A Good Year

Max Skinner, a London banker whose life runs on deadlines and performance bonuses, travels to the sunny hills of Provence after inheriting his late uncle's vineyard. He hopes to assess the estate's value and perhaps sell it off, leaving behind the laid back life his uncle cherished. On arrival, a Californian woman appears with a claim about the property that unsettles his plan and forces him to rethink what matters. The unexpected confrontation throws him into a changing rhythm of the village, where wine, food, and old ties pull at him and provoke a reexamination of his priorities, in more ways than one. Between maze-like vineyards and warm sunshine, he encounters locals who teach him about patience, flavor, and giving life a chance.

Ridley Scott directs with a script by Marc Klein, adapting Peter Mayle's novel. The 2006 film pairs Crowe's city slicker with Provence's sunlit charms for a romance-tinged comedy of manners. It features Crowe, Cotillard, Cornish and Finney in supporting roles.

The production grossed about 42.1 million worldwide against a 35 million budget, signaling a modest but steady box office run. Its financial performance reflects strong foreign interest and a sunny, crowd-pleasing Western Europe setting, appealing to both audiences abroad globally.

The Provence setting and easygoing romance left audiences with a taste for vineyard life, fueling interest in wine country locations and a lighter mood in late 2000s cinema. It also gave Marion Cotillard a leading role alongside Crowe, showcasing her versatility. The visuals linger in conversations about modern romcoms.

Critics noted the film's charming performances and scenic backdrop while pointing to uneven pacing and tonal shifts between comedy and drama. Viewers felt the humor undercut the emotional moments, though the core themes center on personal reinvention, the pull of family ties, and choosing a simpler happiness over urban ambition.