The Vintner’s Luck Review

• 4th Oct 2010

Set in 19th century France The Vintner’s Luck is a romantic fantasy drama based on a novel by Elizabeth Knox, following the life of a young peasant winemaker in pursue of creating the finest vintage. The story follows Sobran Jodeau (played by Jeremie Renier) from his first encounter with The Angel Xas (Gaspard Ulliel) to the end of his life to convey what seems to be the ultimate message: there are no ups without its downs.

The landscape and nature shots are beautiful as well as the costume and historic content being very believable, however the story isn’t. Alas is the case of novel turned screenplay, the challenge to squeeze every bit of relevant information into two hours of moving image will forever be a challenge only the most talented and wise filmmakers should venture. The performances are something to be desired bar the talents of Vera Farmiga who played Aurora de Valday; the educated baroness to take over the business of the land her uncle left her in the event of his death; her uncle’s dying wish to employ Jodeau and as partners to proceed in creating the finest vintage with her backing. It has to be said that without the casting of Vera Farmiga I would have probably fallen asleep. Her performance considering the lack of chemistry elsewhere in the film was extremely impressive.

The Vintner’s Luck has moments that make you smile and warm your heart, yet inevitably there will be a moment when you look at the time realise there’s a considerable amount of film left to endure and before you know it you’re filling a glass of wine to the brim at 11 o’clock in the morning.

Robyn Bramzell