, "professional" critics with one too many reviews under their substantial belts are often too jaded to appreciate the nuances of a film like this and take the easy way out, seeing only what they "choose" to see, and unfortunately it is that dismissive attitude that finds it's way into their comments; one even went so far as to say in print that what amounted to his "subjective" opinion was to be taken as the definitive view, inasmuch as he is "paid to know these things." And it is that attitude that diminishes the credibility of the "professional" critic, and in the end often renders what they do a disservice to the filmmaker and the audience alike, which is the case in point here. And it points up the necessity of seeing and judging for yourself; do not be dissuaded from a good thing by ramblings touted as "educated" under the banner of a byline, beneath which lies a personal agenda that often supersedes any and all objectivity.

Under Hershman's steady hand the story comes to life through a number of solid performances, most notably Owen, who successfully captures the stoic resolve and acceptance of a man who has paid, and continues to pay, for the single misstep of his life. And it's that reserved countenance more than anything else that makes Owen's portrayal so convincing, that sense that he sees his glass as half full and half empty at the same time; a kind of hopeful/hopeless attitude that is entirely believable for a man in his situation.

The standout performance, however, is turned in by Helen Mirren, as Georgina Woodhouse, a kind of "Martha Stewart" of gardening in England. She lends some true blue "character" to her character and adds a bit of spunk and attitude that makes Georgina entirely believable. In a wide-brimmed hat and colorful attire that reflects the beauty of her beloved gardens, she is absolutely radiant. And when you factor in the performances of David Kelly, Warren Clarke and Natasha Little, it makes "Greenfingers" a film not only to be seen, but embraced.

Rating:
Summary: what a great story
Review: After hearing about this movie for months and months I bit the bullet and got it. I'm glad I did because Greenfingers is the sweetest movie I've seen in a long time. The premise is that a group of prisoners are sent to a open prison until their parole as long as they don't escape. After Clive Owen's character successfully grows violets the warden decides to make them gardeners. During all this the men begin to see a life outside of jail and end up at a flower show as well. If you want to see a movie that's different, pick Greenfingers out of the garden of videos out there. You'll be glad you did.

Rating:
Summary: Clive Owen, another UKer to watch
Review: And yet another big up and coming UK acting talent: Clive Owen. He shows quite a range too judging from the blend of comedy and drama he brings to this role and then outright drama in "Croupier." Owen is a murderer who is serving out what looks like a lifetime prison sentence. However, he is selected as a trial prisoner at a rehab facility that's purpose is to give him employable skills. There he finds the passion of his life: gardening. He also finds an older prisoner as his first and only friend in life, soon to be followed by other prisoners he lets into his gardening circle plus the warden himself. Gardening in the UK is considered quite an art form in and of itself, unlike the way it is considered in the USA, and that is the way this film deals with it. Helen Mirren plays the grand dame of UK gardening wonderfully, sort of a Barbara Cartland, Martha Stewart and Julia Child, all rolled as one into the UK gardening world. Owen becomes romantically attached to her daughter. This is a very charming movie that works on many levels. Hubby really liked this film so I'm not going to warn the men that it might be considered a chick flick.

Rating:
Summary: harmless and sweet
Review: Can't see what all the complaining is about..it's a nice little film. Not great in anyway but sort of sweet. How many films about flower gardening are there in the world.
Clive Owen lends his studliness to what would otherwise be bland.

Rating:
Summary: This movie should have been detained by U.S. Customs.
Review: Gardening is actually a sort of an interesting subject for a movie, especially for us in the U.S. where we don't see it on prime-time television, but this movie is so terrifyingly god-awful that it negates any points for slight originality. And to be fair, you have to wonder if gardening is the only endeavor not yet portrayed on the screen as an unlikely affinity for the downtrodden to raise their station (all sports have been done, as have art, writing, poetry, and math, Billy Elliot is still on the new release shelves, etc).

Helen Mirren, who rarely miscues, unfortunately phones in her performance, but even her best would have gone unrewarded in perhaps the worst movie ever made involving prison, gardens, England, people, or hats.

Plot summary: Hardened criminals turn to gardening and become law-abiding constructive citizens. Yeah right. Lots of fun watching the big burly men learn about planting flowers. Just be sure to duck when you're the theme of self-nurturing comes at you like a battering ram every ten seconds. But -- and this is super suspenseful -- will they be able to strut their gardening stuff at the big English garden show? What do you think? Might there be a few cameos by famous gardeners? Oooh, what a treat!

From the Hogan's Heroes kind of prison scenes to the worn-out English upper-class stereotypes (with the obligatory heart of gold savior) this movie has barely enough material for a very, very bad made-for-TV movie, and the only ones who deserve prison are the individuals responsible for bringing this nightmare to the screen.

One star because Helen Mirren's still cool. Helen, you owe us a Prime Suspect 6 for this.

Rating:
Summary: excellent
Review: Green fingers

two very big thumbs up for this perfect movie. It is very funny and ok for kids even though its rated r. it has a 5 second scene of nudity in a porno magazine but otherwise its not even bad. If you want a well done movie with funny acting this is your movie. Prisoners decide to try gardening and they go into this competition. ... It's got romance too. People that hate British movies will hate this. It is a total British film. It is fun and cool otherwise.

Rating:
Summary: Great Movie.....
Review: Greenfingers is the story of Colin, a convict in the British prison system. Colin, who has been in prison for over ten years, is a model prisoner. When he is eligible for bail he is sent to a 'work camp' style prison (Edgefield), where he is supposed to learn a trade.

Not caring about his fate, Colin isn't particularly choosy about which trade he learns and ends up in Maintenance. Eventually, inspired by his elderly roommate, Colin learns to garden. Through gardening, he finds a way to put the past behind him and heal himself and others by growing wonderful plants and contributing to the community. Inspired by Colin's success a new work furlow program is initiated. . Through the program Colin makes new friends, a new love interest, and helps the men learn new skills. When a valuable art artifact is stolen from the work site, Colin and the convicts are blamed. Can Colin overcome his trouble to prove that Gardening has been helpful in rehabilitating the inmates of Edgefield?

Although this movie was billed as a comedy, its not, really. I'd call it more of an 'inspirational' movie of the sleepy 'driving Miss Daisy' variety. Colin is a likeable character with a checkered past. The fulfillment he finds gardening is quite entertaining. The other convicts are well portrayed and believable. I recommend Greenfingers for those who are looking for an inspirational movie everyone will enjoy. You won't be disappointed.

Rating:
Summary: Greenfingers
Review: Having read your previous reviews, I was struck by one glaring omission: a mention of the glorious scenery of the Cotswolds and the garden featured as Helen Mirren's home (one which I happen to know and is even more beautiful than it appeared). For anyone interested in England or gardening, the movie is worth seeing just for those features, aside from the simple "niceness" of the story, and the acting of Clive Owens, Helen Mirren and David Kelly. A wonderful bit of entertainment - what a shame we don't see more of this type of movie.

Rating:
Summary: Outstanding Independent Film
Review: I absolutely loved this movie! Clive Owen is stupendous, and the rest of the ensemble cast is wonderful. The fact that is based on actual events makes it even more impressive, and one that I will be using in the MBA classes I teach.