The Legend of Bagger Vance - Movie Review

“The Legend of Bagger Vance” is an inspirational drama on over coming adversity and returning to the things you love and cherish. It is set 1931 during the aftermath of the great depression in Savannah Georgia. Matt Damon portrays a young and out of it Rannulph Junuh. Junuh returns to Savannah after running away from the war. Savannah needs Junuh for an upcoming golf tournament. After characters such as Adele Invergordon (Charlize Theron) and Hardy Greaves (J. Michael Moncrief) practically beg Junuh to compete, Junuh finally decides he will play and represent Savannah. But as we learn the biggest factor in Junuh’s return would have to be that of Bagger Vance (Will Smith) a dark and mysterious and almost godly figure that shows up out of the woods from seemingly nowhere to offer to be a caddie for Junuh. Bagger Vance will ultimately prove key in helping Junuh remember his authentic swing and over coming his demons to tie Bobby Jones and Walter Hagen in one of the biggest golf comebacks of all time. Directed by Robert Redford the film so eloquently indulges itself into the golfing world, from the emotions, struggle and heartache the game can so easily bring upon you. The movie which skips between the golf competition and the romance between Junuh and Adele goes very well together as it is easy to tell that Adele and golf are the two things that Junuh truly loves. The top notch cast also includes Jack Lemmon as Hardy Grieves as an old man, Bruce Mcgill as one of Junuh’s playing competitors “that hits more bad shots in a single round then most players hit in an entire season”. The films director, Robert Redford casted Matt Damon to play Junuh because he is a very prominent actor with notable roles in films such as “Good Will Hunting and “Saving Private Ryan”. His brisk performance is the royal icing on a clever and dramatic confection that manages to be substantial and inspirational all at once.