After the first two-thirds of the movie I would have given it 9 out of ten. My only problem was the gardener's impeccable English, which made the whole enterprise somewhat unrealistic. But unfortunately the last third descends into a somewhat improbable melodrama. I think the same effect and resolution could have been achieved in the much quieter and subtle manner that the first two-thirds exhibited. Because it's the movies, the studio probably demanded a much different, happier ending than the book, which apparently is much, much darker. It's a shame, because much of the movie was wonderful and affecting.
Review of The Spanish Gardener
