A Good Year (2006)
Recommended for mature audiences
Gladiator director Ridley Scott reunites with Oscar winner Russell Crowe in a comedy about a highly successful investment expert, Max Skinner, who returns to the vineyard of his childhood when his estranged uncle dies. Intending to put his past behind him and sell the vineyard as quickly as possible, he instead discovers a part of himself that he’d lost since childhood.
| Status: | QuickPick |
|---|---|
| Run time: | 117mins |
| Origin: | UNITED STATES |
| Aspect Ratio: | 16:9 Enhanced |
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Member Reviews (134)
134 Member
Reviews
Tony B
says
This was a second viewing of this movie. Enjoyed it even more than remembered.
Light romantic comedy as it should be presented. Could not fault the actors, especially Russell Crowe.
says
Very enjoyable movie. Russell Crowe is certainly a very adaptable actor.
Laraine
says
This is a good film which was very entertaining. Just makes one want to live in France. Having been there, we loved the French quirkiness.
marciapakes@live.com.au
says
Fairly terrible actually. Whomever directed Russell Crowe to speak like that certainly got it all wrong, as far as I'm concerned. Not a believable character at all.
Jenny.
says
Lovely. A bit of a chick flick but even the boys will love the French scenery. Calling it a comedy is a bit of a stretch. It does have some amusing moments, but is just a nice movie for a rainy Sunday afternoon with a bottle of good wine and a good friend. Don't take it seriously - just enjoy it.
Tom Graham
says
Storyline was a bit flat and predictable. Fabulous French scenery made the film bearable.
Andres
says
I can't understand what was on Ridley Scott mind when he was directing this movie, it has some good scenes but some other are fit for Benny Hill, like the one of the car turning over and over in the round about. Rusell Crowes's performance?? so so, I don't think we is the right actor for the character, I think someone younger might have been better suited for it.
Robyn
says
Didn't think this was much of a movie. Very predicable, very average.
AJ
says
Really sorry Russell but your English accent was appalling!! film didn't do it for me
A Dunn
says
A good fun movie, Russell Crowe plays a very good role as an inheritance comes his way
sandra
says
This is a beautiful movie I just want to go to the villa!!!!
Miss Mel
says
I am not a Rusty fan at all, but loved this film.
ROYALS
says
Russell crowe was hopelessly mis-cast in this role as the sort of lovable English rogue that Hugh Grant has made a career out of playing.
This film also reveals that comedy is not Russ's forte or Ridley Scott's, come to that. Probably the worst film either of them has been involved with.
jumbuck
says
A glorious charming confection equal to any French-language comedy farce - good to see Ridley Scott directing comedy.
Ann
says
I thought the film was average on the movie front. There was a lot of going back and forth in the movie which made it a little inconsistent.
Marg F
says
I am not a big fan of Russell Crowe . However I liked the synopsis so decided to hire this movie. I really liked Russell Crowe in this movie he delivered the comedy
Megan D
says
Loved this film, thought it was great and some really good laughs. Fantastic movie to enjoy anytime!!
Melissa
says
Meh it was ok, not the best I've seen though, but a nice mellow story.
Marg
says
The scenery was the best part of the film - slow story and average acting - Russell's accent was a disaster! There was an interesting story in there but it was poorly told. Okay but definitely nothing to rave about!
Zakia S.
says
An enjoyable film, for a relaxing sunday afternoon. A different Russell Crowe, but it works.
Maria B.
says
Ok - not great by any means.
Alison N.
says
I really enjoyed this. It was a bit of a chick flick and very easy to watch. I always like Russell Crowe and he didn't disappoint in this. Fabulous scenery too. Good lazy sunday afternoon movie.
Ann B.
says
Loved this movie great flick
lucknow
says
Better than I expected. Russell Crowe was superb in his depiction of a banker torn between the "money or a life" conundrum many financial high flyers face (or choose to ignore). The depiction of French countryside was a joy and a great contrast to the hard edged, money driven London scenes. The plot weaved around a little- sometimes almost as an afterthought. I would usually find that irritating but in this case it actually suited the theme that life is not as clear cut as we may think and choices are important. I would watch it again which I very rarely do. Watch out for the image at the beginning of Crowe caressing the leg of a staff member - brilliant foreshadowing for an image at the end - my favourite memory of the movie.
