What adds to the movie is a tremendous soundtrack. The music has a way of touching the soul and leaving a mark.

It is difficult to put into words what draws me to this movie. The acting, scenery, music all combine to give the viewer a wonderful feast not soon forgotten!

It seems odd that its taken so long for this to happen. Golf is a subject that many people can wax poetic about at great length, its mythology being a thing of reverence. And perhaps thats why its taken so long, because thats such a subjective, internal, personal thing, and golf is a game of one where everything is internalized. Man must face the course, the elements, and himself, let alone anyone hes in competition with.

But for me, "The Legend of Bagger Vance" is all fairways and greens, with never a bunker shot or a duck hook into the woods. Oh, sure, like the great game itself, the film occasionally falls a bit short of perfect, but only just a bit, and, again like the great game itself, it also occasionally takes my breath away in a moment of shining brilliance.

This all requires actually caring about the game of golf itself, of course, and any film that utilizes legends Bobby Jones and Walter Hagen in strong supporting roles had better get it right. Well, those two characters are right in line with everything Ive ever heard and read about these two, having played and studied the game for 35 years myself, Hagen the hard-drinking womanizer and Jones the perfect Southern gentlemen. That alone is a joy to behold, but add in the scenes where we see the psychology of the game play out and we have the foundation of a great film.

The crowning touch is the way "The Legend of Bagger Vance" gets beyond the externals and helps us feel the internals that the lead character is feeling, going through his struggles on and off the golf course, rising above his long-lost game to play a truly great round of golf again, where, as Bagger says, "Completely stop thinking without falling asleep."

Id nitpick that Matt Damon plays the lead character of Junuh with too much "I cant believe I hit that shot" on his face, and that Will Smiths title character is treated far too nicely by white folks in the Depression-Era Deep South, but as I say, the film gets the previously unachieved moments so SO right that I cant nitpick much.

Dang, now Ive gotta read the book......

The movie tells the story of a has-been champion golfer, Rannulph Junuh (Matt Damon), who goes to war and loses his identity. More importantly he also loses his swing (which to any golfer who knows IS his identity). He leaves behind the course, his life and the girl. The girl (Charlize Theron), upon the suicide of her father, becomes the owner of a championship golf course and, in order to put it on the map and get herself out of debt, plans an unlikely exhibition golf match and invites the days golf greats Bobby Jones (Joel Gretsch) and Walter Hagen (Bruce McGill) to come and play. Theres just one problem. The local city fathers, in order to draw a local gallery, demand that a local representative join the match. Who else is to be invited? None other than Junuh. Never mind that he has become a pathetic drunk and hasnt swung a club in years. We need a miracle, right?

Right! Enter Bagger Vance (Will Smith), a mysterious, ghostly caddy who appears out of nowhere and not only helps Junuh find his swing and his game but also face the demons that have come to roost between his ears and find himself again. Wil Smith steals the show and, in one of the final scenes, will literally dance his way into your heart.

Directed by Robert Redford, THE LEGEND OF BAGGER VANCE is a beautiful movie to watch and goes well beyond golf as a game. This movie speaks of golf as an incomparable parable of life. Jack Lemmon is wonderful in a cameo as an elderly golfer who is ready to take his game to a higher (perhaps angelic) level and narrates the tale as he thinks back to the magical events he witnessed as a boy.

Whether you like golf or not THE LEGEND OF BAGGER VANCE will be a movie that you will love. Again, for the "wilfully" stupid, its a great movie to watch just before your next round.

THE HORSEMAN

Out of the mist,on a moonlit night,comes Bagger Vance."A mans grip on his club, just like a mans grip on his world" are the first words of wisdom the mysterious stranger imparts to a once promising golfer. The golfer Rannulph Junah, a legend in his own time,the golden boy with the authentic swing,the pride of Savannah, Ga.,would surely make the golfing world sit up and take notice. But things dont always go as planned.The horrors of WWI took its toll on Junah.He was a changed man and disappeared from Savannah, his beautiful fiance, and life for the next 10 years.

