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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

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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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 out of 5 stars 02/19/25 Full Review Jay D Don't listen to the so called experts about this movie. For me this movie is a joy and pure magic by the legendary Robert Redford. Stories like these get panned because the critics can't hear the unspoken that speaks to their heart & soul. Maybe they don't have a heart & soul. All I can tell you is this is, without a doubt, one of my fondest movies I have ever witnessed. After watching this for the first time my mom asked me how many awards it took home. It's very family friendly, it's pure movie magic. If this had been made in the 1950s, it would be considered a pure classic! Sit back in your favorite chair and ENJOY! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/05/25 Full Review 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 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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