A very good story, The Legend of Bagger Vance sinks a hole in one!

Rating: 9/10 (12 July 2001)

The Legend of Bagger Vance is directed by Robert Redford and tells a story about winning, losing and the need for redemption, from the perspective of an American professional golfer and war veteran.
Set in Savannah, Georgia, The Legend of Bagger Vance introduces the triumphant Rannulph Junuh (Matt Damon) a golfer whose winning swings earned him the admiration of his townspeople and the affection of the wealthy and beautiful Adele Invergordon (Charlize Theron). A man whose identity had always revolved around winning, Junuh suffers an identity crisis after failing in battle and witnessing the loss of all the soldiers of his platoon. After a prolongued absence, Junuh --a defeated man-- returns to post WWI Savannah. Conflicts arise when Hardy Greaves (J. Michael Moncrief), a young boy with an inspiring confidence in Junuh, "volunteers" the ex-golfer to represent the state in an upcoming and unprecedented national golf tournament with top players Bobby Jones (Joel Gretsch) and Walter Hagen (Bruce McGill). As if prompted by Junuh's resistance, the mystical character of Bagger Vance (Will Smith) encounters the troubled man, offers to become his caddy and to help him find his winning game.
The Legend of Bagger Vance successfully establishes the act of playing golf as a metaphor for living and defines its players' commitment toward winning as representative of people's capacity and willingness to embrace life. In this sense, The Legend of Bagger Vance transcends the specifics of the sport of golf, while using these to deliver the notion that the discipline, sensibility and motivation required to win the game applies to all pursuits in life. The Legend of Bagger Vance benefits from the captivating cinematography of Michael Ballhaus which provides a naturalistic setting for a simple story to unfold. Although not focusing deeply on the climate of the Depression, The Legend of Bagger Vance does comment on the tragic quality of a demoralized society, of its struggle with poverty, and of its need for a motivational figure. Thus, while the character of Rannulph Junuh exemplifies the possibility of the existence of such a figure, the abstract character of Bagger Vance personifies the concept of the irrepressible conscience that guides, moralizes and offers the opportunity for redemption. Although romanticized, this premise finds a clear mission and renders The Legend of Bagger Vance a memorable experience.