A Good Year
By Mal Simons, Blockbuster.co.uk

Academy Award® winning director Ridley Scott reunites with Gladiator star Russell Crowe in this heart-warming romantic comedy set in the South of France.

Max Skinner (Russell Crowe) is an aggressive and successful London banker who specialises in trading bonds. While celebrating his latest financial victory, Max learns that his Uncle Henry has died and that he is the sole beneficiary of his estate which includes a chateau and a vineyard in Provence. Reluctant to take time out of his busy schedule, Max decides to take a quick trip to France to wrap up his uncle’s affairs so he can sell the place.

When he gets to the chateau, he is greeted by Francis Duflot (Didier Bourdon), who has worked in the vineyard for 30 years. He remembers Max from his visits as a boy and both he and his wife, the caretaker of the estate (Isabelle Candelier), make a fuss over the Englishman. Soon after arriving, Max hears from his assistant, Gemma (Archie Panjabi), that he has been suspended from his firm, pending an investigation into the ethics of his latest bond transaction, this persuades Max to stay a bit longer in France.

Things get complicated when Christie Roberts (Abbie Cornish), an American from California arrives on the scene claiming to be Uncle Henry’s illegitimate daughter. According to French law, she should be the beneficiary of the vineyard and not only that, she knows a lot more about wine and the wine business than he does. She sets to work at claiming the estate for herself. Meanwhile Max falls in love with Fanny Chenal (Marion Cotillard), a beautiful woman who owns the local café in the town, and for whom, they both share a common bond that at first, he cannot recall.

Based on the bestselling novel of the same title, A Good Year is a touching, sentimental delight with terrific acting and a great story that’s sure to stay with you long after the credits roll. Add to your list now.

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