The Constant Gardener (2005) | agoodmovietowatch

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The Constant Gardener 7.9 2005 Movie

The Constant Gardener

Dir. Fernando Meirelles · China, France · English, German

A widower investigates his wife’s murder in this emotional thriller

Our take by Jenna Gordon

Ralph Fiennes plays a mild-mannered British diplomat in Kenya who is stunned by the news of his wife Tessa’s (Rachel Weisz) sudden death while in the company of another man. He sets off to investigate the suspicious death––and secret life–-of his late wife, within a tangle of personal betrayals, political threats, and corporate conspiracies. This film presents an exquisite contrast between Justin’s (Fiennes) gentle, contemplative demeanor and the progressively gripping details he uncovers; between rapturous romanticism and darkly corrupting interests. It’s a touching, smart, and suspenseful feast of a movie.

What happens

Justin Quayle is a low-level British diplomat who has always gone about his work very quietly, not causing any problems. But after his radical wife Tessa is killed he becomes determined to find out why, thrusting himself into the middle of a very dangerous conspiracy.

What the critics said

Notable Critics

"The fact that none of the above is satisfactorily answered, and that we nevertheless emerge from the movie feeling nourished and stirred, is a tribute to Meirelles and, of course, to le Carr."

— Anthony Lane

"... Ralph Fiennes gives one of the year's subtlest, yet most exciting, screen performances ..."

— Ken Tucker

Awards

Oscars

1 win · 3 noms

Won: Best Supporting ActressNominated: Best Adapted ScreenplayNominated: Best EditingNominated: Best Original Score

Cannes

1 win

Won: Prix France Musique (Original Film Score)

Venice

1 win

Won: Best International Film (Young Cinema Award)

Golden Globes

1 win · 2 noms

Won: Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion PictureNominated: Best DirectorNominated: Best Motion Picture

BAFTA

1 win · 9 noms

Won: Best EditingNominated: Alexander Korda Award for Best British FilmNominated: Anthony Asquith Award for Film MusicNominated: Best CinematographyNominated: Best FilmNominated: Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading RoleNominated: Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading RoleNominated: Best Screenplay (Adapted)Nominated: Best SoundNominated: David Lean Award for Direction

SAG Awards

1 win

Won: Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role

WGA

1 nom

Nominated: Best Adapted Screenplay (Screen)

European Film Awards

1 nom

Nominated: Screen International Award

Goya Awards

1 nom

Nominated: Best European Film

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About the author

Jenna Gordon

Jenna Gordon is a contributing writer at A Good Movie to Watch, focused on reviews and recommendations across the major streaming platforms.