A Heavenly Vintage (2009)
"The Vintner's Luck" (original title)

In 19th century France, a peasant winemaker endeavors to create the perfect vintage.

Director:

Niki Caro

Writers:

Niki Caro, Elizabeth Knox (novel),

Stars:

Jérémie Renier, Keisha Castle-Hughes, Vania Vilers

3 wins & 2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jérémie Renier	...	Sobran Jodeau
Keisha Castle-Hughes	...	Celeste
Vania Vilers	...	Jodeau Senior
Eric Godon	...	Father Lesy
Patrice Valota	...	Comte de Vully
François Beukelaers	...	Chief Winemaker
Gaspard Ulliel	...	The Vintner's Luck
Stephane Garneau	...	Young Soldier
Juliette Mariotte	...	Baby Sabine
Finn Van Mell	...	Baby Nicolette
Charlotte Cheveau	...	Sabine - 2-3 Years
Felicity-Amore Castle-Hughes	...	Nicolette - 12-18 Months
Julie Berthoux	...	Sabine - 4-5 Years
Vera Farmiga	...	Aurora de Valday
Jean-Louis Sbille	...	Henri

Storyline

In 19th century France, a peasant winemaker endeavors to create the perfect vintage.

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Plot Keywords:

peasant | france | 19th century | cancer | wine | 

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Genres:

Drama | Fantasy | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for some sexuality and nudity

Details

Official Sites:

Blog Facebook

Country:

France New Zealand

Language:

English

Release Date:

12 November 2009 (New Zealand)

Also Known As:

A Heavenly Vintage

Filming Locations:

Auckland, New Zealand

Box Office

Budget:

€8,500,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

New Zealand Film Commission, New Zealand Film Production Fund, Ascension Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

120 min 120 min (European Film Market)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

User Reviews

inspiring and moving look at the trials and tribulations experienced by a 19th century wine maker!

I was thrilled to hear Niki Caro was going to make this movie, no one else would have been able to portray the 'basic' elements of the novel better than she could and very well did. From start to finish the movie consisted of a real feeling of love and life. More so that she exactly put just that into making this film. The importance of simple things which when given love, sweat and time grow into something special, which if you haven't read the novel is the basic idea.

There is a heavy pagan love of the earth atmosphere in the movie ensuring an uplifting feeling. Leading me onto the visuals which where spot on, the sweeping French vineyards and valleys where just as I imagined them.

The casting was perfect, Sobran who is played by Jeremie Renier provided us with a inspiring and moving look at the trials and tribulations experienced by a 19th century wine maker. I would hate to give this remarkable film any negativity but it does bare mentioning that Xas is completely neglected. Played by the fantastic Gaspard Ulliel much that could have been anticipated was actually not used at all. In fact almost all of the characters fascinating background such as his knowledge of there whereabouts of haven and hell, his relationship with another human, other than Sobran, and the reason why he is a fallen angel is not remotely even mentioned in the movie. The angel seams to be of no importance sadly and could in fact have been withdraw all together. Niki Caro sort of justified this in the Q&A "the movie is about life". It seams to me that she didn't want to add the philosophical characteristic's which was very sad to me, Xas is a captivating individual. Aurora De Valday (Vera Farmiga) was compelling but sadly Celeste (Keisha Castle-Hughes) fell flat in the second half.

Many fans of the novel might be disappointed due to the amount of fundamental moments in the development of the characters which is simply dropped out all together. However I do strongly think that this is as great an adaptation as anyone could have hoped for. Also if its anything to go by I was at the gala presentation, after which it received a huge round of applause.