A Good Year (Widescreen Edition)

I've seen this movie a couple of times now, and that's because the very first time there was just something about it that stuck with me. I'm a typical american woman who loves romantic moveis based in Europe, however this one wasn't too heavy on the love. Under the Tuscan Sun in a fave of mine but this one ranks high for differnt reasons. It's not a romantic story so much as a "come back and find your roots" story. Yes Crowe's character becomes a money hungry monster, however as much as he sees the chance to make more money he is surprised at the moments that sneak up on him and remind him of his childhood and his father figure all those years ago. Its a great story of a long lost son of France coming home and tripping on his ego a few times, but ultimately is enveloped in care from the people of his past and he remembers the kind of man he was raised to be.

This movie is delightful! I know, I know, it isn't exactly "Citizen Kane," but it offers two enjoyable hours of escape from Covid and all the divisiveness in society right now. Great photography, wonderful secondary characters and the transcendent Marion Cottillard - what's not to like? I recommend that you sit back in your easy chair, turn on your flat-screen and your Blu-ray player, and spend some quality time in a magical part of the world.

Rating the movie itself. I watched on HBO via the Prime subscription.Rarely do I review movies, and when I do it's rarely because they're bad. This one is bad. Here is my review:Crowe's character is a jerk (nicely put) and wins the "very, very picky" woman over in one date by being continuing to be an @$$ to her. Wow. Rein check on that line of thought. Oh and she's obviously much younger than he is (and 11 years between the actors), but they were similarly aged kids at the same time who kissed cheeks once when they were 8 and still remember it. And then there's the weird 'illegitimate daughter who knows allll about wine' storyline and the creepy friend from London. And what was up with the rancid vs secretively amazing wine? We'll never know. To say the plot was all over the place would be nice. The vigneron was my favorite character - he was the one good bit of the movie. Otherwise this movie was atrocious. How did this get 4.5 stars???

A wonderful story highly applicable in our workaholic society that reminds us of what's important in life. Russel Crowe, Marion Cotillard, Albert Finney, Didier Bourdon and the rest of the primary cast will make you believe. No special effects, no animation. Just tremendous storytelling as we discover what we've become often leaves behind the joy of life we once knew, but can rediscover. Makes me cry tears of joy everytime.

Just spent a few hours basking in the lovely landscapes of France and a bit of London. Some predictability however it was beautifully filmed, funny and just a light hearted romp.Some negative reviewers get lost in the jerk the lead (russell crowe) is but for me it was a reminder and story about the way he was and who he let himself become and how much he had once loved.I'm glad I gave it a try. I truly enjoyed it.Oh and love the ones you love - if they are alive don't just think about them. Interact!

so, it's all been done before, scrooge like dude gets a lesson in what really matters - family, love, an idyllic life in the french countryside - lol BUT although i expected a light , semi thoughtless entertainment, this was so much better than that - the characters, American hippie long lost sister; the sexy but FU love interest; the butler&nanny almost family - all of them are fully 3 dimensional and well acted - nothing is overdone [except maybe the food in one scene] Crowe's acting is subtle and on point Great movie

I had no idea that Ridley Scott directed this film. Go figure since this film is absolutely breathtaking. Given that everyone works to put food on the table, does it not make sense that we're all chasing after a job that makes us happy while supplying the bread and butter? This film literally encompasses that idea that work shouldn't be a chore. For those that work jobs that are a chore so that your children can pursue their passion, this film is for you. RIP Henry!Cheers!

As a French expat who knows the South part of France very well, I loved this movie. You have to be completely out of wack to dislike this movie. Very well played, gorgeous settings, good psychology, humour, and love of course. I am not a big fan of Marion Cotillard, but she is OK in this movie. I saw it twice and enjoyed it again so much the second time. Only a very good movie can be re-watched with pleasure.

Been waiting for a UK Blu-Ray version of A Good Year for years.Was browsing Amazon and stumbled across this Spanish release.After checking the info ordered it and just arrived and can confirm :-Region B playbackAudio in English (didn't have to change any settings)And most importantly cracking picture.This movie got pretty slated on release but always thought it was pretty good.Ridley Scott's shots of Provence are beautifully shot.Can relay recommend this Blu-Ray for a night in and has to be watched with a glass of red wine!Note - The film is based on the book, "A Good Year" by Peter Mayle who has Ridley Scott as a neighbour.It was Scott who suggested to Mayle, it would be a good idea to write a novel on an Englishman in a fish out of water comedy scenario.

Russell Crowe is unexpectedly good as a British stock market champion who has lost his soul to the God of money and greed. He inherits a Chateau in Provence, previously owned by an uncle whom he remembers with affection and with whom he holidayed when a boy. Russell Crowe initially intends to sell the Chateau to add to his fortune, but gradually and almost imperceptibly he falls in love with the Chateau, Provence, and the People. A delightful film made even better by the most imaginative choices of music - French, English and American - from his uncle's collection. Just listen to "The Wedding Samba" by Edmundo Ross, or Je Chante by Charles Trenet! Blew me away! The soundtrack album is still available and I would highly recommend it AND the film

If you had the option of moving into a chateau that you have inherited in the South of France to run a vineyard that produces some crackingly good wine (and some pretty awful wine too) and surround yourself with beautiful people, wonderful scenery and fantastic weather OR work long hours in 'the City' surrounding yourself with grey cars, grey buildings and grey suited people, which would you choose?I suppose a heavy bonus with your enormous salary would be all that some people would hanker for but this film tells the story of just such a man who is a banker and initially he can't wait to get rid of his French inheritance but through time, events, memories and people help him to think things through more slowly. I particularly enjoyed the scenes with the Notaire, the actress is, I believe, related to Carla Bruni no less. Crowe convincingly letches at her and other women, including a possible cousin played by Abbie Cornish. I have to say I found her character dull and wooden but I am not a fan of her acting in any of her films.Regardless of his dreadful English accent Crowe plays his part with the humour it deserves and his scenes with Duflot are hilarious. Even Duflot's dog acts superbly! Watch the tennis match between Crowe and Duflot and count the insults they throw at each other. Superb.This is a typically sweet film showing France in all its glory which is exactly how Peter Mayle depicts it in his books. The film is just a funny, French v English comedy with some romance thrown in. How could anyone not like it?

A feel good movie to take you to Provence for a couple of hours. Crowe is not at his best, whereas Marion Cotillard is the real star.The moral of the story is one I share: work to live, don't live to work. The setting (ruthless London city trader sees the light and a pretty woman and turns good) is a bit trite. But then again the point the movie is trying to make is a simple one. But a strong one.But this is also a movie about wine. You learn a bit about French wine making specifically, though American wines enter the fray when Max's cousin comes into the picture. A couple of references are made to the France-California rivalry: I would recommend watching the film "Bottle Shock" together with this one. This movie was made the same year as the rematch of the famous blind tasting challenge known as the Judgement of Paris, again won by California over France.The ending is predictable, sort of, but with a fun twist...

Definitely what's know as a 'chick flick' but I defy anyone not to like this film.Absolutely brilliant.The DVD I purchased has some crap vids tagged on of Russell Crow singing, don't bother with those.Sit, watch, relax and ingest some of the best one liner, throw away comments to date and all with tongue in cheek French and English humour.Again brilliant.Casting is perfect.Flash back sequences of Crow as a child staying at an uncles estate in France are perfect. They help set the scene and tell a wonderful story for all to enjoy.This will become one of those favourite film that get rolled out that you will never get tired of watching.Well worth the money.