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Product Description
A british investment broker inherits a vineyard in province from his late uncle. He discovers a new laid-back lifestyle as he tries to renovate the estate to be sold. Studio: Tcfhe Release Date: 01/13/2009 Starring: Russell Crowe Run time: 114 minutes Rating: Pg13
A feel-good movie that highlights the beauty of France as much as it does its stars, A Good Year provides a languid, gorgeous viewing experience. Director Ridley Scott and Russell Crowe--who first worked together on the Academy Award-winning Gladiator--are reunited in this romantic film, which is based on Peter Mayle's book A Year in Provence. Crowe plays Max, a workaholic London bonds trader who doesn't know the meaning of vacation. When his uncle dies, leaving him a picturesque estate in the south of France, Max views it as an opportunity to cash in the vinery and pocket the profits. The film is reminiscent of Diane Lane's Under the Tuscan Sun in the way the scenery plays as much of a role in the film as its characters. The lush village and streaming sunlight portray Provence as an idyllic, magical place. Even Max falls under its spell. While not a particularly likeable character, especially in the early part of the film, Max also isn't a bad guy. When he gets the chance to live life at a less manic pace than which he is used to, he finds that a good year isn't dependant on a financial windfall. Though Scott tries to drum up some suspense in the film (Is the beautiful visitor really Max's illegitimate cousin? Will Max fall in love with the feisty local woman he trades quips with?) nothing that happens comes as much of a surprise. Still, while the film doesn't fully utilize Crowe's range of skills, the actor is charming in his role and A Good Year provides a fine time in the cinemas. --Jae-Ha Kim Extras from A Good Year 
Russell Crowe and Co-Stars on Filming in Provence | 
A Good Year Virtual Vinyard |
Beyond A Good Year 
A Year in Provence | 
More from Director Ridley Scott |
More from Russell Crowe |
Stills from A Good Year
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Customer Reviews: - "Dying is easy. Comedy is hard."
I've been a fan of Russell Crowe for long time and I like a lot all his performances I've seen. He is a very talented actor, one of the best of his generation. He is especially good and convincing at playing strong, charismatic, intense, and often brooding characters but I've noticed that I like him the most when he smiles. He does not do it often, on the contrary, his smile is a rare gift but it changes his face completely, it literally lights his face, makes it younger, softer, and even tender. I have always been curious to see him in a light and funny comedy and when I learned that he and Ridley Scott who has directed him to the Oscar in "The Gladiator" teamed up for a romantic comedy that takes place in the vineyard of sunny Provence, in the south of France, I was very interested in seeing it.
I should say that even though I had expected more from the movie, it was nice. The story is very familiar and predictable but the film is a delight to watch since it was made by a master of the stunningly beautiful visuals, the master who can look at the familiar landmark from the different prospective, the way nobody else has. The best about "A Good Year" is its look - dreamy, enveloping, delightfully intoxicating - just as wine that plays such a big role in the story of Max Skinner (Russell Crowe) who one day suddenly finds himself back in the place where he used to be happy once as a boy but almost forgot the feeling having left for a huge dynamic mega polis where he has become a ruthless arrogant businessman. He will have to slow down and to learn what the real pleasures, values, and priorities in life are. Once more, Russell Crowe has proved that he can act but I found his performance a little too heavy and intense for such a silly light comedy. Watching him in "A Good Year" reminds me of an old story. A famous comic actor, lying on his deathbed, was asked by a friend, "Is it hard, this dying?" "No," replied the actor. "Dying is easy. Comedy is hard." I was glad to see Crowe in the comedy even if not completely successful and there was one absolutely charming and hilarious scene with Crowe driving the smallest and cutest car imaginable which brought to my mind the similar scene in the latest Woody Allen's comedy. I began to wonder what Woody Allen's next project would be. What if two of them, Allen and Crowe will get to work together? That would be a comedy I will never miss.
...more info - dvd "A Good Year"
The dvd was advertized as used and in very good condition. Actually it was new and in original packaging. Excellent deal....more info - What a gem
This has to be one of the most delightful romantic comedies of all time. The story is of a cocky, arrogant London based stock broker Maximilian Skinner (Russell Crowe) who is left a chateau and vineyard in Provence by his uncle Henry (Albert Finney), the man who literally educated him in the finer points of life. During the movie, Max learns much about life, and begins to understand the lessons taught him by his uncle, whilst falling for a French beauty, Fanny Chenal (Marion Cotillard) who completes his re-education to a softer, more likeable character.
