Ralph Fiennes just released ‘The Menu’ (which is inspired by a real restaurant), but years ago he made a splash with ‘The Constant Gardener’, a film he starred in in 2005.
This tape in which he played the diplomat Justin Quayle became popular again through Netflix, although some are unaware that it is based on a true story (as well as other films based on true events that changed the story to improve the plot).
- You can also watch Ralph Fiennes in “The Return of the Magical Lullaby” on ViX+, ViX’s premium streaming service
The true story on which ‘The Constant Gardener’ is based.
‘The Constant Gardener’ or ‘The Constant Gardener’, a film starring Ralph Fiennes and Rachel Weisz (which can be seen on ‘The Mummy’ on ViX+, ViX’s premium streaming service), is based on his book of the same name John le Carre. .
This in turn recounts the real scandal involving the pharmaceutical company Pfizer. The company conducted illegal clinical trials on African children in the 1990s.
Neither their parents nor the Nigerian government knew that the drug they were given was experimental, but was given to them supposedly to fight meningitis, an epidemic they were dealing with at the time.
According to information from the Washington Post (via El País), Pfizer administered its drug to 100 children who had a very deadly strain of the disease.
However, the local press reported at the time that the illegal clinical trial caused the death and disfigurement of around 200 children in the area.
None of them knew it was an illegal drug, let alone that it was being used as their “guinea pigs.”
‘The Constant Gardener’: Pfizer went to trial in real life
After this terrible story broke, Pfizer was sued for its actions. The Nigerian government initially sued the drugmaker for $2 billion, but the company denied all charges.
He even went so far as to ensure that Trovan, the name of the controversial drug, saved the lives of many children battling meningitis.
They eventually settled for $75 million. Of this amount, 10 million would be earmarked to cover court costs, 30 million to the city of Kano, Nigeria (where the trial took place) and another 35 to the families of children who died as a result of illegal drug use. .
There were many people who tried to claim compensation, so the company and the government jointly conducted paternity tests for those who requested it.
Did you know this tragic true story behind ‘The Constant Gardener’? What did you think of the movie? Tell us in the comments.
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Source: univision
Camila Luna is a writer at Gossipify, where she covers the latest movies and television series. With a passion for all things entertainment, Camila brings her unique perspective to her writing and offers readers an inside look at the industry. Camila is a graduate from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) with a degree in English and is also a avid movie watcher.