Told in narrative, from the viewpoint of Hardy Greaves, a wide eyed child, now an aging duffer,the story is one that will captivate and inspire.It is now the time of the Great Depression.The city fathers are pinning their hopes on Junah,to play in an exhibition tournament,that could bring the town back to life.He has lost his zest for life, his will to compete and most of all his swing.It is up to Bagger to help him "see the field...", as he inspires Junah through a tense 2 days of play.He touches the golfer and all those around with his words and leaves a lasting impression on the town.

It is directed by Robert Redford,who always inspires and seems to find the heart of man with his wonderful stories("A River Runs Through It"). The film stars Will Smith as the mysterious Bagger Vance, Matt Damon as Junah and Charlize Theron as Adele, the fiance he left behind. Jack Lemmon adds a touch of elegance as the now older Hardy Greeves, and J.Michael Moncrief plays the younger Hardy exceptionally well.Other notables include Harve Presnell, Lane Smith and Bruce McGill.It is one that may be enjoyed by the family many times over(rated PG-13 for mild sexual content).

A wonderful tale of golf and life!....enjoy...Laurie

The movie is set in the Savannah, Georgia in the middle of the Great Depression. Rannulph Junuh, played by Matt Damon, is a war veteran and former golfer who at one time possesed a lot of talent, but has now lost his "swing", not to mention his faith. Despite this he has been asked to play in an exhibition match against the two greatest golfers of his day. His caddy is Bagger Vance, played by Will Smith. Bagger is an angel, Junuhs gaurdian angel. He is the guide who shows Junuh the way to rid himself of his inner demons, and move on with his life.

This movie is wonderful film, and another of Redfords works of art. The acting is superb, and will be hard to surpass. The casting was done very well, and the story extremely well written. Dont miss this one.

The movie is set in the Savannah, Georgia in the middle of the Great Depression. Rannulph Junuh, played by Matt Damon, is a war veteran and former golfer who at one time possesed a lot of talent, but has now lost his "swing", not to mention his faith. Despite this he has been asked to play in an exhibition match against the two greatest golfers of his day. His caddy is Bagger Vance, played by Will Smith. Bagger is an angel, Junuhs gaurdian angel. He is the guide who shows Junuh the way to rid himself of his inner demons, and move on with his life.

This movie is wonderful film, and another of Redfords works of art. The acting is superb, and will be hard to surpass. The casting was done very well, and the story extremely well written. Dont miss this one.

If stuff like that doesnt bother you, youll have a blast. If it does bother you, well...the golf scenes with the Hagen and Jones characters are still technically accurate and beautifully executed, the golf course itself should be listed during the opening credits, and Charlize Theron chews on the scenery with obvious gusto and enjoyment.

Fortunately for us Redford is never without some attempt at an answer - whether through fly fishing, helping a horse and family through their demons, or simply trying to find an authentic golf swing as in Bagger Vance.

The movie is exceptionally well acted and moves at a comtemplative pace which is kind because Redford gives us plenty to think about.

Myth is full of Baggers. The character that guides the hero through the dark forest or across the uncharted ocean. In most cases they hide their wisdom in their playfulness and this is where this movie succeeds. Will Smith plays a wonderful trickster who is not without answers or humour.

In a world that has all but lost the love of myth and its lessons it is comforting knowing that there are still a few people in places of power that can get a movie like Bagger Vance made.

A complete, and critical, story line was left out! A new storyline (the romance between Adele and Junah) was added. I understand the need for the addition, but the departure and elimination of "Michael storyline" effectively robbed us of "who" and "why" Bagger Vance is.

If you have never read the book ... see the movie. Its well produced and pleasant enough as far as it goes. THEN read the book and get an entirely different perspective of what tranpired at Krewe Island, both then and in the future.

