UK Release: 27th October 2006
Neither Russell Crowe nor his Gladiator director Ridley Scott are known for their comic touch, so this airy feel-good movie marks something of a departure for them both.
Crowe stars as Max, a city trader who inherits a vineyard in Provence from his Uncle Henry (Albert Finney, confined to flashbacks). Max hopes to sell it on quickly but his arrival in the French countryside causes him to reassess his life, particularly after a meeting with a lovely but cynical local café owner (Marion Cotillard).
Adapted from Peter Mayle’s novel, this escapist fantasy proves amiably diverting and gives Crowe a rare chance to test his comic mettle. His slapstick antics and French-baiting don’t always convince, but he still manages to produce a performance that’s delightfully good-natured.
***
UK cinema certificate 12A
Running time 117mins
Review by Jamie Russell
Pocket Films Blog 