Greenfingers (2001)

the audience applauded

For all the hype it got I was expecting a lot more!

It is both painfully honest and laugh-out-loud funny at the same time.

This is a coming of age storyline that you've seen in one form or another for decades. It takes a truly unique voice to make yet another one worth watching.

"Greenfingers" is a film from 2000 starring Clive Owen, Helen Mirren, David Kelly, Adam Fogerty, and Natasha Little. Owen plays a prisoner who is transferred to a work program at a minimum security prison. There, he discovers his "greenfingers," i.e., a talent for making plants and flowers grow. He also makes some special friendships and falls in love.Written and directed by Joel Hershman, Greenfingers is based on the true story of talented prisoner gardeners who entered their gardens in shows in England.The cast is outstanding, with Clive Owen at his handsome and underplayed best, a wonderful characterization by David Kelly, and the fantastic Helen Mirren as a well-known gardening expert. The other prisoners such as Adam Fogerty give great support.Greenfingers is a charming film about likable people, along the lines of "Kinky Boots," "Saving Grace," and any number of other delightful British films.Highly recommended.

I would probably go to see Clive Owens and Helen Mirren read the phone book, and I practically did in "Greenfingers," but it's still fun for fans of Brit coms and such. While Clive's "Colin" isn't one of the hardened convicts of HBO's "Oz," he is emotionally cut-off and his blooming with his flowers is sweet, facilitated by mentor David Kelley (from "Waking Ned Devine"). The love story doesn't quite ignite.The other reformed-through-horticulture prison-mates are the usual Brit class and race rainbow, so are hard to understand sometimes.It will make a nice episode of PBS's "Masterpiece Theatre." (originally written 8/4/2001)

I am a librarian, and one of my jobs is to shelve and organize our videos. I had seen this movie go out occasionally, and wondered what it was like. I was pleasantly surprised, and LOVED IT!!! All of the characters are great, especially the big, hulking yet gentle prisoner who comes to like gardening. David Kelly as Fergus Wilks was a funny, sweet and upbeat man who surprised me as to why he was in prison. I cheered on the romance between Clive Owen & "Primrose". Helen Mirren was a fantastic Martha Stewart of gardening, and a loving yet clingy mom. I loved it, and have recommended it to many people as a must see! Julie A. Roberts (:-)

If your garden is in poor shape and looks neglected, watch this film and be inspired. Some gardening books, a packet of seeds and some physical exertion can work miracles. If three ignorant jailbirds can transform the landscape, anyone can.Said to be based on true experiences, this film is a real winner for British film-makers. Like "Brassed Off" and "Billy Eliot", it tugs at the heart strings as the characters triumph against many adversities.Rehabilitation of murderers in an open environment is built on trust and we observe how three rather surly prisoners respond with enthusiasm when given the choice of gardening projects to undertake. Colin Briggs ( Clive Owen) seems to be the main driving force of the three, urged on by old Fergus Wilks (Davis Kelly) a true garden lover. The casting of both these characters is excellent and could not be bettered.Helen Mirren as Georgina Woodhouse is a gardening entrepreneur to her fingertips. She even calls her daughter Primrose. She suggests that the men create a garden and enter it in the Hampton Court Garden Contest.The film touches on class distinction and understandably so for not everyone likes to be mixing with potential murderers. Primrose of course is an exception and predictably falls in love with Colin.The theme of the film lends itself to some lovely photography of prize-winning gardens.Like me you will think you know how this heart-warming film will end. Don't be too sure about that.....