Matt Damon plays Rannulph Junuh, the pride of Savannah and one of the areas best golfers, who returns from World War I shattered and disillusioned from the horrors of war. He reluctantly competes in a local exhibition golf match against golf legends Bobby Jones (Joel Gretsch) and Walter Hagen (Bruce McGill) to give it some local flavor. Junuh is estranged from his socialite girlfriend (Charlize Theron), who is sponsoring the tournament to save her late fathers golf resort, and idolized by young Hardy (newcomer J. Michael Moncrief, played as an older man by Jack Lemmon) but still not sure of his ability until the mysterious caddie Bagger Vance (Will Smith) comes in and teaches him about golf, life, and redemption.

Director Robert Redford manages to extract superb performances from his cast, and despite the fact that Will Smith was billed as the star this picture clearly belongs to Matt Damon, who turns in his best acting performance since Good Will Hunting.

The cinematography in this film is spectacular, and Rachel Portmans score is one of the most moving and beautiful Id heard in a long time. Theres a lot to like about this movie...and it has become one of my all time favorites.

Great performances all around by Will Smith (Bagger Vance), who gently leads Matt Damon (Rannulph Junuh) from his meandering, disillusioned life, back to the top of his game and back to his Socialite true love played by Charlese Theron. Jack Lemmons reminiscent narration was just about perfect, as well.

Story:
Damon, is lost in life for years after his personal tragic experience in WWI. He is unavoidably caught up in a celebrity golf match in his home town of Savannah, GA in 1931. Previously ranked as one of the greatest players ever, he in unable to play to his previous skill level.
Junuh is without hope until a mystical caddie (Will Smith) shows up offering sage advice, support and Socratic direction.

Recommendation:

A good playful, mystical movie, like most Redford movies.

Leaves you with a warm heart.

Good movie for warm cuddling together!

This is a classic tale of a professional golfer with almost unlimited potential who is content to let it all ride because he is basically afraid of success. And with Matt Damon, he finds a believable and sympathetic protagonist who decides to take the chance and make the effort based on the mysterious appearance and subsequent profound influence of Bagger Vance, an almost angelic figure who we are finally left to wonder about. Will Smith steps out of his usual cocky roles to give a thoughtful and whimsical performance, and add immeasurably to the film.

Smith acts as a fulcrum throughout the movie, showing us the wisdom of homespun realism as opposed to city wisdom, of simple virtues as opposed to more sophisticated aims and pursuits, and of honesty and craftsmanship over gamesmanship and conniving.
This movie is very much in line with his previous efforts in "the Natural, another whimsical tale about a man coming to term with his talents and his demons, learning to finally accept both as coming from him at the same time he resolves his existential situation. This is the case here, too, and one walks away from the film feeling good about the world. And watching Charlize Theron support her man is enough to make anyone cheer.

This is beautifully filmed period piece, and all of the production values from costumes to dialogue to settings to historical accuracy are impeccable drawn together in service to the plot and resolution. The golf sequences are extremely well done, and there is hardly a golf fan in the world who wouldnt like the film just on that basis alone. For those of us who are fans of Redfords work, this is another in a series of thoughtful efforts to paint us a picture of an alternative side to this busy and frantic world we might otherwise never see. Enjoy!

The cinematography is just breathtaking. The golfcourse looks like the Garden of Eden. I love stories about larger than life characters on a great journey. This is certainly one of them. The movie just makes you feel good about life. I find the score enchanting as it especially enhances the golf scenes. A very pleasing movie indeed. Will Smith does a great job in his untradional dramatic role although he has a few rather humorous parts.

The best is Lemmons ending line as narrator. "Bagger always said it is a game that cant be won only played. So I played. I play on. I play for the moments yet to come. Looking for my place in the field."

