A Good Year

Now I'm going to repeat myself a little, but it's necessary. I don't like Ridley Scott and I try to avoid his films, even though I know I have to watch them at some point. However, I was still looking forward to "A Good Year". Mainly because of two factors. It's a film about wine and it also stars Russell Crowe. I never sought him out either, but I had to completely change my opinion. "A Good Year" once again showed me what a great actor he is. Ridley Scott showed me that from time to time he really makes something worth watching. "A Good Year" is not as much about wine as I expected, but I simply fell in love with the way the film was made, which is more French than American or English. More: http://www.filmovy-denik.cz/2013/02/dobry-rocnik-2006-80.html (04/09/2013)

An accomplished caress for the slightly gloomy soul (successfully tested today). What I particularly liked about the film was the nice humor and the fact that there is no downright negative character in the story (I was expecting some type of greedy winemaker who would try to fool the main character). Nice. As for the female characters, I liked the sympathetic Archie Panjabi as much as Marion Cotillard, or maybe even a little more. Wonderful soundtrack (especially the songs). (05/25/2013)

Though A Good Year is a modest little film, it is one of the best in Ridley Scott’s filmography in terms of fulfilling its objectives. There is nothing for which to fault this film. It doesn’t overdo anything, it’s pleasant and positive, and it makes full use of Russell Crowe’s acting skill and charisma. The poetics of the setting (camera filters, music) uniquely complement the intimate story, with the added bonus of sensitive and intelligent humor. (01/17/2007)

The most undrinkable wine in Provence, a sharpened relationship between the English and the French, cinematic "frames" that could be framed instantly, all the genre clichés piled so high it's enjoyable, sympathetic banter, a nice pace, a reformed cynic and the blue eyes of one of the most beautiful angels France has right now. Ridley Scott is a true English gentleman... (09/24/2008)

Movies about reevaluating one's current life, finding the right place to exist, and true friends have always had their doors open for me, and when Ridley Scott directs his personal emotional masterpiece and Russel Crowe plays his wanderings in Provence with feelings like never before, it's decided. A human and heartwarming success in the truest sense of the word. (03/01/2007)