A Good Year [2006]

See Larger Image	List Price: £19.99 Our Price: £4.98 Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment Starring: Russell Crowe, Albert Finney, Marion Cotillard, Freddie Highmore, Abbie Cornish Directed By: Ridley Scott Average Customer Rating:


Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1 Audience Rating: Suitable for 12 years and over Binding: DVD EAN: 5039036032360 Format: Anamorphic Label: 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment Number Of Items: 1 Publisher: 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment Region Code: 2 Release Date: 2007-05-07 Running Time: 112 Studio: 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment Theatrical Release Date: 2006
Related Items Music and Lyrics [2007] Under The Tuscan Sun [2004] The Holiday [2006] Notes On A Scandal [2007] The Painted Veil [2007]
Editorial Reviews: 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 utilise Crowe's range of skills, the actor is charming in his role and A Good Year provides fine viewing. --Jae-Ha Kim
Spotlight customer reviews: Customer Rating: Summary: The worst film I have seen in years Comment: This film is completely crass and completely predictable. Dreadful script and even worse acting. I actually had to turn it off halfway through. Just glad I didn't buy it! Customer Rating: Summary: Oh Ridley Scott Comment: This (probably) beautiful film by one of my favourite directors was ruined by a musical score (yet again!) drowning out the dialogue. When will they learn less is more??? Customer Rating: Summary: A Good Year - Ruined Comment: Take an excellent story by an expert writer and you can guarantee that once in the hands of the film makers they will ruin it. This film is an abomination further ruined by an appalling sound track, poor acting and an excecrable screenplay. My advice is to avoid this film like the plague and buy the book! Customer Rating: Summary: Perfect for a night in with a bottle of good wine Comment: Gentle, predictable but beautifully shot. I loved this film. Yes you can guess the ending within the first 5 mins, but the characters are wonderful - even the 'bit parts' - and the shots of the French countryside are beautiful. You don't always need high octane action and clever twists to make a movie worth watching. Grab a bottle of wine and a few nice nibbles, curl up on the sofa and enjoy. Customer Rating: Summary: A glass of Coin Perdu if you please... Comment: I almost did not buy this, (as I almost didn't buy master & commander - ) because of Crowe...thinking he couldn't possibly cut the mustard in this type of film...however I was really surprised with his superb acting and the feel good vibe of the film. Was he miscast? I don't think anyone else could have filled the role as fully as he did. The flash backs of his childhood are where the real genius lie - introducing his Uncle and him as a youngster, which add depth to the story and with the ever frequent pop of wine bottles it will soon have you reaching into your wine rack. As some reviewers have said - the story line is predictable - quite true but with such a good film does it matter? In fact the story line has subtle undertones...which emerge after repeat viewings. My favorite characters are the duflots...especially Madame Duflot. More Reviews