The supporting cast are also superb....Charlie (Tom Hollander) as Max's pretentious realtor, "we dont say shabby, Max, we say with a patina of a bigone era", and later, in response to Max's cousin Christie (Abbie Cornish) to examine her (sunburned) back, a stary eyed, mouth open, "Thanks!"; Jemma, (Archie Panjabi), as Max's loyal and deliciously synical assistant, and Francis and Ludivine Duflot, the wonderful couple who oversee the vineyards and chateau.
I am simply astounded by some of the negative reviews of this movie, and can only assume that the reviewers either didn't listen to the dialogue, or were unaware of the nuances and subtleties of the humor! The script is hilarious, with a constant stream of classic lines and situations, and from Henry(Albert Finney), to his nephew, the young Max, well played by Freddie Highmore, ageless wisdom and wit. At one point, the young Max states that he wants to finish his book,(Death in Venice), to which Henry replies, "Given the title, I don't think you will be surprised by the ending!"
The music is fabulous, both whith some haunting original pieces as well as the use of a score of classic songs from virtually every decade of the last century. Top that with magnificent scenery and beautiful cinematography, and you end up with a gem that I am sure will become a late blooming classic....more info - A great year!
I find it hard to understand how anybody can NOT find this movie delightful. The story is charming, the scenery staggeringly beautiful, the acting superb and the screenplay witty. .. maybe too witty for some!!! I have watched this movie three times and still find new lines and humor, in fact, almost every line is either full of wisdom or wit. Also, contrary to what some have written, Russell Crowe is spetacularly good in this part, with brilliant facial expressions, wonderful delivery of his lines and great timing. The supporting cast are also excellent, particularly Alber Finney as the delightfully wise rogue, Uncle Henry, Archie Panjabi as Jemma, the PA every blue blooded man would want, and Didier Bourdon as the longsuffering winemaker, Duflot. Add to this a marvellous soundtrack beautiful interwoven into the story, and you have one of the cleanest, wittiest and most delightful movies to come out for a long time....more info - An enjoyable romantic comedy
I enjoyed watching this movie and my wife even bought the DVD. I am pretty sure we will watch it again. The script is funny, sometimes witty, and the European countryside makes me wish to go back to the Old Continent.
I particularly liked the secondary characters, all very well portrayed and in different way interesting. The two main characters have, however, the only redeeming quality of being attractive. The "love story" goes way to fast from the standard initial dislike (which, in this case, has at least the originality of being one-sided) to the standard conclusion in bed. The evolution of the main character is also not credible and rushed. The "message" of the movie (remember that money is not all and you should not forget to enjoy life) is fairly trivial and particularly shallow in the context of the story. It is very easy to choose to enjoy life when you have millions in your bank account and you have just inherited a huge villa with vinyard included in rural France.
But overall, as I said, I found this to be an enjoyable romantic comedy and in a romantic comedy one rarely looks for depth or truth. But before you watch this one, remember to unplug your brain and perhaps fill your glass with a good red.
...more info - A Good Year
This movie is really underated. It's light and romantic and colorful. The flash backs work well in this movie to set the background of a young boy and his uncle. Russel Crowe is endearing as Max, as a young boy, then a greedy and selfish man who becomes so smitten by a beautiful and independent French woman against the picturesque backdrop of his uncle's Provence winery. It is truly beautiful and immensely enjoyable...
The scenery and actors are delightful...
Buy it, watch it again and again...enjoy!...more info - MOVIE ... A Good Year
Great movie, European setting, takes you on a fun, memorable, romatic journey that is inspiring and soulful.... celebrates family and simplicity in the end....more info - A Nice Change of Pace
I initially happened upon this movie while playing "channel roulette" flipping through TV channels. This was playing on HBO. I am a fan of Russell Crowe, so I thought I would give it a shot. I was pleasantly surprised by this movie. What I liked most about this movie was how beautifully it was photographed. I have never been to France, and, quite frankly, there are many places I would like to see before France. "A Good Year" was so well photographed that I might consider going to France and put up with all that "attitude." There was some good natured give and take that poked fun at the cultural differences among the French, English, and Americans and the "sterotypical" characterizations. Nobody is perfect!
