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)
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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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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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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Though A Good Year is a modest little film, it is one of the best in Ridley Scott’s filmography in terms of fulfilling its objectives. There is nothing for which to fault this film. It doesn’t overdo anything, it’s pleasant and positive, and it makes full use of Russell Crowe’s acting skill and charisma. The poetics of the setting (camera filters, music) uniquely complement the intimate story, with the added bonus of sensitive and intelligent humor.
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I didn’t expect that A Good Year would captivate me so. I’m not too keen on wine and Russell Crowe (despite being an outstanding actor) isn’t one of my favorites. Nevertheless, it happened. Probably it was the allure of charming France, beautiful women and beautiful landscapes. Provence is just enchanting. And Ridley Scott takes advantage of it. Memories of childhood and nostalgia are almost tangible in every shot. In my opinion, collaboration between Ridley and Russell worked out even better than in Gladiator.
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