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The Legend of Bagger Vance

Play trailer 2:23 Poster for The Legend of Bagger Vance PG-13 Released Nov 3, 2000 2h 6m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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43% Tomatometer 130 Reviews 65% Popcornmeter 50,000+ Ratings
During the Great Depression, Georgia socialite Adele Invergordon (Charlize Theron) announces a publicity-garnering high-stakes match at her struggling family golf course, featuring the greatest golfers of the era. Once-promising local golfer Rannulph Junuh (Matt Damon), whose career and life were derailed by World War I, is brought in to play alongside the stars, but his game is weak -- until the enigmatic Bagger Vance (Will Smith) offers to coach him back into the great golfer he once was.
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The Legend of Bagger Vance

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Critics Consensus

Despite the talent involved in The Legend of Bagger Vance, performances are hindered by an inadequate screenplay full of flat characters and bad dialogue. Also, not much happens, and some critics are offended by how the film glosses over issues of racism.

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Critics Reviews

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David Ansen Newsweek The real sparks are between Damon and the mischievously enigmatic Smith, who dispenses wisdom like a cross between Krishnamurti and Uncle Remus. Mar 7, 2018 Full Review Nell Minow Common Sense Media Some people will find it simplistic and cliched. Rated: 4/5 Dec 28, 2010 Full Review Globe and Mail Rated: 1.5/4 Mar 22, 2002 Full Review Jim Lane Sacramento News & Review Rated: 2/5 Aug 7, 2008 Full Review Joe Lozito Big Picture Big Sound Rated: 2/4 Jul 14, 2007 Full Review Michael Dequina Film Threat Benign, banal, and sometimes boring inspirational drama. Rated: 2.5/5 Dec 6, 2005 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Jerod S The story would've popped with all of these A-listers, but Redford settled for directing a movie with bad lines. Like a Hallmark on roids. Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 11/12/24 Full Review Dani G Even though I can't label it as bad, it is dull. Boring and slow with no charm Rated 2 out of 5 stars 06/04/24 Full Review Matt D This is such a wonderful movie. This movie hits hard if you’ve ever lost your way in life, lost a love one or simply love the game of golf. The movie takes place after the Great Depression and tells a bigger story than the game of golf. If you watch this movie and can fight back the tears or walk away not believing in the spirit of humanity or how there is something bigger than “us” in this universe, this movie isnt for you. I don’t know how critics can dog this movie or not give it at least 3 stars. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/11/24 Full Review Melodie W I don't understand all the haters. I thought it was an excellent movie. The cinematography, the actors, period costumes, and scenery bring you back in time to 1930s Savannah. Enjoyed Bobby Jones' character and the actor that played him. Matt, Will & Charlize all give great performances. Loved the intertwining wisdom of Baggar Vance (Baghavad Gita) with Golf and Life. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/14/23 Full Review Emanuel Y This movie made me cry. Such a great movie that is parallel to our lives here on earth. We hide, trying to run from our pain, but those who have the eyes to see can see our ''grip'' when we have a bad grip because of the pain in our lives that we aren't willing to deal with. When we come to terms with our pain, and we quit going through life trying to prove something, it enables us to become who God truly created us to be. We are set free when we come out of hiding and quit pretending we are someone that we really aren't. A moving scene is towards the end when Bagger Vance steps away at the last hole and walks away before his final hit. It's a scene of him truly trusting Rannulph Junuh without him being there for his final swing of the game. A scene parallel to how Jesus came to earth for each one of us. He died and rose again. He came to show us The Way. He gave us everything we need. He gave us His spirit. He left this earth again, entrusting it to us, knowing each one of us has what it takes with the challenges of life. And just like Bagger Vance, He will return again to be with His children forever. What an amazing movie. Played so well. It truly ministered to my heart as I cried watching it. To God be the glory for who He is to us. We are His children, and He delights in us. He smiles on us and wants the very best for us. Thank you, thank you, to the God of Abraham, Issac, and Jacob. The God of Israel, who will return to Jerusalem and rest His feet on the Mt. of Olives, and judge with righteousness. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/04/23 Full Review Corbin W This really is a great movie with great moments of overcoming adversity. The critics really are full of it on this one. Superb, just watch it! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 06/19/23 Full Review Read all reviews
The Legend of Bagger Vance

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Movie Info

Synopsis During the Great Depression, Georgia socialite Adele Invergordon (Charlize Theron) announces a publicity-garnering high-stakes match at her struggling family golf course, featuring the greatest golfers of the era. Once-promising local golfer Rannulph Junuh (Matt Damon), whose career and life were derailed by World War I, is brought in to play alongside the stars, but his game is weak -- until the enigmatic Bagger Vance (Will Smith) offers to coach him back into the great golfer he once was.
Director
Robert Redford
Producer
Jake Eberts, Michael Nozik, Robert Redford
Screenwriter
Steven Pressfield, Jeremy Leven
Distributor
DreamWorks SKG, 20th Century Fox
Production Co
Allied Filmmakers, Wildwood Enterprises
Rating
PG-13 (Sexual Content)
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Nov 3, 2000, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Nov 13, 2013
Box Office (Gross USA)
$30.7M
Runtime
2h 6m
Sound Mix
Dolby Stereo, DTS, SDDS, Surround, Dolby Digital, Dolby SR
Aspect Ratio
Flat (1.85:1)
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