Sally A.
says
I really enjoyed this movie, great for a laugh or two, a few things that happens in this movie, you can relate to in real life!
Kerri D.
says
I also have to say that this is a different type of movie for Ridley Scott and his direction is absolutely
without flaw. Beautiful work!
Kerri D.
says
Loved this movie. Wonderful performances by Crowe, Finney
J
says
not the norm for Russell, but ok
Coralie
says
Really awful acting by Russell Crowe - his accent is hideous!!! If only it had been another, better actor who was given the part it would have been a lovely movie. The story is nice - would have been better to read the book though. Shame.
Belinda P.
says
Crowe's English accent was a bit hit and miss, but the story was good and I enjoyed the film.
DH
says
I liked it - even just for the beautiful French scenery. Russell Crowe isn't as bad in it as reviewed by Colin C. and I would even say that this is a bearable chick flick - even for the guys!
Janice T.
says
Enjoyed it - great scenery, good acting, interesting characters.
Amour S.
says
Loved this movie! The actors and the scenery. Very touching to see his memories of playing cricket in the hallway. And the girl 'nextdoor', whom he had met in his childhood. Very nice!
Janet W.
says
Not one of Rusty's best, but an enjoyable feel good film, nonetheless. However, with such a broad Aussie accent his English accents, as in the film Master and Commander, were both unconvincing.
Jack K.
says
As a comedy, this one fails badly. As a romance, the last 20 minutes do come alive with expectation and fruition while periodic flashbacks having nothing to do with sexual love involving Uncle Henry (Albert Finney) and a young Max Skinner possess an amusing joyfulness. However, Max (Russell Crowe) a high powered London bond trader, is such a heartless know-it-all dork that when he finally sees the light and mellows it’s too late to like him very much or believe that he really deserves his good fortune. Crowe was miscast, he just isn’t funny and snippets of slapstick thrown in seem out of place. I was left guessing as to the connection of “Le Coin Perdu”, the superior wine that must have been made using grapes from Henry’s French vineyard.
Lyn P.
says
OK film, a little long and very predictable. Scenery was lovely though.
Trevor M.
says
This was a painfully slow movie, in which Russell Crowe was badly cast... he was so wrong for the part ,and I made myself watch it so I could at least have an opinion on the movie from start to finish - bottom line - don't waste your time with this one!
W
says
Not sure if all those breathtaking panoramas of the French countryside are playing tricks with my eyes but the rude casting of Russell Crowe made me cringed. If the 2 leads are about the same age, then Max must be suffering from Werner's Syndrome. And let's not start with THOSE glasses.
A most seductive idea coupled with sultry cinematography played up all the naughty nuances of a gap year in all of us, made this acceptable above the cringe factors. I just hope Peter Mayle is not having nightmares.
Michelle G.
says
Preditctable but I really enjoyed it probably more for the scenery than anything else.
Mark W.
says
oh dear. what a dissapointing, cliche-ridden doozy. I can only think Ridley et al. fancied summer in the south of France. Hope they had a good holiday, because this film is a SHOCKER.
Kendal F.
says
Blahh! Mediocre story line, couldn't decide if it was serious or a comedy so was neither, ungripping, some pandering to the US market.
Kate
says
Utter crap. Watch this and wince. Barely plausible plot, set up against schmaltzy cinematics and the shitest script you ever had to sit through. Wouldn't rent it again ever.
Tab H.
says
Made the mistake of watching special features section of the disc. Spoiled this movie for me.
Leila S.
says
Faraday M.
says
Faraday M.
says
Sue J.
says
Russell Crowe just can't do comedy. Or drama, for that matter. But this is supposed to be a comedy and he's dreadful!
Bob J.
says
Good story line. Russell Crow suited the role well.
