Product Description

Max Skinner (Russell Crowe) is a highly successful investment expert with no time for life outside work. When his estranged uncle dies, Max inherits the vineyard in France where he grew up as a child, and his first intention is to sell the vineyard as qui

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #969 in DVD
• Released on: 2007-02-27
• Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
• Aspect ratio: 2.35:1
• Formats: AC-3, Color, Dolby, Dubbed, DVD-Video, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC
• Original language: English, French, Spanish
• Subtitled in: English, Spanish
• Dubbed in: French, Spanish
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 118 minutes

Amazon.com

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

Customer Reviews

Great flick
This movie is fantastic. It is smart and funny. I have watched it at least 10 times and will watch again.

A Good Year
A great feel good movie with a change of pace for Russell Crowe and a nice touch of humor added. The scenery is beautiful and makes one want to travel to France and stay in a Chateau with a vineyard. I have watched this movie numerous times and always walk away with a smile. Russell Crowe should make more like this!!

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.