A Good Year

excellent movie. funny, introspective, touching, beautiful. my goodness, there isn't a false note to be had. acting, by everyone, superb. the scenery, taken place in the south of France, warm and sunny. the story features multiple flashbacks with Albert Finney as Max's(Russell)uncle when Max would spend his summers with his uncle on his estate. All of these memories come flooding back to Max as he is now a successful adult and faced with the propostion of selling his uncle's home even though his uncle would prefer Max to stay on there. But enough of story explanation. You will love this movie. and when you have savored the main course you will be alloted yet another treat with a feature-length commentary between director Ridley Scott and screenwriter Mark Klein that will embellish the enjoyment of the movie like a succulent after-dinner mint. Can not end without my personal salute to the two actresses in the film that had me slackjawed-Marion Cotillard(see picture on dvd cover)who struck me as a cross between a young Jacqueline Bisset and the french actress Anna Karina...and Archie Panjabi who plays Russell's assistant back at 'mission control'. also enjoyed the acting of Didier Bourdon who plays the caretaker of the estates wine groves and who in real life(we learn from the bonus features)is a director in his own write. great movie...wonderful movie. oh and, not to forget little Tati and a certain miniature smartcar making its screen debut.                                                    7/16/07