In a change-of-pace from the heavy dramatics and CGI-heavy spectacle that Russell Crowe and director Ridley Scott offered up, in "Gladiator", the warmly romantic "A Good Year" shows a charm and humor that should make this film a favorite of fans of a good love story and the beauty of Provence, for years to come! Based on Peter Mayle's 2006 novel, which, in turn, was loosely based his 1993 work, "A Year in Provence", the film is reminiscent of Diane Lane's 1993 comedy/drama, "Under the Tuscan Sun", and also brings to mind the 1961 Rock Hudson/Gina Lollobrigida comedy, "Come September"; all three films offer romance, a glowing Mediterranean atmosphere, and characters as unconventional as they are, endearing.
Crowe is a high-power, unscrupulous but wickedly funny British investment broker, who inherits the French estate and vineyards of his late uncle (Albert Finney, who plays the endearing codger in flashbacks). Under investigation for a more-than-a-little-shady stock transaction, the trip to France gives the broker a chance to let things simmer down, while he unloads the property...but childhood memories, old friends, the arrival of an unknown, illegitimate heir, from America (Abbie Cornish), and a feisty, beautiful local French girl (Marion Cotillard) all conspire to force Crowe to rethink his priorities, as he falls under the spell of Provence.
While the film offers few real surprises, the characters are all likable, the dialog is crisp and witty, and there is a tangible magic in the glorious French landscape.
All-in-all, "A Good Year" makes a GREAT date movie, and may have you booking a trip to France!
Crowe is a high-power, unscrupulous but wickedly funny British investment broker, who inherits the French estate and vineyards of his late uncle (Albert Finney, who plays the endearing codger in flashbacks). Under investigation for a more-than-a-little-shady stock transaction, the trip to France gives the broker a chance to let things simmer down, while he unloads the property...but childhood memories, old friends, the arrival of an unknown, illegitimate heir, from America (Abbie Cornish), and a feisty, beautiful local French girl (Marion Cotillard) all conspire to force Crowe to rethink his priorities, as he falls under the spell of Provence.
While the film offers few real surprises, the characters are all likable, the dialog is crisp and witty, and there is a tangible magic in the glorious French landscape.
All-in-all, "A Good Year" makes a GREAT date movie, and may have you booking a trip to France!