Kristy
says
Great movie, well worth watching, Great from the start til the end.
Douglas S.
says
a pretty good movie as it had a message. Take the time to smell the roses.
Debbie S.
says
Excellent movie with slow start, beautiful scenery, heart touching movie.
Heath W.
says
Feel good movie...showing Money is not everything but sometimes it helps. :) Lovely Wine, company and a villa in France is the life I think I'd rather.
Lyneve C.
says
What a whimsical romp this was! From the brittle, grey world of London's financial sector to the sensuous delights of Provence. Albert Finney was wonderful as the eccentric uncle while Russell Crowe as his adult nephew was a tough cookie until he became caught up in the magic of his late Uncle's vineyard. Lots of fun - a real feel-good movie.
Julie H.
says
Mary V.
says
An enjoyable movie, nothing very challenging for the viewer, and somewhat predictable plot where the actors struggled to make it truly believable
Toni F.
says
A lovely feel good movie, where all the things we have been told as children triumph. Great caste, thoroughly enjoyed.
Kathy H.
says
Elsie S.
says
Although I had seen this film before, I enjoyed the film again and gained more from the second viewing.
Cheryl T.
says
A nice romantic film. I liked the beautiful images of Provence countryside. The charaters were a bit cliche but still enjoyable.
Clare B.
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Lynette K.
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Claire Z.
says
Jeanette C.
says
Not a Russell Fan....Loath him but this was fantastic. The entire cast was great ! I loved the story when you walk away dreaming of a better life for you the movie and everyone in it did their job!
Samadhi T.
says
Boring story, boring movie...
Evelyn W.
says
Lovely scenery, bad script.
Kathleen M.
says
I really enjoyed this movie, its not a heavy drama, its not a romantic comedy, its just a nice story set in beautiful scenery. Excellent!!
Robert G.
says
Elizabeth D.
says
Narelle P.
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Laimy H.
says
Helen D.
says
Not quite what you expect from Ridley Scott and Russell Crowe!!!
Maria C.
says
Michelle R.
says
Helen B.
says
This was appalling acting and a rubbish storyline. I had read bad reviews but couldn't believe that Russell Crowe could be that bad - but sadly he was.
Andrea L.
says
Light entertainment. Beautiful setting and visually magic even if the acting is a bit lacking.
Robyn K.
says
Howard R.
says
Absolutely a waste of time. Unbelievable considering welll known Director and Actor. Poor acting performance by Russell Crowe, the script pathetic.
Jodi M.
says
Dianne P.
says
Loved this very gentle movie.
Albert J.
says
A little lame.
Gareth P.
says
Benita W.
says
Jennifer P.
says
Albert Finney is superb; Russel Crowe a little uneven. A delightful story.
Diedra C.
says
Really makes you think. One of the great movies that lives with you days and weeks later.
Heide E.
says
A really entertaining movie, - without too much controversy or dead bodies! It was easy going and typical of the P Mayle Provence stories. Well acted by Russel Crowe and all others, - made me want to go and revisit France at once!
Stephen M.
says
Colleen C.
says
Beautiful location. Delicious accents. Nice movie for a rainy sunday...
Jamie G.
says
This is a bad movie. Boring. Way too sentimental. Bad acting.
Karen A.
says
Great characters and scenery - enjoyed it!
Rickhard H.
says
Jennie F.
says
loved it, a change of pace for Russell Crowe,really enjoyed it
Jenny
says
Russell Crowe was completely miscast in this one as he is not romantic, flirty or remotely good looking .. however Provence was beautiful and the rest of the cast were good .. OK if you have nothing better to watch.
Iainie
says
I really enjoyed this one, despite it having a few bad reviews when first screened. Whilst the story is fairly predictable, the actors do a pretty good job, in particular Albert Finney as Max's uncle. Even Russell Crowe shows a surprisingly light touch, apart from the dodgy Brit accent, and Australia's Abbey Cornish plays a pivitol role. Last but not least is the scenery, which is simply beautiful.
