After the Oscar-winning heroics of Gladiator, Russell Crowe and director Ridley Scott escape to the quieter arena of rural France for their reunion. In a curious bit of casting, Crowe plays Max, a self-centred London banker who learns there's more to life than making money after inheriting his late uncle's vineyard deep in the heart of Provence. Retaining the rich colour, romantic nose and cheeky overtones of Peter Mayle's 2004-vintage novel, this gentle comedy is still an acquired taste.