5 Ninja Stars

This movie explores the relationship of Tessa (Rachel Weisz) and Justin Quayle (Ralph Fiennes) and their life as a British diplomat and his wife living in Africa against the backdrop of poverty and the wrong-doings of evil corporate (pharmaceutical) empires. Justin is a mild-mannered British diplomat who seems most concerned with his garden while Tessa is an activist at heart and is, behind Justin’s back, researching “free” drugs being administered to Kenyans by the pharmaceutical companies. It turns out that the drug companies are giving out free HIV meds but also simultaneously testing an experimental TB drug which is causing many to become sick and die. Her research and ensuing attempt to make her research public end in her mysterious death (not a spoiler, it happens in the beginning) and much of the movie is Justin trying to put the pieces together and figure everything out. Shot in the same fractious style as his “City of God” (hand-held camera too), director Fernando Mereilles successfully conveys the urgency of Justin’s search for the truth as his personality evolves, the plight of Africa and her political and economic struggles and the unforgettable loveliness of Justin & Tessa’s relationship. This movie was very well-acted and will stay in your mind long after the movie is over.