An underrated gem!

"Thanks a million, Maximilian."

Ridley Scott was the perfect choice for the director for this absolutely sublime, entertaining drama.

I never really had an interest in seeing it because of the mediocre reviews it received, but it came as highly recommended by my uncle (a man obsessed with wine). I am extremely glad that I finally saw it.

Russell Crowe plays snobby expert businessman Max Skinner who has dedicated his life to his crucial career. Max learns that his uncle (Finney), a man who essentially raised him, had died and left him his French estate.

Max heads to France to visit the estate with intent to fix it up, and sell it. But once there, nostalgic memories are invoked when he views the estate and remembers all the great times he had with his uncle before he died.

There are many intriguing sub-plots that appear, but it's a lot more fun if I don't spoil it for you.

Russell Crowe's performance was absolutely exceptional. This isn't his usual performance, but rather an interesting twist and with a brilliant accent. This could well be his best performance to date.

Abbie Cornish was superb here. Her great acting skills really shine in her performance.

Albert Finney was also really, really great.

At a glance, not many people would expect someone like Ridley Scott to be at the helm, but his direction is absolutely perfect.

The score, though, just blew me away. The music was just perfect in every scene and set the atmosphere magnificently.

I can't believe how underrated and overlooked this movie is. It's such an underrated gem and one of the biggest surprises of 2006 for me. The film is extremely bright, well made, refreshing, charming and indescribably entertaining.

Marred only by a bit of a tedious ending. Other than that, A Good Year is a delightful way to spend the evening with the family. Highly recommended!

8/10