Delightful alternative to blood & guts movies of modern days. And it was based on a true story about prison gardeners. Jim & I really enjoyed the lighthearted plot and happy endings for people who thought their lives were as good as over.

'Greenfingers' is a marvelous and splendid little film. Writer and director Joel Hershman shows brilliant understanding of the British culture and the fascination towards gardening as it is superbly depicted in the film. Do not let the premise mislead you because 'Greenfingers' is about much more than 'a group of inmates interested in gardening'. Clive Owen's character Colin pretty much mentions it in one scene when the officials drop by to consider his parole. The gardens and flowers are a splendorous sight to behold. Hershman's solid writing gives us some wonderfully witty and humorous dialogues and one-liners but there are a few plot holes like how Governor Hodge handles the officials after Tony's escape, since the reputation of the 'open prison' is of utmost importance to him. The cast is first-rate and it includes an understated Clive Owen, a zesty and gorgeous Helen Mirren, a frolicsome David Kelly, a compassionate Warren Clarke, a childlike Danny Dyer, a funny Adam Fogerty and a sweet Natasha Little. Owen and Little form quite a nice pair. I also liked the background score. The songs inject further energy into the film. The beautiful visuals are picturesque rich with vibrant colours. 'Greenfingers' reminded me of the artistic values that flora brings to our lives and some nostalgic memories of when we had a garden that preoccupied us. This film is one entertaining and beautiful little movie.

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)

Once again , the writer has taken a wonderful real life story and ruined it with foul language and nudity ! When will the writers realize that sex and obscenities are not what EVERYONE wants ! It was a shame that I had to shut it off and send my children to another room. After I watched it , I realized that my kids could have learned a valuable life lesson, about second chances, had they been allowed to sit through it. Too bad..A lot of that crap was stuff I really didn't need to hear or see either. On the other hand it was a sweet movie. Funny and charming. Georgina Woodhouse was superb ! Everything you would expect a snooty gardener to be. Again...Great movie... Poor language !