Introduction The Legend of Bagger Vance is literally an unknown movie here in India. Though
both Will Smith and Matt Damon are popular stars here, this movie somehow never came into the limelight. During recent
management training on Mentoring, we were shown this movie and when the facilitator pointed out the nuances of the movie we were simply blown away by the movie.
Plot Adele Invergordon (Charlize Theron) is hell bent on fulfilling the dream of her father to build the greatest golf course. To fight the global slowdown and get the course of to a good start she assembles two of the best golfers from the world, Walter Hagen and Bobby Jones for an exhibition match. For political reasons she is also pushed to add local lad Junuh (Matt Damon) into the fray.
Junuh is fighting the demons of his past and is in no frame of mind to compete in an exhibition match. Just when he is on the verge of giving it all up, Bagger Vance (Will Smith) enters the fray and joins Junuh as his caddie. With Junuh in the fray the local interest in the match really heats up.
Will Junuh be able to fight his demons and take on the best of the world in the exhibition match? What is Bagger Vance upto in this whole deal? Check out this movie for the details.
Critics Viewpoint The Legend of Bagger Vance is a simplistic movie with a straightforward storyline. But, when we look below the shade into the nuances of the movie, then the movie becomes a classic. For starters, the role of Bagger Vance as a coach to Junuh is an
excellent example of how to coach people. Bagger Vance enters into Junuh’s life with as minimum intrusion as possible, does a lot of background work, allows Junuh to accept him as his coach, guides him and steps away from him when Junuh steps up to the plate.
The dialogs of the movie are excellent especially some of the punch phrases of Bagger Vance. I just loved it when Junuh says “It’s almost getting embarrassing.” and Bagger Vance responds “Oh, no sir, it has been embarrassing for quite some time.” Again at another point when Junuh is contemplating which club to use and asks Bagger “What’s your view?” and Bagger calmly responds “About what?” and infuriates Junuh.
The symbolism of the movie is excellent. When Bagger Vance enters into Junuh’s life he enters from the darkness into light. He joins in as a caddie depicting the fact that anyone in life high or low can be a coach. Again Bagger walks away from Junuh at the final hole, symbolizing the end of his coaching role with him and then walking silently into the shadow reveling in Junuh’s success.
Coming to the acting performances, Matt Damon as Junuh is excellent portraying the struggles and uncertainties of a man fighting his past demons. His chemistry with Will Smith is excellent and is the basis for some of the best scenes of the movie. Will Smith again plays the title role to the book, playing the ideal coach. His wry humor and self depreciating remarks punch holes into Junuh’s reclusiveness and help him on the road of recovery. When a movie is centered around two central characters such as this, the rest of the crew have little roles to showcase. In the limited role, Charlize Theron brings her usual charisma onto the screen.
Robert Redford’s direction and his style of presenting the script really work well. To take such an offbeat topic and weave a simplistic story around it and yet leave a nice telling message shows his credentials as a good director.
Summary All in all I feel very lucky that we were shown this movie in the management training, otherwise I would not have seen this movie. I would recommend this movie highly especially to management candidates and for facilitators who take management topics like coaching and mentoring.
I would give this movie a high five rating.