A great story, with great messages.

Rating: 7/10 (26 December 2008)

I had the pleasure of seeing this movie being made, while I lived in Savannah, Ga. I have to say first off that the visual imagery of this film in impeccable, and nothing other than top-notch. The use of scene's at night, and scene's in the fog, and scene's in the rain bring an emotion to specific points in the story that could not have been told any other way.
A great story is exactly what this film is, despite what some critics have said about this film being cheesy, or not being realistic, what they apparently lack in a sense of imagination and a flair for the art of storytelling. The setting for this film as being after WWI, and entering into the great depression separates the story from being exclusively about money, or an individual character. Although, this movie is titled, "The Legend of Bagger Vance," this film is not about Bagger Vance. Sure, Bagger Vance had a big role in transforming Matt Damon's character. This film is about fear, and personal doubt, and the ability to overcome our own obstacles.
Using Golf as the subject is terrific, being that it is a sport which, is ultimately about competing against yourself. Each shot in golf, from the drive to the putt is about individual concentration, and ability. Being a golf fanatic, I know it can be quite a frustrating game when you let it get the best of you. You get behind on a stroke, you try to over-compensate for your loss, and you end up playing worse because, you're now playing not to screw up.
I give big prop's to Robert Redford for directing this great film, and to the casting director for bringing together a group that has great on-screen chemistry.
I highly recommend this movie to anyone who likes a good story, and likes the idea that we can all conquer our own fears.