Review of A Good Year (2006) by Joe T — 20 Oct 2008

Apparently Ridley Scott can direct Russell Crowe in anything and I will like it. I was worried about this when I found out the story - an investment expert returns to the French vinyard he grew up and finds himself falling back in love with the place (and a local woman) while slowly realizing that his former fast paced life was no life at all. Actually, apart from the vinyard aspect, this still sounds a bit cliche and uninteresting. But they make it work and the flashbacks with Albert Finney add alot to it as well. I found every character interesting and likable and I believe that is why this movie was enjoyable for me. Too often lately are their characters in films you are meant to hate, even in the lead role, and I have become so tired of that that this return to simple pleasures, both in the film and the film process, was a very refreshing experience. Also, Marion Cotillard is so ridiculously beautiful in this film, it completely vindicates Crowe's decision to leave the wealth of London for a rundown vinyard.

Oh, I usually cannot stand the sound of the French language (I usually describe it as the sound of someone vomiting garbage) but I didn't mind it as much in this film.