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 (09/04/2013)

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. (17/01/2007)

I didn’t expect that A Good Year would captivate me so. I’m not too keen on wine and Russell Crowe (despite being an outstanding actor) isn’t one of my favorites. Nevertheless, it happened. Probably it was the allure of charming France, beautiful women and beautiful landscapes. Provence is just enchanting. And Ridley Scott takes advantage of it. Memories of childhood and nostalgia are almost tangible in every shot. In my opinion, collaboration between Ridley and Russell worked out even better than in Gladiator. (15/09/2007)

The title of the movie promised a glimpse into the history of a world-famous tire manufacturing company. Oddly enough, it turned out to be a completely different film. The unwelcoming factory halls were replaced by the sunny Province, and the smell of rubber was more than made up for by the smell of wine. I’m not exactly a fan of Russell Crowe. There was something peculiar about this movie, though. It was set in France which I don't like, the lead role was played by an actor I don't like, the pace of the story wasn't exactly frenzied, romance wasn’t in short supply, but despite all this, the film made me feel good, and that's what counts. Admittedly, it wasn't a masterpiece, it was very soon clear how it was all going to turn out, the plot was a bit too naive at times and the main character's transformation was a little too smooth, but it still had its charm laced with nostalgia and I quite enjoyed watching it. / Lesson learned: If you cause an accident, call for help or make sure no one talks... (07/08/2022)

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. (01/03/2007)