Savannah Golden boy Rannulph Junuh (Damon) was a local hero before World War I.

He was paired off with the richest and most beautiful girl in town, Adele Invergordon (Theron), and was an adored golfing hero.

When he returns from war, America has sunk into the Great depression and the Deep South has been hit with unemployment and poverty.

Junuh is a ruined man. He cannot lift himself out of a decline, which is leading him to drink and gambling.

Meanwhile Adele is thriving. She has taken over the running of her father's luxury golf resort and must organise an exhibition match between two of America's greatest golfers and a local boy - Junuh is the guy she wants for the game!

A little boy - the young Jack Lemmon - is appointed to persuade him to be a sport but Junuh must turn to Bagger Vance (Smith) to avoid embarrassing himself with his now slightly rusty game.

Bagger Vance is a mysterious figure who has appeared from nowhere and attempts to teach Junuh how to improve not only his swing but his mind set as well.

Directed by Robert Redford this film has the same pleasant meandering feel as The Horse Whisperer and A River Runs Through It.

Redford has a clever knack of turning ordinary people in mundane situations into watchable and beautiful films.

He is obviously a man who really understands what movies are supposed to do. The acting is superb, the premise simple and the script witty and absorbing.

Evoking the atmosphere of the 1930s Deep South with such skill, Redford has also manipulated his actors into believably strong characters.

Damon ditches his golden boy charms and becomes manipulative and unfulfilled.

The climactic 18th hole showdown is as thrilling as it is uplifting.

Natalie Stone