In recent years, manly-man Russell Crowe has played a Roman gladiator, an ex-military hostage negotiator, the captain of a Napoleonic battleship, and a depression-era boxer. In “A Good Year,” Crowe finds himself playing…a bond trader? Well, at least he’s displaying his versatility.

The Ridley Scott-produced film is about Max Skinner, a vicious and successful British banker played by Crowe. When his wine-making Uncle Henry (played spot-on by Albert Finney) dies, Skinner is surprised to learn that he’s to become the new owner of his uncle’s vineyard in Provence. But that wouldn’t make a movie, so tossed in is an American girl (Abbie Cornish) who shows up out of the blue, claiming to be Henry’s daughter, and a French love interest for Skinner (played by Marion Cotillard).

Though predictable, the ensuing comedy and romance is charmingly executed, with Crowe breaking out of his tough guy mold to give a convincing performance. Especially good is the chemistry between Crowe and Cotillard, both in terms of their initial conflicts and the development of their romance.

One irksome aspect, however, was the (minor) appearance of some out-of-place, stereotypically British humour — the kind where a character is show to be comically lost through sped-up footage of them driving around a traffic circle. It just didn’t fit.

Aside from that, however, this film is warm and satisfying, much like the French countryside it so brilliantly displays. While there are few original elements here, there’s isn’t enough specific imitation to make the movie disappointing. With strong performances and an enjoyable story, “A Good Year” is set to be the romantic movie of the fall.

Rating: 3.5*/5*






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