The film opens with a wealthy businessman from Savannah having passed away with large debts to many parties. Several businessmen are hounding his daughter, Adel Invergordon (Charlize Theron), to sell them his assets on the cheap, including a golf course he owned. Instead, to pay her fathers debts, she decides to sponsor an exhibition golf between the two greatest golf player in the world, Bobby Jones (Joel Gretsch) and Walter Hagen (Bruce McGill. She puts up all of her available cash, ten thousand dollars, as prize money. The business and political leaders of Savannah do not think it would be good idea unless someone from Savannah was also in the exhibition. The problem is they dont have anyone, that is, until someone remembers Rannulph Junuh (Matt Damon).

Rannulph was a World War I vet from Savannah who came home from the war with post-traumatic stress syndrome. Before the war he was a gifted, champion golfer. Since then hes lost his swing, and now hes an unemployed drunk and card player. It takes a lot of convincing to get Rannulph to join the exhibition. I cant blame him since hed be playing against the two best players in the world. Out of nowhere, comes a man named Bagger Vance (Will Smith) offering to be his caddy for five dollars. Bagger Vance is a mysterious, guardian angel type character. When it comes to golf technique hes totally incompetent, but hes a great coach in the mental aspects of the game, as in self-confidence. As you can imagine, the whole city of Savannah is rooting for Rannulph. In times like this of economic disaster, people look for things to celebrate.

The story is told through the eyes and memory of an elderly man named Hardy Greaves. As a ten-year-old in Savannah, Hardy (J. Michael Montcrief) helps convince Rannulph to participate and is an assistant caddy to him. Rannulph is his hope and his hero, and Hardy believes golf is the greatest thing in the world. The core of the movie is the interaction among Rannulph, Hardy and Bagger.

The movie has the cinematic air of A River Runs Through It, which Robert Redford also directed. I mean that in a good way, although both movies occasionally flirt with a metaphysical silliness. The cinematography is great. The character Bagger Vance doesnt have enough characterization, and thats why the ending lacks sufficient oomph-just like A River Runs Through It lacked that oomph at the end also. Bagger Vance lacks the mystery and power of other mystery men in movies, like John Coffey, in The Green Mile. I like the actor Matt Damon, especially after seeing Good Will Hunting, but he looked too young for a burned out, drunken World War I vet in 1931, which is when the movie is set. Im being picky. On the whole its a nice movie. It makes me wish I played golf and lived next to the golf course in Savannah.

Will Smiths Character Bagger Vance reprsents Krishna, who is also called "Bhagavan"; Matt Damon plays Randall Juna ("R. Juna") who represents Krishnas friend Arjuna. Instead of Arjunas chariot driver, Bagger is Junas caddy. While this doesnt follow the story of the BG exactly, for those who know the story and the philosophy, both shine through in a beautiful and endearing way. Juna has returned from WWI with a case of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder(called Shell Shock back then) and refuses to pick up his clubs and play golf in a tournement held in his hometown (like Arjunas refusal to fight at the opening of the Barata War). Bagger tells Juna that "Inside each one of us is our one true authentic swing" and once, when someone asks him what is wrong with Juna, Bagger answers "The problem is, he still thinks hes Randall Juna!" Hindu philosophy is peeking out of ever dark corner in this film. It is truly a Gem, and Im not usually a Will Smith or a Matt Damon fan...

If youre a student of Indian religion or philosophy, you MUST see this film!

Mr. Junuh (Matt Damon) has had great times in the past by being the most promising young golfer of his time and making a classic shot that everybody remembers him by. He had also found the love of his life in Adele (Charlize Theron). It seems his destiny to lead his city, Savannah, Georgia, in a terrible war that will be followed by The Great Depression.

After the war is over, things could either go right or wrong for Junah; its his choice. He can pick up where he left off with his girlfriend and his golf game, or he can forget the whole thing. When a golf tournament is announced, Junah can either make the choice to find the unbelievable golf swing he once had and make himself and everybody else proud, or he can stay down and depressed in his current after-war syndrome. Again, its his choice.

"The Legend of Bagger Vance" is a great movie by one of the best directors, Robert Redford. It tells the story of ups and downs of a great citizen in a realistic manner, and its a great movie for golfers and non-golfing fans to see.