Nice story, good acting, and beautiful photography prompted me to by the DVD. Tres bien!
...more info - Not one of Russell Crowe's Best Works....Or the Director's for that Matter
After reading some rave reviews, my husband and I settled down on the couch for our "date night". I am sorry to report that we were both sorely disappointed in the movie. We are both huge Russell Crowe fans but this may be his worst acting in a long time. I'm not sure that it is his fault so much as the script. I had a hard time believing that this "heartless, ruthless" male chauvinist (his character is ALWAYS staring at a woman's chest or derriere) is what became of the sweet, thoughtful boy that is wonderfully depicted by the young actor. In fact, the boy and Abbie Cornish, who plays his cousin, are the true stars of this movie. In my opinion, this movie does not hold a candle to true classics like "Under the Tuscan Sun."...more info - A superb vintage
Despite so many negative reviews, this film is absolutely marvelous. Perhaps the reviewers simply didn't get it. Not only is the film brilliantly made, it is funny, clever and moving. It is not just a romantic comedy, but is so much more an interview of life. The interaction of the characters is superb, particularly the young Max and Uncle Henry (the impeccable Albert Finney), who imparts sage but tender wisdom at every turn;... viz "A man learns nothing from winning... The art of loosing, however, elicits great wisdom, not least of which is how much more enjoyable it is to win...It's inevitable to lose now and then. The secret is not to make a habit of it"
It is also full of delightful digs at the cultural differences of the French, the British and Americans... the winemaker Duflot (Didier Bourdon) stating, "they do not make wine in California, they make Hawaiian Punch," or Max, (Russell Crowe) answering a group of jeering French cyclists as he drives by, by calling out "Lance Armstrong!" with his middle finger extended!
Also, despite the criticism heaped on him, I thought Russell Crowe was perfect. His initial callous arrogance was spot on, but his transformation to a softer gentler character was handled skillfully, and his comedy and timing were terrific, truly displaying his multiple talents. One of my favorite lines is his off the cuff description of the wine made at La Siroque..."Bouquet of a wet dog, hits the palate like a razor blade, and a finish that hints of offal."
And the rest of the cast were as good, from the long-suffering Duflot, declaring war on the unlovable early version of Max, "English pr..k", to the delicious Christie Roberts,(Abbie Cornish) ....again Duflot...."She is just like 'er father,...with a nice a.se!". And who would not die for a secretary like Jemma (Archie Panjabi)? ...to a gilted female caller for Max, "No, I'm afraid Max can't take your call, he's at his wedding rehearsal with his fianc¨¦e!"
All in all, the screenplay is one of the slickest and cleverest I have come across in ages. In fact one has to listen carefully to every line to avoid missing one of the gems. Furthermore the photography, melded beautifully with a superb musical score, join together to make this one of the most delightful films of our time. Bien Fait!
...more info - Very pleasant....Wish I was there
Just a beautiful work of art. Music score is wonderful. Takes me back to a less hectic paced world where the internet is not the main form of socialization. I wish this would come out in high def. The scenery alone is worth watching this movie. It is fabulous. It's a pleasure just to travel through the vineyard in south France (where the film was made). Share this experience with your significant other. ...more info - A REAL SLEEPER
I never heard of A Good Year... until I was surfing through my TIVO movie choices under the letter "A" and decided to record it. I have since seen the movie about 6 times within the last month, as I am watching it with my family and friends that I want to see the movie!!
I especially adored the end credits, and hearing the song "Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny, Yellow Polka Dot Bikini" sung in French while watching stills from the movie. This was a real HOOT!!
I have purchased the movie for my own, and wholeheartly recommed it to all!
...more info - Aussie Walt
I give this film two stars for photography. Russell Crowe is a fine actor but totally miscast in a comedy. The film is weak and anyone praising it will settle for almost anything.
