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After a number of movies on sports like basketball and baseball-some of which are interesting
and well-produced -now comes The Legend of Bagger Vance.
Badly traumatized by the sight of his comrades killed during World War I, Runnulph Junuh, Jr.
(Matt Damon) comes home and hides away from town, whilingaway his time drinking and playing cards with idlers like him. He is surprised by two visitors: a boy who loves golf,
Hardy (J. Michael Moncrief) and his former girlfriend Adele Invergordon (Charlize Theron). She invites him to represent Savannah in a golf tournament to play with two golf
greats Bobby Jones (Joel Gretsch) and Walter Hagen (Bruce McGill). Runnolph, though a prewar homegrown promising golf champion declines. Despite his disinterest, Junuh tests
himself one dark night, with a bucket of golf balls. Suddenly a stranger comes on the scene and offers to caddy for, and help him.
Technically, The Legend of Bagger Vance is a well made film. There is no problem with
the flow of the story. The period of the happening-1920's-is clearly and polishedly depicted by the appropriate sets, costumes and the appearances and acting of the cast.
Outstanding acting is contributed by Mike Moncrief and Will Smith who kept his role light. Matt Damon and Charlize Theron are more than adequate. The cinematography is very
good, specially the scenes where the golf match is being played. The sceneries are romantic and refreshing.
There are many attempts in the film to equate playing golf with living life. "Some things
can't be learned. They must be remembered." Golf is "a game one can't win but only play." "The rhythm of the game is like the rhythm of life." "You have lost the swing; the
trick is to find it." The most telling point of the game and of Junuh's life meet in two instances when his integrity as a golfer and as a person is tested. How he wins over
himself is the turning point of his life.
The scenes of war, drinking and card playing sessions are occasional and medium to light in
intensity. Because of the positive orientation of The Legend of Bagger Vance, CINEMA rates it for viewers 14 years old and above.
(Date Reviewed: January 15, 2001)
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