A British investment broker inherits his uncle's chateau and vineyard in Provence, where he spent much of his childhood. He discovers a new laid-back lifestyle as he tries to renovate the estate to be sold.
After years of no contact with his Uncle Henry, London banker and bond trader Max Skinner learns that Henry has died intestate, so Max inherits a château and vineyard in Provence. Max spent part of his childhood there, learning maxims and how to win and lose, and honing his killer instinct (at chess, which serves him well in finance). Max goes to France intent on selling the property. He spends a few days there, getting the property ready to show. Memories, a beautiful woman, and a young American who says she's Henry's illegitimate daughter interrupt his plans. Did Max the boy know things that Max the man has forgotten?
Written by <jhailey@hotmail.com>
Director Ridley Scott came up with the basic story that author Peter Mayle wrote in the book on which this film's based upon. When the book was published, Mayle's ideas were actually very different from Scott's original premise. Scott then decided to film the story as he envisioned it from the very beginning.
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Goofs
Errors in geography:
It is constantly suggested that Max works in 30 St. Mary Axe, one of London's best known recent buildings designed by Norman Foster, which has a radial plan with a strong diagonal diagrid frame wrapping the exterior wall. The interior shots of the firm take place inside a standard rectilinear office building with regular columns. (See
Basic Instinct 2 for scenes that appear to have been filmed inside 30 St. Mary Axe.)
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Quotes
Fanny Chenal:
Do you know why I spent the night with you? So that now you have done what you came here to do, you will not return. For us there can be no future. There is certainty in that. See more »