A Heavenly Vintage

source: A Heavenly Vintage

This film absolutely surprised me! I randomly searched for a fantasy film, and when this tile appeared I thought what the heck, I love wine that should be interesting! What I wasn't expecting, however, was a very well written and very well acted, blend of romance and fantasy. Even if you're not a person who enjoys wine (though it helps), this film is sure to keep you intrigued and engaged. Give it a try, preferably while drinking a glass or two or three of your favorite Pinot noir, and enjoy!

THE VINTNER'S LUCK has had a bad press since its 2009 release on account of its slow pace and apparently perfunctory characterization. In truth the story is straightforward enough, as vintner Sobran Jodeau (Jérémie Renier) learns how to cultivate a vineyard with the help of angel (Gaspard Ulliel), while trying to bring up his family, and coping with an ineffectual patron (Keisha Castle-Hughes). The film emphasizes quite strongly that individuals should make their own luck in order to succeed; Jodeau discovers this at the end, after his vineyard has been blighted by a bug, and the angel suddenly becomes a mortal. The pleasures of this film lie in the beautiful photography - in Burgundy and New Zealand, both standing in for eighteenth century France - by Denis Lenoir, and the finely judged camera-work by director Niki Caro. One gesture, one expression is worth a thousand words.

I saw The Vintner's Luck a few days ago at TIFF 2009 I have not been familiar with Niki Caro's work, had not read the book and really did not know what to expect.I came out of that film exhilarated. For me this was a passionate look at life, love, labour with a glimpse of spirituality. I thought the cast was exceptional in a film with beautiful photography and pace. The introduction of the angel was completely believable and added such a wonderful mystical element to this lyrical, romantic film.- Fallen but not evil. Ulliel was really perfect casting! Critics have not all been kind but I think the audience potential for this film will be huge and cast off any negativity. At the second screening I attended, the audience was very appreciative in applause.I was blown away by what I had just seen. Caro should be proud of her accomplishment, as should the cast for bringing to life such amazing characters in such a beautifully realized story. And I'll look for the book now after this screening....

Disclaimer: I have not read the Elizabeth Knox book Nikki Caro's film The Vintner's Luck is based on so can not make a comparison - which given that films are not books, might be a good thing. Films are creations with their own forces. Nikki Caro did not engage in the arduous process of making a film simply to channel Knox or to realize Knox on screen. She is here to create her own vision. This is what all artists do. It is rather ironic that at the same time Vintner's Luck is undergoing a national reaming in New Zealand we are also attacking Witi Ihimaera's so-called plagiarism. And yet when Nikki Caro dares to bring her own vision to the screen she is lambasted for not plagiarizing enough. Her film is layered and complex as any story of a relationship between an angel and a man would be, even more so as the film is grappling with bigger issues of morality and mortality. If Nikki is guilty of anything it is her attempt to make the Knox novel comprehensible and accessible to a wide audience. To cynics like me who find the idea of fleshy angels simply silly, the film balances that feathery conundrum perfectly. Especially as it seems that all the criticism revolves around this one thing – the intangible and problematic issue of man and angels. It's a relationship portrayed in art from earliest times. And it's intensely personal; especially for Knox fans - who it seems - will be satisfied by nothing less than full-on feather sex. Is it the thwarting of their inner voyeurs that has unleashed this storm? In fact by not staying too close to the Knox book, by in some ways separating the angel and the man and allowing the man to form an (albeit conflicted) bond with an earth bound woman the angelic relationship becomes more believable, more symbolic of our human struggle with desire. And that's something I can understand: after all, are we not all in lifelong relationships with our angels as we grapple with the sensual, the sacred and the profane in search of our perfect vintage? Don't be put of by the jaundiced reviews in New Zealand: Vintner's Luck, the movie, is strong wine for developed palettes. This is one vintage you will not want to miss, whether or not you believe in angels. Sumner Burstyn, NZ, sumnerburstyn@gmail.com

This adaptation is an insult to the wonderful book it is based on. One of the worst adaptations I have seen in my life. They didn't even try to make it good. The only reason it doesn't actually get zero stars from me is Vera Farmiga's acting in it.

A lovely film that unfolds like a fairy tale and reminded me of Bergman's "The Seventh Seal" and Passolini's "Gospel of St. Matthew." The viticulture and winemaking is lovingly depicted, honoring the craftsmanship and sensibilities required to make a great vintage. But we lose track of a major character, (spoilers), Celeste, who may or may not go mad, who mayor may not cause Aurora's illness, and who absolutely does not age. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the rest of the characters when they show benevolence, vulnerability, depth, and courage.

This is such a beautiful show about the relationship of man and angle. The friendship and conflict between them is so well filmed that it's almost legendary! The idea of a human's life from young to death, all is shown. I strongly suggest everyone to watch this beautiful show, you learn so much from it! I was laughing and crying with them, all of those emotions all came so strongly and powerfully. I had watch this movie at least 3 times now and the emotions still won't easy it self. The angle in this movie is so different from all the other ones I had watch, he seems so lonely! And OMG the wine maker! Sometime I want to knock him in the head ( don't ask me why)! But above all. Bless all who made this move!

The film is slow, ethereal, yes. It's interesting with too notch acting. I rather like it. Religious, thought provoking, a bit. Very French! Focus on the small, emotional things. Unsaid the larger pragmatic points of the plot. I am not sure how you could speed up the pace of a film like this. I like the slowness for a slow afternoon film. I feel it culminates.

Having read the novel by Elizabeth Knox I had high hopes for the film. I bought the DVD and when I got round to the viewing I was impressed by Niki Caro's rendition. The movie was beautifully crafted from start to finish with the exception of the wasted screen time establishing the landscape. Too much screen time was dedicated to the albeit beautiful French/New Zealand landscape. The casting was perfect, each of the protagonists had a part to play romantically to Sobran Jodeau. Celeste (Keisha Castle Hughes) was the physical, the Baroness (Vera Farmiga) being Intelletual and Xas (Gaspard Ulliel) the spiritual. One factor I found disappointing was the relationship between Sobran and Xas in the novel played a significant role in influencing the fruition of Sobran's dreams to create a wine never tasted, yet in the film the relationship seemed downplayed. Which is a shame because it seemed like the film missed something which would have brought justice to the novel. However I definitely think that this movie is a gem which touches on a mythical theme not explored in the film Industry. The introduction of the angel Xas seemed very believable and I believe Niki managed to bring to life Elizabeth Knox's story of a vintner and his angel to life.