The Constant Gardener (2005)

Directed by Fernando Meirelles and based on the book by John le Carre

by Amanda Moloney

You know it’s been a good movie when you talk about it all the way home in the car. My husband, Pat & I went to see The Constant Gardener last weekend and we discussed and debated all the way home, even with our sleeping, nearly two-year old in the back seat. The movie stars Ralph Fiennes and Rachel Weisz in a film that is equal parts documentary, love story and murder mystery.

Without giving away the good stuff, here is what the movie is about. Fienes plays a low level British diplomat working contentedly (and rather obliviously) in Kenya until one day when he discovers that his wife, played by Weisz has been murdered. Not believing the love triangle murder motive the police are pushing, he sets out to find the truth himself. So many clues support the affair angle but his love for his dead wife keeps him searching, despite the many obstacles thrown in his path. He soon finds that his wife was secretly investigating a drug trial that was apparently killing poor, desperate Africans suffering from Tuberculosis. He finds that her quest for justice has led to her early demise. I’d love to tell you more but that would give it away.

So on to the post-movie discussion. While this murder/love story could have happened anywhere, the backdrop of beautiful Kenya provides a forum for exposing not only the criminals but also the many problems in Africa. I should acknowledge that I have never been to Africa (we’d love to and hopefully will soon) so I must assume that the situation as painted is fairly accurate.

The thing that struck me is that there appear to be so many different problems in Africa that are inextricably woven. Poverty, homelessness, lack of education, warring parties, international meddling and AIDS just to name a few. Pat & I both agreed that we’d love to help, but where does one even start? How do two people tackle such a massive problem?

The discussion made me think of a recent speech by Bill Clinton that I had the privilege to attend (at a swanky hotel, with ticket prices over $100/person while people in Africa are starving . . . but let’s not even get into the disparity just yet). Anyway, Mr. Clinton was quite impressive and left the audience with several simple suggestions on ways we can all make the world a better place. One of his messages was to do what you can to help no matter how small you feel or how little a difference you think you might make. He acknowledged that as a former President of the United States he does wield considerable influence but that we should never underestimate the efforts of one committed, determined person.

And that got me to thinking about Janet & Harold and their undertaking with HYTES. Janet tells me that they have raised enough money to send at least two students to school next year. Some might say “only two students, why bother with all the effort it takes given the millions of Africans in need?” But they are bothering with the effort and their commitment will surely make a huge difference in the lives of many Kenyans and Tanzanians. And maybe the next year they can send three students to school and so on and so on. So kudos to the Pliszkas and the other HYTES volunteers who are doing something great. It is inspiring.

Anyway, this was meant to be a movie review, not a political manifesto or motivational speech on reasons to volunteer, so let me finish with a few final comments on the film. The beautiful scenery, a captivating picture of Africa, a fabulous romance and a well-woven conspiracy make this worth the $13. Pat’s only complaint was that he didn’t necessarily buy the whole conspiracy theory thing. But it’s my review now isn’t it? Go see it and may you enjoy long conversations on the ride home!

Originally published in The Habari Times, Volume 1, Number 1

Buy the DVD from Amazon.ca