Greenfingers
"One of the most delightful films in years!" -Liz Smith, New York Post
Greenfingers is a charming and irresistible comedy featuring internationally acclaimed actors Clive Owen (Croupier), Helen Mirren (The Pledge, TV's "Prime Suspect", The Madness of King George) and David Kelly (Waking Ned Devine, The Matchmaker).
When British convict Colin is placed in an experimental program to finish of his prison sentence, all he wants is peace and quiet. But after his wise, elderly roommate Fergus introduces him to gardening, Colin uncovers a surprising talent and passion - for plants! Teaming up with his fellow inmates, Colin gets the attention of celebrated gardener Georgina Woodhouse. Soon, the unexpected gardeners are preparing to compete for England's highest flower show award. And when Colin meets Georgina's beautiful daughter Primrose, he discovers another reason to fight for his freedom: true love.
Member Reviews
Not really a comedy - Sooze
I'm not sure why this has been rated a comedy - this is a great story, apparently based on fact and illustrates that adversity, whether it be a criminal background or a mother standing in the way of love, can be overcome through understanding and gardens. Some of the acting seemed a tad stilted in parts, but all can be forgiven as the story moves along well. Helen Mirren of course guarantees good entertainment.Laughter Blossoms - SPSullivan
"Greenfingers" is a good-natured British comedy very much in the vein of "Saving Grace". Indeed, both mingle gardening with criminal activity, and fans of the latter will likely find much to enjoy in the former. British comedy tends toward two extremes: movies filled with outlandish set pieces (like the "Monty Python" films) and movies in which the comedy arises directly from real life, without indulging in one-liners or awkward set-ups. "Greenfingers" is very much of this second type: the humour here is derived directly from the simple idea of a group of convicts taking an interest in gardening, and from the personalities of the chief players. Those raised on more sitcom-like fare may find this low-key approach dull, but audiences with a broader appreciation of comedy should find it thoroughly delightful and refreshing. Of course, this sort of movie is highly dependent on the performances of its leads in enabling us to relate to the circumstances. Fortunately, "Greenfingers" boasts several fine contributions, particularly from Clive Owen, whose Colin is sympathetic but nonetheless retains an edge which reminds us that he is, all the same, a criminal. Also highly enjoyable is Helen Mirren; although "Greenfingers" scarcely taps into the full range of her acting talent, Mirren is hilarious as a sort of British Martha Stewart.Shawshank Redemption meets The Full Monty. - cathyottawa
This movie is full of cliches, and is predictable and formulaic, but it is just so charming, and so unabashedly sweet, there's a good chance it will win you over.
We follow anti hero Clive Owen, a prison inmate, as he learns how to garden. He, and a ragtag group of fellow inmates (we have the tough one, the wise old one...) enter a national gardenning competition.
It was refreshing to see a prison warden portrayed as something other than a sadistic evil brute. And Helen Mirren has alot of fun with her Martha Stewart inspired role as a gardenning guru who stumbles across the boys, and helps them with their plight.
Even though it's based on a true story, this film stretches the boundaries of plausibility ("hardenned criminals" on unsupervised day passes?). But it has a nice message - Life is short, find a passion.
Member Reviews
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Not really a comedy - Sooze
I'm not sure why this has been rated a comedy - this is a great story, apparently based on fact and illustrates that adversity, whether it be a criminal background or a mother standing in the way of love, can be overcome through understanding and gardens. ...Laughter Blossoms - SPSullivan
"Greenfingers" is a good-natured British comedy very much in the vein of "Saving Grace". Indeed, both mingle gardening with criminal activity, and fans of the latter will likely find much to enjoy in the former. British comedy tends toward two extremes: movies ...Shawshank Redemption meets The Full Monty. - cathyottawa
This movie is full of cliches, and is predictable and formulaic, but it is just so charming, and so unabashedly sweet, there's a good chance it will win you over.
We follow anti hero Clive Owen, a prison inmate, as he learns how to garden. He, and ...