Max (Russel Crowe) is a stuck-up London investment banker who inherits his uncle's (Albert Finney) estate in Provence after he dies. He travels to France to evaluate the estate and to arrange for its sale. The estate is a little rundown, and produces atrocious wine. He decides to stay for awhile to fix it up, and is filled with warm memories of his childhood spent there with his dear uncle who had such a vivacity for life. One day, an American girl Christy (Abie Cornish) shows up claiming she's his uncle's daughter. Thinking this would complicate the sale/inheritance, Max does a background check on her while she bunks at the house. Meanwhile, Max soaks up the French countryside and lifestyle, and falls for Frenchwoman Fanny (Marion Cotillard). But when reality starts knocking, Max is at a crossroads of trading in his safe and routine life in London, or keeping the estate and the woman he loves.
Click here to see the rest of this review...
Best part of story, including ending:
It is a travel story that has a beautiful French backdrop and endearing Uncle-Nephew story.
Best scene in story:
Whenever Max would flashback to memories of his uncle, you sense their special relationship.
Opinion about the main character:
Max is stuck-up but he has moments when he doesn't take himself too seriously at times. His transition from being "boring" to "exhilarated" is a joy to watch.
