This is a story of hardship, devastation, and redemption. Junuh (Mat Damon), was perhaps the finest young golfer of his day. He won the state championship and by all opinions was sure to be one of the best pro golfers ever to come along. When WWI came along, it was just natural for him to join up, and being placed in charge of his group, they all went off to war together. By an unfortunate event, all of his men are killed, except him. He is awarded a Medal of Honor, but is haunted by the fact that he lived. Nobody ever said it, but he imagined that everybody somehow always blamed him for living, and for everybody else dying. After the war, he never went back to golf. Junuh's girlfriend when he was in college, was the daughter of probably the richest man in town, Charlize Theron. They were in love and everyone expected them to marry and just live the storybook life. Junuh wasn't right in the head for quite a while after the war, and didn't return for several years. When he did, he lived pretty much like a hermit until the Great Depression hit and everybody went broke. His old girlfriend's daddy had spent everything he had to build a premiere golf course and resort complex. Facing a loss of everything, he killed himself. Now his daughter is being squeezed by the creditors to sell for just cents on the dollar. As a last ditch effort to gain publicity and excite the golfing public from around the country, she proposes a $10,000, "Winner take all" tournament between Bobby Jones, and Walter Hagan, the two best golfers in the country. The City Council wants a local golfer to also participate, but there isn't one. A small child who is a golf fan suggests Junuh. Everybody agrees and they try to do whatever they can to entice him. He says NO! His old girlfriend visits him and eventually gets him to compete. But there is a problem. . .He hasn't played in more than ten years, and he has lost his swing. While trying to hit a few balls in the dark, a mysterious black man appears. He apparently is just passing thru and Junuh offers him some food. While watching Junuh, he tells him that "it looks like you lost your swing". Jujuh is stunned, but listens to him. His name is Bagger Vance (Will Smith). Together, Junuh overcomes his past demons and goes on to compete. Thru all sorts of problems, Junuh keeps on fighting back. Once ten strokes back, he keeps on fighting, and eventually regains his control until the event ends in a three-way tie. The Bagger Vance character is a virtually "supernatural" force not only teaching Junuh about golf, but of the spiritual redemption of self-forgiveness and moving ahead with ones life. Really beautiful movie.Read full review
Excellent film with great characters. Matt Damon and Charlieze Theron are spectacular and Will Smith is perfect. Great story, improvement on book.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
THE LEGEND OF BAGGER VANCE, based on the book of the same title by Steve Pressfield, uses golf as the basis for this spiritual tale of friendship, self-discovery, and faith. His incredible prowess at the game of golf makes young Rannulph Junuh (Matt Damon) the pride of Savannah, Georgia in 1916. When Junuh enlists and is sent overseas to fight in World War I, the reality of war proves too much for him. Rather than return to Savannah a broken man, he simply disappears, much to the dismay of his girlfriend, feisty socialite Adele Invergordon (Charlize Theron). When Junuh finally does return to Savannah in 1931, he is coerced into representing his hometown in a golf tournament against legends Bobby Jones and Walter Hagen. But Junuh has lost his swing, and only begins to find it again with the help of Bagger Vance (Will Smith), a mysterious drifter who appears out of the night and offers his services as a caddy. Ultimately, Vance is a spiritual force, teaching Junuh not only about the game, but also about life in this beautifully filmed work directed by Robert Redford (ORDINARY PEOPLE, THE HORSE WHISPERER). Jack Lemmon narrates and makes a brief appearance in the film.Read full review
Will Smith plays an dynamic role in this film. Glad to make it part of my collection. Great service with this seller too. I may see if there are any more Smith dvd available.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Fantastic movie a la Robert Redford style. He weaves life themes and lessons into a story about a has been golf extraordinaire. The movie encompasses the themes of loyalty, dignity, adversity, and gives new meaning to the idea that all of us is a unique in some divine way. The trick is to stop living in the past, forgive yourself, and find and live in your "authentic self." No psychobabble. Pacing is perfect. I watched it maybe 10x since I rediscovered it. Superb performance by a young Jack Lemmon. Brought back the nostalgia of sport inspired community bonding in the days before contracts, big money, and power. A true delight to watch Will Smith play Bagger Vance character. Redford always has a theme about perfect timing in his movies, and it appears he directs with the same grounded freedom. Absolutely not to be missed. Matt Damon believable without going over the top-another of Redford's trademarks is his movies that touch your heart and inspire mindful thoughts about the human condition. Beautiful piece of work. A true pleasure to watch again and again. Thank you!Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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