Greenfingers film review

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GREENFINGERS

The idea of a group of English prisoners designing and building a garden for one of the world's most prestigious flower shows might be considered a bit far fetched for a movie but, as they say, truth is always stranger than fiction. What is also strange is that this quintessentially British film is based on a 1998 New York Times article and is written and directed by an American, Joel Hershman.

Hardened criminals becoming petunia-loving gardeners might appear as unlikely and hilarious a concept as, say a bunch of unemployed steelworkers from Sheffield becoming strippers, but unfortunately Greenfingers is no Full Monty though it's not for the lack of trying. Perhaps a spot of fertiliser on the characters might have imbued them with a bit more colour, or some pruning of the script to instil a greater sense of urgency and drama might have helped, but in the end what's left is best politely described as manure.

Nearing the end of his sentence for the murder of his brother, Colin Briggs (Clive Owen) is transferred to Edgefield open prison in preparation for his release. Insular and unemotional, Colin would appear the perfect role for Owen, who is establishing a reputation for being the strong silent type, but the combination of the understated character and Owen's understated portrayal, makes Colin all but vapid.

His cellmate at Edgefield is the frail but wise Fergus Wilks (David Kelly), who tends lovingly to his pot plant and peppers his speech with proverbs, advising Colin to, "make friends with your misfortunes or you'll always be angry." It is Wilks who introduces Colin to the wonder of horticulture with a present of violet seeds. When the resulting flowers blossom, despite neglect and unsuitable conditions, the metaphor is not lost on us or Colin, who recognises it as a sign and is hooked.