Everybody in the movie does a great job of acting, namely Matt Damon, Charlize Theron, and Will Smith, who plays the role of the great Bagger Vance, who is a GREAT teacher and enthusiast in the game of golf, and life. Not to mention that the late, great Jack Lemmon provides the voice for Hardy, the boy through which the story is told throughout the movie. Apart from the acting and directing, the script is the best asset of the movie; pay attention while you watch it and youll see what I mean.

Anybody can do anything they set their mind to. If you let your struggles, especially the ones in your past, rule your mind and take a hold of not only your mind, but take YOU over, things might not turn out like you want them to. That is only one of the great messages that "The Legend of Bagger Vance" promotes.

Just take my advice and give "The Legend of Bagger Vance" a chance, even if you dont like golfing (Im not a huge fan of the sport myself), because it is a truly great movie about not only golf, but life.

Savannah, Georgia is in the midst of The Great Depression. It ruined the citys richest man, who then killed himself. His daughter, Adele [Charlize Theron], is determined to preserve his last great accomplishment, a magnificent golf course on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. She decides to hold an exhibition match between the then greatest American golfers, Bobby Jones and Walter Hagen. The city fathers insist that she include a local golfer in the match. They want Rannulph Junuh [Matt Damon], who happens to be Adeles ex-fiance, but Junuh was traumatized in World War I. He gave up Adele and golf and now spends his time drinking and playing poker on his plantation. He laughs at the idea of a comeback, but one night a stranger shows up at his house and offers to be his caddy. The man is Bagger Vance [Will Smith]. He may or may not be a spirit or angel, but whatever he is, he gets Junuh to enter the match and to put him back the path of life he so long ago gave up on.

This is one of the most sumptuous and beautiful movies of last year. The cinemaphotography by Michael Ballhaus is stunning. Rachel Portman, one of the best composers working in film today, contributes a lyrical and moving score. Director Robert Redford has a sure hand. He must have known exactly where he wanted the movie to go long before production began. The acting is low-keyed and assured. Will Smiths role is a departure for him, and he makes the most of it. Matt Damon and Charlize Theron are charming.

I think two things play against The Legend of Bagger Vance. One is that audiences currently favor movies that are cynical and fast-paced, and this one is positive and somewhat slow. The other is that it revolves around golf, and I can think of no boxoffice hit with that sport as a central character. The truth is that golf is not the subject. Golf is simply a metaphor for the movies true meaning, which is that while life is anything but fair or kind, it is decidedly worth living.

Neither the Great War nor the Depression can keep a gifted golfer down for long. It makes sand traps and the rough seem simple by comparison. But combine it with liquor and the scorn of a needy Southern Belle during desperate times in Savannah, Georgia and even Tiger Woods would find it difficult to stay in "The Zone." In walks the mysterious guardian angel, Bagger Vance to inspire and counsel the distracted clubber with convenient words of wisdom.

A thoroughly enjoyable movie, with just a few hints of laughter to be had; Will Smith (who plays the part of Bagger Vance) is for once not playing for rough-house and cut-up laughter as we have come to expect. It was a nice change for the better.

1. Establishment. From the onset, the story is narrated from the perspective of a 10-year old boy. Nothing wrong with that, but honestly, by the time the story kicks in, I havent really established any kind of attachment with the characters. Trying to sell your house? Who cares? Its the Great Depression; if anything, I felt more sorry for the nameless people trying to get food in line than I did for the people of Savannah, Georgia: "Whos going to play in our golf tournament?"

2. Motive. Matt Damon, playing Junuh (sp?), is a completely washed-out shellshocked drunk who, well, just decides to play because hes mixed-up anyway.

