The Legend of Bagger Vance

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Marcus T Jaded critics don't like this tale of redemption. Fortunately audiences do. In this age of endemic corruption, it's nice to see something to raise the spirits. Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 11/09/25 Full Review Hughe J The Legend of Bagger Vance was released in theatres in 2000 and stars Matt Damon, Will Smith, Charlize Theron, Michael Moncrief, with some narration by Jack Lemmon. It is directed by the iconic Robert Redford. A very brief synopsis is that the movie takes place during the Great Depression in the United States. A once wealthy family in Savannah Georgia wants to regain it's standing and help the community by hosting a golf tournament between some famous players. A mysterious caddy arrives to help the local golfer who still suffers from PTSD, although that term is never mentioned. The caddy helps him "remember his authentic swing" and deal with his past. This was a beautifully shot movie by Redford with a nice score to compliment it. Damon and Smith were fine in their roles but were occasionally over the top and a bit cringeworthy with the southern accents. The plot meandered and dragged for me with some of the dialogue just being dull. But it was still a well shot movie and worth a watch, especially if you like golf. Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 08/29/25 Full Review Mark S The Legend of Bagger Vance is so much more than a movie about golf. I first watched in the theater years before my deployment, I saw it as a story of redemption and perseverance. But after coming home, it took on a much deeper meaning. The film’s message of finding your “authentic swing” resonated with me in my struggle with PTSD. Scenes I once viewed as just part of a sports drama now feel like lessons in healing, balance, and perspective. Watching Bagger guide Junuh through self-doubt and pain gave me comfort and understanding I didn’t know I needed. I return to parts of the film often, and each time it brings me a sense of peace. For me, The Legend of Bagger Vance has been a blessing—an anchor that reminds me healing is possible and that clarity can be found even in the hardest battles. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/26/25 Full Review Ken W This movie is in my top 50 at least. The entire cast is flawless, and the script is an elegant reworking of what was an already inspired story. Redford uses a deft hand in his romanticism of the subject matter, never falling into the kitsch or overly sentimental (despite critic reviews claiming the contrary). In the words of the film, he "sees it all with soft eyes". Of particular note are the performances of Charlize Theron, who artfully captures the wounded strength of broken but relentlessly pure love, and then newcomer J. Michael Moncrief who is delightful as the story's narrator when a child. In truth everyone from Matt Damon and Will Smith to Bruce McGill, Joel Gretsch, and the many smaller parts are superlative. Legend of Bagger Vance evokes longing not just for a better time and better values, but for a better view of the world. It is a poetic work of love from start to end, and one of Redford's best. Only the cynical or jaded could actively dislike it. And in the end no one who is moved by this movie will be listening to those small voices anyway. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/12/25 Full Review Audience Member Great movie. A lot of symbology in this movie as well and great acting. Vance seemed to represent a Holy Spirit type figure. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/31/25 Full Review Test T I watched this on DVD recently. Overall, I found the film very uneven and a bit too long. It had some very good scenes which I really enjoyed, but at other times I felt that the film was relying too much on the things that were being left unsaid which I found frustrating and confusing. This was particularly prevelent towards the ending which I found very dissappointing. Along the way there were times when I was completely immersed by the story, and then other times when I felt bored and excluded. I'm quite surprised that these issues were not sorted out in the final edit, which could have resulted in a much better film. All the key ingredients like the cast, story and location are there, but the way they come together is often unsatisfying for the viewer. I don't think it's a terrible film, but I think it falls far short of it's potential. Rated 1.5/5 Stars •  Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars 02/19/25 Full Review Read all reviews

The Legend of Bagger Vance

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