I think that the two Rs..Russell and Ridley, know that this is a dud and anything made afterwards will have to be much better. I am looking forward to American Gangster and the re-made 3:10 to Yuma because I think Russell will more than make up for this error in judgement....more info - A mediocre vintage
In A Good Year, Russell Crowe plays Max Skinner, a moneygrubbing banker in fast-paced London. Max is focused only on generating profits, and he has no personal relationships in his life to speak of. After a bumper business day (involving ethically questionable behaviors), Max comes home to find a letter notifying him that his Uncle Henry (Albert Finney), who he used to spend his summers with, has died. Because Henry left no formal written will, and because Max is his only living relative, all of Henry's possessions (which include a sizable estate and vineyard in Provence) go to Max. Max packs up his bags and heads to Provence to do a quick assessment of the estate and prepare it for sale.
Of course, once Max arrives in France, Provence (and a lovely lady, played by Marion Cotillard) sinks into his bones. In addition, the vineyard jumpstarts Max's memory, invoking all the grand adventures he had on the estate with Uncle Henry. (Freddie Highmore plays Max as a child.) Lastly, an attractive American shows up, claiming to be Uncle Henry's illegitimate daughter (complicating decisions about the estate).
My favorite parts of the movie were the flashbacks of Max as a child at the vineyard. Highmore and Finney had a nice on-screen relationship, and the golden-tinted light had just the right hazy, halcyon quality to evoke memory.
Overall, however, the movie had a really predictable storyline and smacked of a French version of Under the Tuscan Sun. Not a must-see....more info - Charming little film
This was a cute little romantic comedy set in beautiful Provence, France. The story follows a selfish and callous London stockbroker who inherits his deceased Uncle's vineyard. He has every intention to quickly unload the burdensome property for the largest profit possible, yet when he returns to this place of his childhood summers, it grabs a hold of him. There seems to be something magical about this place and it comes through clearly in this visually stunning film. Along with this magnetic setting, he also happens upon a charming and lovely young lady in the way of Marion Cotillard, the combination of which compels him to have a sincere change of heart. Throw in a newly discovered American cousin and the goofy French couple who take care of the estate and you have an entertaining little story.
This tag team of Cotillard and French countryside is what really drew me in. I can't decide which one is more lovely, but I think you'd be hard-pressed to find a right-minded man who could resist the combination. Apparently, Russell Crowe was the star of this film but I didn't even notice, entranced as I was with the aforementioned duo. OK, I kid. You can hardly miss Crowe who is the main protagonist, and I think he does a good job in this brief departure from his usual role as a tough guy. I was also surprised to see that Ridley Scott was the director, as I am used to seeing him involved strictly in action-packed blockbuster type films.
Some reviewers have said that if you love wine and France, you will love this movie. While this is probably true, I'm not into wine, and I've never been to France, yet I still found this to be an enchanting little film. Frankly, the story is a bit cliched, and there is nothing really original or earth-shattering here, but I found myself enjoying it nonetheless. A nice, pleasant movie to enjoy with your sweetheart, or just your lonely self. Four stars....more info - Great Movie!
One of my favorite movies with beautiful scenery and story line. the price was very reasonable and it shiped very fast. I recommend this!...more info - Russell Crowe does Hugh Grant Imitation...Even down to floppy hair.
Okay the good stuff first; lovely Provence, beautiful French girl and...well that's about it. Brilliant director, acting talent galore unfortunately lumbered with plot and dialogue on the par with your average television sitcom. This is like pairing a fine Bordeaux with a Big Mac. Sadly it just won't do. I got the feeling throughout the viewing that I was watching Ridley Scott's home movie of his summer holiday.
This is not to say Russell Crowe can't do comedy. He is incredibly charming and seems to retain the boyish naughty boy quality which makes the girls hearts race, with a wink and a nod to all his fellow blokes on the other side of the screen. One gets the sense he was having a grand time, but wasn't called on to do much acting.
Albert Finney and Russell Crowe together with a script worthy of their talents would be a real treat. Maybe next time.
...more info - A Sip of Rose
Even the most serious people who drink only red wine after it has been properly decanted may have a whim of trying rose for a change. Obviously, they do it in proper places and proper season - southern France in the summer being the most obvious choice.
It is not that surprising then that Ridley Scott also fell victim to the charms of rose and gives us a film which is light and a little bubbly. The story isn't worth remembering, the message has been told too many times before but a nice evening is guaranteed. Just get proper company and put a bottle or two of rose wine in your fridge....more info - Americans meet Marion Cotillard.....