Desi P.
says
Nice romantic comedy showing another side to 'Gladiator' Russel!
Yuliya K.
says
pros:
-great scenery
-good acting
cons:
-slow development of plot
- strange to see Russel Crow in a role of womaniser
lyn
says
This was a bad movie choice for Russell Crowe. Not only was he too old for the role, he was the wrong physical type - too thick set. He tried to make it light and zany but it just didn't ring true. The rest of the cast made a good job of it especially his best friend the real estate agent. I expected better of Ridley Scott.
Pam W.
says
A reminder to everyone to Slow down and smell the roses
Trevor T.
says
A Good Year - A great movie
Meredith L.
says
This one I really enjoyed, Russell Crowe did a good job with this and it had some light hearted comedy parts to it a nice
romantic one!!
Glen
says
This is a wonderful romantic comedy set in rural France that clearly demonstrates Ridley Scott as a master film maker of true genius. The cast work well together; the script is engaging with some thought provoking lines and the cinematography is beautiful . This is a definite film for the ladies, having just seen my Italian wife shed a tear at the closing chapter.....both for the idyllic lifestyle of romantic Europe, and the idea that chivalry is not completely dead.
You will not be disappointed.
Cheryl B.
says
Great movie!!
Gabrielle S.
says
Sci
says
Hailing from the Peter Mayle novel this movie is taken to the Lens by renound director Ridley Scott. Starring Russel Crowe and rising star Abbie Cornish I was prepared for a reasonable romantic comedy.
This movie is beautifully shot Ridley showcases his ability to paint Frances wine region in the height of another hot and hazy summer. This is an average film which fails to deliver on so many levels however it is a great Sunday afternoon flick especially when complimented with some wine and soft cheese.
Lesley B.
says
Colin Y.
says
Thought Russel Crowe was mis-cast in this movie. Unconvincing for me.
Judith V.
says
Another movie where Russell Crowe wins my vote
Barbara C.
says
A little dull here and there - not Russell's best work.
Kylie D.
says
Martin Daniel C.
says
Quite enjoyable and not too mushy, just right for a rainy, boring afternoon inside!
Joan P.
says
Andrew H.
says
I don't know how Ridley Scott and Russell Crowe could follow up Gladiator with this bit of fluff. Predictable but easy to watch.
MRS BA
says
Can't see why it got poor reviews at the cinemas. Very well acted, the scenary is stunning. The story line is good even if a little slow in parts but it needs to be told that way in order for the viewer to fully appreciate how and why the "pompous, arrogant and hedonistic" (russell crowe) changed his life and what he did for someone else. Lovely movie to watch.
Debbie W.
says
Excellent film, well worth watching.
Chandra B.
says
Dianne A.
says
Good story, well acted, satisfying ending.
April B.
says
Some beautiful scenery, a great performance by Russell Crowe and an inspirational change of heart and focus to one's life. A good love story with not too much mush!
Marianne H.
says
David G.
says
Terrible, predictable rubbish. Russell Crowe's English accent was laughable. Give this one a miss
Melissa O.
says
I loved it..Was a great story. I really enjoyed it.
Tracey G.
says
Maybe slightly unbelievable character for Russell Crowe but otherwise an interesting movie.
Gwen A.
says
most enjoyable film good acting and delightful story
Jillian B.
says
excellent
Jean-Paul C.
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Harshini S.
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Maureen E.
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Debbie L.
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Marie-Helene L.
says
Flawed feel good movie but I loved it! Watch it just for the location!
gol
says
There was no strong substance to this movie very slow, script did not flow, did not hold our interest, disappointed in Russell Crowe's performance ( & I am a big fan ) Suitable for family viewing but a poor excuse for a romantic comedy. Do not expect to much.
Fez
says
A feel good movie at the same time not being a chick flick.
Sarah T.
says
One of those movies you have to be in the mood for - but it is a feel good movie. Definitely watch it if you like Russell Crowe.
Denise L.
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Marian O.
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Colin C.
says
Another Russell Crowe can't act dud.
Thomas F.
says