Jardinage à l'anglaise

'Greenfingers' is a marvelous and splendid little film. Writer and director Joel Hershman shows brilliant understanding of the British culture and the fascination towards gardening as it is superbly depicted in the film. Do not let the premise mislead you because 'Greenfingers' is about much more than 'a group of inmates interested in gardening'. Clive Owen's character Colin pretty much mentions it in one scene when the officials drop by to consider his parole. The gardens and flowers are a splendorous sight to behold. Hershman's solid writing gives us some wonderfully witty and humorous dialogues and one-liners but there are a few plot holes like how Governor Hodge handles the officials after Tony's escape, since the reputation of the 'open prison' is of utmost importance to him. The cast is first-rate and it includes an understated Clive Owen, a zesty and gorgeous Helen Mirren, a frolicsome David Kelly, a compassionate Warren Clarke, a childlike Danny Dyer, a funny Adam Fogerty and a sweet Natasha Little. Owen and Little form quite a nice pair. I also liked the background score. The songs inject further energy into the film. The beautiful visuals are picturesque rich with vibrant colours. 'Greenfingers' reminded me of the artistic values that flora brings to our lives and some nostalgic memories of when we had a garden that preoccupied us. This film is one entertaining and beautiful little movie.

This is a wonderful (true) story of hardened criminals who, through gardening, become human again. The performances are all quite excellent, including that of the ever-enjoyable Helen Mirren. Even if you aren't a gardener, you will enjoy this film about redemption and triumph.

A very well done movie, with everybody turning in a fine performance. Clive Owen was quite good, but David Kelly is simply marvelous. However odd as you may think the story is, you'll be drawn in by this movie almost immediately.

Gardening is pretty much a national sport in England, so perhaps the movie makes more sense to the Brits than us in the states, but don't be fooled by the story premise about a bunch of gardening inmates. It's just a plain enjoyable story that comes highly recommended.

It's based on a series of true events, which just makes the movie all the more delightful.

Go out and rent it, you'll enjoy it.

Actually, I can't recall any scene with greenhouse naughtiness, but there is plenty of gardening and a smattering of lustiness. True story or otherwise, this is my favourite British film for a couple of years, including last year's boy in the ballet flick. It's got that expected gentleness in the tale, in spite of the prison setting, but it seems so well made that I forgave its overly romanticised telling. David Kelly, as the terminally ill serial wife killer, was quite superb. I suppose I am being too fanciful to expect him to get a Best Supporting Actor nomination next year, but he certainly deserves it. The rest of the male cast did an adequate job, whilst Helen Mirren shone as the expert gardener. Finally, I have to mention Lucy Punch, if only to say that I was disappointed her part was not as enlarged as her midriff became. 7/10. A film which interested me from start to finish.

I can't believe the cynicism surrounding this film. It has a nice wholesome quality to it that is lacking in our films today. I love films like 'Scarface', 'GoodFellas' and '48 HRS.' but that doesn't mean I can't like a film like 'Greenfingers'. Taking a group of prisoners and putting them in such a scenario as making them gardeners as part of their rehabilitation is a unique concept for a film. Reviewers, especially American critics must think all prisons around the world are loaded with weapons and power hungry guards and wardens. Countries like Canada, Switzerland and England have less violent criminals and less confrontational authorities. Some are mocking the film's whole premise as absurd but to make it more credible, this film is based on a true story! 'Greenfingers' runs a short 90 minutes, has some good characters that are well developed and jokes that bubble with surprising wit and charm. Examine the cast and crew carefully and watch out for their next film(s). We need more like them.