A GOOD YEAR will probably only be noted in cinematic history as the first time most Americans ever saw 2008 Oscar winner for Best Actress, Marion Cotillard. Although Tim Burton's BIG FISH (in English) had previously offered Cotillard a small role, this is the first time US audiences really got the full shotgun impact of the actress's charm, playfulness, and startling beauty. Ridley Scott allegedly told Cotillard that he had cast her opposite Oscar winner Russell Crowe because he felt she could "handle him," by which he meant she could stand toe to toe with Crowe in scenes. (In his other films it's easy to see that Scott adores beautiful, intelligent and independent women.) This film didn't hit the mark with audiences or critics; that doesn't mean there's not some fine work going on here. Many viewers have said it's one of their favorite movies. A cheerful and engaging romantic comedy, A GOOD YEAR has some memorable moments, lush cinematography of France, and Marion Cotillard. That's surely worth a look on DVD....more info - A Good Year...
Personally, I liked the film enough to buy it! What made the movie for me was the interaction with Abbie Cornish ("you never know, you might want to write another letter" - see the movie again if you missed this line - it speaks volumes!) and Marion Cotillard (What did she whisper in his ear? - see the movie again if you want to know!!).
What I am trying to tell all of you? See this movie again, give it another chance, and LISTEN! See all that you missed the first time around!
Finally, this movie wasn't great! But, it was good! Four stars!!...more info - Different spin; same result
About 18 months ago, in my review of Peter Mayle's "A Good Year," I likened the book to a helping of cotton candy, a silly confection that may satisfy a temporary sweet tooth, but cannot satisfy a real appetite. It was with no small trepidation, therefore, that I sat down to watch the film version directed in 2006 by Ridley Scott.
One hundred and twenty minutes later, I was not sure what I watched....I know only that it was NOT Mayle's "Good Year."
Oh, yes...the title was the same, the setting was the same and the main character, Max Skinner, had the same name. But that was where any similarities between Mayle's original and Marc Klein's screenplay largely ended.
In Mayle's original, Max finds himself improbably cheated out of his livelihood at lunch, and inheriting an estate by dinner time. His career for the moment shot, Max has nothing to keep him from the splendors and adventures waiting in France. The Klein screenplay, by contrast, has Skinner at the top of his professional form, albeit under a small but worrisome cloud: France, the estate and the circumstances of his inheritance are a bother, and this Skinner fully intends to make short work of them. What follows is a standard boy-meets-girl tale, told against a larger story of self discovery. Klein begins where Mayle began, and ends up in roughly the same place...but the path he takes to that end point is vastly and significantly different that the one taken by Mayle.
The concept of screenplay and source material differing, even differing greatly, is certainly nothing new. The problem here, however, is that Klein added nothing appreciably better. Where the tension in Mayle's original came from a half-baked mystery he attempted to establish (before apparently losing interest and simply wrapping the whole thing up), the tension in Klein's version comes from Max's flashbacks to the time he spent under the tutelage of his dear, departed Uncle Henry....visions which call into stark contrast the man his uncle intended for him to become, and the man he in fact became. Unfortunately choosing spend time recreating odd bits of Mayle's original storyline, Klein never gets the chance to fully develop the thread of Max's catharsis. The change of heart he undergoes apparently comes as easily as everything else in his uniquely charmed life.
The mediocre screenplay aside, the acting is generally first rate. Russell Crowe has a romp playing a character who, had he been filmed fifty years earlier, would have almost certainly been played by Cary Grant. Albert Finney has a similarly grand time playing the dear departed Uncle Henry, irascible, sly and all-knowing. Unfortunately, Marion Cotillard, cast as Max's love interest, and Didier Bourdon, and Isabelle Candelier, the estate's husband and wife caretakers, get far too little screen time given the performances they turn in. Among the few annoying cast notes is Freddie Highmore, as the young Max of the flashbacks, once again cast as one of those wise-beyond-his-years screen kids no one has ever actually met in real life.
In the end, this film is no worse than the flawed book upon which it is loosely based, and may actually be a bit better. Both are meaningless confections; but, as opposed to the book, the film takes only two hours to digest.
...more info - i was pleasantly surprised by this movie...
i should know better than to listen to the reviews - i found this movie delightful - sort of a mix of old world and new world in flavour - loved the flashbacks with albert finney - and the cinematography is gorgeous - a really fine movie to hunker down with on a rainy day:)...more info
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