The Constant Gardener

Last year, I was introduced to a well-known British actor: Ralph Fiennes. His sharp blue eyes, his urbane accent and his range in roles from creepy (Schindler's List, In Bruges) to charming (Quiz Show) has made him one of my favorite actors.

After the murder of his activist wife Tessa (Rachel Weisz), diplomat Justin Quayle (Fiennes) seeks out to find what the motive was. As he gets more into the investigation, he discovers a cover-up by a drug company, something Tessa was trying to expose at the time of her death.

Fiennes and Weisz give string performances in The Constant Gardener, especially Weisz for the limited amount of time she's on screen. Fernando Meirelles, who may be more familiar with City of God, shows us poverty-ridden Africa in an unflinching light. The Constant Gardener may be overlooked from time to time, but it's a very good political thriller.

My Rating: ****1/2