3. Closure. Honestly, could we build-up some rough dramatic tension? The boy dislikes his father because he feels his job as a sweep is undignified. Well, all it takes is Matt Damon to say, "Why dont you go stand by your father there?" Wow...why couldnt his mother think of that? Wonderful...theyre "reunited". Theres nothing more awe-inspiring than Matt being used as a "crutch." Translation: "You look up to me and not your father. So why dont you stand with your father over there because you value my opinion more than his." Whew.

4. "Magical" golf inspiration. I really did love Will Smith in this movie--no sarcasm intended. I think its high time that he is cast in a serious role. Quite honestly, I am looking forward to seeing him in ALI. However, the whispery golf inspiraiton sequences were just a little much...I half-expected Pat Morita to show up in the middle of the multitude of inspirational Will Smith"isms" and say, "Wax on. Wax off." Or to dissolve slowly into the Shao-Lin temple where Matt Damon originally learned to play.

5. Love interest. "I liked how we danced together?!?" Im sure they could have picked something more poignant and--God forbid--something a little more personal and tied to individuality apart from something that EVERYBODY does.

There were elements in the story that I liked, but it all falls down to everybody kind of liking each other, pretending not to, and not establishing any sort of rapport with the audience. They could have picked a period in history where petty, selfish concerns over love wouldnt have been steamrolled by an era in history where many people were unemployed and starving.

Props to Will Smith and Matt Damon, and the little kid.

Rannulph Junuh (Matt Damon) is a war veteran.He was a great golfer before going to war,but the things he has been through there changed him and he lost his "authentic swing".After coming home,he escapes from everybody,including his girlfriend Adele Invergordon (Charlize Theron).It is the era of the great depression and people are out of business.Adele decides to organize a great golf tournament,in order to attract people to her golf course,which she has to sell if she cant make money soon.For this,she invites the two greatest golfers of that time,Bobby Jones (Joel Gretsch) and Walter Hagen (Bruce McGill) to play an exhibition match.Somebody needs to represent Savannah,the hometown,and who else could it be but Junuh?As we know,he doesnt play golf anymore,that is until a mysterious character,Bagger Vance (Will Smith) shows up.He helps Junuh overcome his struggles,and maybe win the tournament,while delivering lines that seem to be about golf,but actually are about life. Matt Damon delivers a nice performance and so does Will Smith to my surprise..Golf is used as a metaphor as you can guess..The thing that I liked most about this movie was the backgrounds and the cinematography.Although many people may find it quite artificial,I think it suits the mood of the movie pretty well..And there is a cameo by Jack Lemmon so that alone may be worth it.

The DVD doesnt come with lots of extras,but the picture quality is great..

I wouldnt say this is a must-have DVD but still it is a good rent.

The movie is set in the Savannah Georgia of the Great Depression. Rannulph Junuh, played by Matt Damon, is a war veteran and former champion golfer who has lost his authentic swing. However, he has been asked to play in an exhibition match against the two greatest golfers of his day: Bobby Jones and Walter Hagen. His Caddy is Bagger Vance, played by Will Smith. Bagger is an angel, but is a character in the mold of the Raven or Coyote trickster of Indian Legends. He is the guide who shows Junuh the way to slay his inner demons.

This movie is wonderful film and will be a delightful addition to any collection. Rating 4 1/2 Stars.

Fair movie. Story makes up for shortcomings in film.

Somewhere between the actual novel and the movie is the perfect balance. Liked some parts in the movie better than the actual book. Character development stronger in the book. Movie did a great job in casting Bobby Jones and Walter Hagen roles.

See the movie and read the book.

Initially, Junah refuses, and the reason for the refusal is that he simply has lost his swing. A Deus Ex Machina now enters in the guise of Bagger Vance, charmingly played by Will Smith. Vance simply appears one night while Junah is out on his lawn trying out his swing. Vance persuades him to enter the tournament and offers to be his caddy. A deal is struck.

Junah enters the golf tournament, and as it progresses he gets better. He delves more deeply into himself under the gentle encouragement of Bagger Vance in order to find his "authentic" swing and, ultimately, finds a lot more. This movie does for golf, what "Field of Dreams" did for baseball.

