- Film Review
- Reviewed By Jamie Russell
-
3 out of 5
Russell Crowe and his Gladiator director Ridley Scott aren't 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.
Plot Summary
A city trader inherits a French vineyard from his deceased uncle. But when he goes to France to get a valuation on his newly acquired property so he can sell it, a series of unexpected events leads him to reassess his priorities in life. Ridley Scott's comedy drama based on Peter Mayle's novel, starring Russell Crowe, Albert Finney, Abbie Cornish and Marion Cotillard.
Cast and crew
Cast
- Max Skinner
- Russell Crowe
- Uncle Henry
- Albert Finney
- Fanny Chenal
- Marion Cotillard
- Christie Roberts
- Abbie Cornish
- Charlie Willis
- Tom Hollander
- Young Max
- Freddie Highmore
- Ludivine Duflot
- Isabelle Candelier
- Sir Nigel
- Kenneth Cranham
- Gemma
- Archie Panjabi
- Kenny
- Rafe Spall
Crew
- Director
- Ridley Scott
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