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A Good Year [2006]


RRP: £19.99
Our Price: £3.65 (subject to change)

Editorial
Amazon.co.uk Review

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


The worst film I have seen in years
Review date: 2008-11-24 Rating: 2 out of 10

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!

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Reviews


Oh Ridley Scott
Review date: 2008-09-06 Rating: 2 out of 10

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???

A Good Year - Ruined
Review date: 2008-07-31 Rating: 2 out of 10

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!

Perfect for a night in with a bottle of good wine
Review date: 2008-04-14 Rating: 10 out of 10

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.

A glass of Coin Perdu if you please...
Review date: 2008-02-27 Rating: 10 out of 10

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.

Product Details/Specifications


Actor(s):
Freddie Highmore
Russell Crowe
Marion Cotillard
Abbie Cornish
Albert Finney

Creators:
Russell Crowe (Primary Contributor)
Albert Finney (Primary Contributor)

Director(s):

Recording label: 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
EAN: 5039036032360
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: Anamorphic, PAL,
Release date: 2007-05-07
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Audience rating: Suitable for 12 years and over
Region code: 2
Running time: 112 minutes
Theatrical release date: 2006
Language: English (Original Language)

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