The movie is narrated by Jack Lemmon who, as a young boy (J. Michael Moncrief) during the tournament, saw Junah transform himself under the guidance of Bagger Vance. It is the on screen Jack Lemmon who is summoned by Bagger Vance into the sunset at the end of the film. Just who was Bagger Vance? I say he was the proverbial guardian angel. Viewers, however, will differ on just who they think Bagger Vance really was.

The flaw in the movie is that it is like a Hallmark Card movie in that it sugarcoats everything and paints the past in a somewhat unrealistic manner. Here, a diverse population is depicted as mingling together in a most collegial fashion. Quite frankly, I doubt that in reality African-Americans found life with Southern Whites to be quite so collegial as depicted in the film. Then again, this is not a movie about race relations, but rather a movie about that which was lost and is now found. A sort of "Amazing Grace" theme.

Still, this is an entertaining film that is in reality a fable for grownups. It is well worth watching.

Highly Recommended!!

Robert Redford is too good a director and too meticulous a craftsman to make a film without a great deal to like in it. And here again this film is beautifully made, exquisitely photographed, and nicely played by an excellent cast. It tells its story simply and with quiet eloquence.

The mythic or even "mystic" elements are not overbearing, and the story is played with warmth and humor. It is leisurely, though not dull, and its yearning for a time of simpler and clearer values is as valid as any other viewpoint, and very refreshing. Redfords explanation of his attraction to this material in the DVD extras is enlightening.

Not a unique masterpiece, but a pleasant and thoughtful movie, rendered with care.

Quite frankly, having read the book, I think it was Matt Damon who was miscast as Junah. First, if you do the math from WWI to the height of the depression, Junah would have most like been in his mid thirties. However, Damon appeared to be no older than 30. Second, Junah was a withdrawn, troubled individual who was almost reclusive due to his war experiences. He was an intense individual in the book. Damons portrayal showed him as outgoing as he enjoyed the limelight. This portrayal is not my impression of Junah.

My favorite portrayal was that of Bruce McGill as Walter Hagen. He looked like Hagen and he bahaved as I always imagined Hagen would. Hagen was quite a character & showman. McGill captured this.

There were other problems with the movie. There were mystical elements to the novel that the movie did not really capture. There were minor changes in the plot. Also, the resort had mystical elements. It had been destroyed by a hurricane in the book but this was not mentioned at all in the movie. The disappearance of the course (except for the 18th hole which somehow remained) added to the aura of mystery.

As against the book, I would have rated this vhs 3 stars but, if you do not compare it to the book, the movie stands up fairly well on its own. Thus, 4 stars.

Such a great cast, such a waste of time.

I watched it at the theater, and it filled me tremendously. Then I bought the DVD, watched it, and I probably loved it even more the second time. The DVD comes with some interviews that add to the enjoyment of this movie. Sound and picture quality are terrific.

Get the movie, and love the movie. And if you start watching it and wonder why Bagger Vance isnt getting beat up and called the "N" word every five minutes, then realize that youre missing the point. Watch the Redford interview. Thatll put you in the right mood, if anything can.

On the other hand, Mr. Redfords distinct style of directing comes through beautifully in cinematography, and lingering shots of spectacular natural beauty. The character of "Bagger Vance" is worthy and deep and well rendered by Will Smith and at moments the actor can send shivers of expectation, wonder, and revelation down your spine. The ending scene is the best part of the film, with excellent and unique style ( unique being a very powerful virtue in the current flood of formula films from Hollywood ) and might very well take your breath away as it did mine.

Conclusions: Bravo to Will Smith, and even Matt Damon, and at times to Robert Redford, but when all is said and done this film is bent to the point of breaking by weak writing, weaker dialog, and some seriously flawed performances ... never-the-less, this film is not an entire failure by any means, and is worth a chance on the price of a rental and a bag of Microwave Popcorn.