A Good Year
A Good Year is a 2006 romantic comedy-drama film directed and produced by Ridley Scott, adapted from the 2004 novel of the same name by British author Peter Mayle.[1][2] The story follows Max Skinner, a ruthless London investment banker played by Russell Crowe, who inherits his late uncle's picturesque chateau and vineyard in Provence, France, after spending formative childhood summers there.[1] This unexpected windfall forces Max to confront his workaholic existence while navigating quirky locals, potential romance, and the temptations of a slower, wine-soaked lifestyle.[2] The screenplay was written by Marc Klein, who relocated elements from Mayle's lighthearted tale of financial intrigue and Provençal pleasures to emphasize themes of personal redemption and cultural contrast.[1] Principal cast members include Albert Finney as Max's mischievous uncle Henry, Marion Cotillard as Fanny Chenal, Abbie Cornish as Christie Roberts (his uncle's alleged illegitimate daughter), and Freddie Highmore as a young Max in flashback sequences.[1] Filming took place primarily on location in Luberon, Provence, capturing the region's sun-drenched landscapes and historic villages to evoke the novel's idyllic setting.[2] Released on November 10, 2006, by 20th Century Fox, the film runs 117 minutes and received a PG-13 rating for language and some sexual content.[3] It earned mixed reviews from critics, holding a 26% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 137 reviews, with the consensus noting it as a "sappy romantic comedy lacking in charm and humor" despite the talents involved.[2] Audiences were more favorable, giving it a 66% score from over 50,000 ratings, praising the scenic visuals and Crowe's lighter performance.[2] Commercially, A Good Year grossed $7.5 million in the United States and Canada against a $35 million budget, with worldwide earnings reaching $42.3 million, performing better internationally.Overview
Plot
Max Skinner, a ruthless and ambitious bond trader in London played by Russell Crowe, secures a major deal through questionable means but is soon suspended pending an investigation into insider trading.[4] Shortly after, he learns of the death of his beloved uncle Henry, his only family, who raised him following his parents' passing and with whom he spent idyllic childhood summers at a Provençal chateau and vineyard.[5] These flashbacks depict young Max absorbing Henry's lessons on wine, life, and enjoyment, fostering a deep nostalgia that contrasts sharply with Max's current high-stakes urban existence.[4] Henry's will leaves the estate to Max, who travels to Provence intending to sell it swiftly and return to his career. Upon arrival at the rundown property, he encounters the longtime caretakers, Francis Duflot and his wife Ludivine, whose negligent management has resulted in substandard wine production; Max's first tasting elicits a visceral reaction, describing the flavor as putrid as urine.[5][6] Amid the chaos of a property inspection gone awry, Max meets the alluring café owner Fanny Chenal, sparking an immediate romantic tension despite her initial rebuff of his advances due to a personal rule against dating certain foreigners.[7] Complications arise when Christie Roberts, an American gemologist, arrives claiming to be Henry's illegitimate daughter based on a long-ago letter, positioning her as a potential co-heir and halting the sale.[4] Initially suspecting fraud, Max ultimately forges evidence to affirm her claim, allowing them to share the estate. In verifying the authenticity of a hidden cache of exceptional vintage wine—"Le Coin Perdu"—from a secret plot of superior vines, Max participates in an unconventional tasting ritual that underscores the film's blend of humor and authenticity in Provençal traditions.[7] As weeks pass, Max's immersion in rural life—harvesting grapes with locals, sharing meals, and deepening his bond with Fanny—erodes his ambition, highlighting themes of redemption and the allure of simplicity over relentless pursuit of wealth.[5] A botched attempt to broker a wine deal back in London via phone pales against the genuine fulfillment found in Provence, leading Max to reject his former life, embrace the vineyard's potential, co-managing it with Christie, and commit to a future there with Fanny, symbolizing a full return to his roots.[4] The story, a loose adaptation of Peter Mayle's novel, culminates in Max's transformation from a cynical trader to a contented steward of the land.[7]Cast
The principal cast of A Good Year includes the following actors in their respective roles, as credited on The Movie Database.[8]| Actor | Character | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Russell Crowe | Max Skinner | The protagonist, a high-flying London bond trader who inherits his uncle's Provençal vineyard and navigates a shift to rural life.[2] |
| Albert Finney | Henry Skinner | Max's late eccentric uncle and winery owner whose legacy draws Max back to France.[2] |
| Marion Cotillard | Fanny Chenal | A spirited local café owner and potential love interest who embodies Provençal independence and challenges Max's urban mindset.[9] |
| Abbie Cornish | Christie Roberts | An American woman claiming relation to the Skinner family and contesting the vineyard inheritance.[8] |
| Didier Bourdon | Francis Duflot | The longtime manager of the Skinner vineyard, overseeing its operations with local expertise.[8] |
| Isabelle Candelier | Ludivine Duflot | Francis's wife, involved in the daily life and potential sale of the property.[8] |
| Tom Hollander | Charlie Willis | Max's solicitor in London, handling legal aspects of the inheritance.[10] |
| Freddie Highmore | Young Max Skinner | The child version of the protagonist, depicted during formative summers at the vineyard.[1] |
| Archie Panjabi | Gemma | Max's sharp-witted colleague at the London trading firm.[11] |
| Rafe Spall | Kenny | A fellow trader and office rival to Max in the financial world.[8] |