Directed by:
Ridley ScottScreenplay:
Marc KleinCinematography:
Philippe Le SourdComposer:
Marc StreitenfeldCast:
Russell Crowe, Marion Cotillard, Freddie Highmore, Albert Finney, Archie Panjabi, Richard Coyle, Ben Righton, Rafe Spall, Tom Hollander, Kenneth Cranham (more)VOD (3)
Plots(1)
A British investment broker inherits his uncle's chateau and vineyard in Provence, where he spent much of his childhood. He discovers a new laid-back lifestyle as he tries to renovate the estate to be sold. (official distributor synopsis)
Videos (2)
Reviews (11)
The title of the movie promised a glimpse into the history of a world-famous tire manufacturing company. Oddly enough, it turned out to be a completely different film. The unwelcoming factory halls were replaced by the sunny Province, and the smell of rubber was more than made up for by the smell of wine. I’m not exactly a fan of Russell Crowe. There was something peculiar about this movie, though. It was set in France which I don't like, the lead role was played by an actor I don't like, the pace of the story wasn't exactly frenzied, romance wasn’t in short supply, but despite all this, the film made me feel good, and that's what counts. Admittedly, it wasn't a masterpiece, it was very soon clear how it was all going to turn out, the plot was a bit too naive at times and the main character's transformation was a little too smooth, but it still had its charm laced with nostalgia and I quite enjoyed watching it. / Lesson learned: If you cause an accident, call for help or make sure no one talks...
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The most undrinkable wine in Provence, a sharpened relationship between the English and the French, cinematic "frames" that could be framed instantly, all the genre clichés piled so high it's enjoyable, sympathetic banter, a nice pace, a reformed cynic and the blue eyes of one of the most beautiful angels France has right now. Ridley Scott is a true English gentleman...
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I've always had an open-door policy for movies about reevaluating your current life, finding the right place to exist, and true friends, and when Ridley Scott is directing his personal emotional masterpiece and Russel Crowe plays his wanderings through Provence with emotions like never before, it's a done deal. A human and heartwarming success in the truest sense of the word.
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Except for a few camera flights and typically chosen filters, it is not apparent that this little piece was directed by visual wizard Ridley Scott. What is even more surprising is that no matter what we focus on, everything in this film works fantastically. Scott delivers an easygoing, light, and incredibly charming escapade that will please not only lovers of the French countryside, warm summer evenings, candlelit dinners, or devoted winemakers. It’s a simple story with a worn-out message, but it’s presented with such a dose of nostalgia, naturalness, and lightness that it's hard to believe. It really works even without lavish visuals. The dialogues are excellent and many scenes are literally like a fairy tale, aided by the beautiful and meticulously crafted setting. Scott pays attention to every little detail, especially when it comes to the background (for example, the scene with Russel Crowe sitting by the pool reading a letter, with light fluff and dust swirling around him). Truly a heartfelt film, flawless as an escapade. Sufficiently light and playful for entertainment, yet also sufficiently intelligent and passionate not to offend with its simplicity.
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An accomplished caress for the slightly gloomy soul (successfully tested today). What I particularly liked about the film was the nice humor and the fact that there is no downright negative character in the story (I was expecting some type of greedy winemaker who would try to fool the main character). Nice. As for the female characters, I liked the sympathetic Archie Panjabi as much as Marion Cotillard, or maybe even a little more. Wonderful soundtrack (especially the songs).
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