From the Vine

I just watched the most delightful movie I've seen in quite some time: 'From the Vine (2019)'. It's set mostly in Acerenza Italy, and is absolutely wonderful in every way! The cast is nearly 100% Italian for authenticity, and the scenery is just what you'd expect. Mostly though, this movie captures the essence of small town Italian personalities in a very entertaining manner, and a joy to behold!

It is hard to understand where those few very negative reviews came from. This is a nice, if unspectacular, movie about a 60-something man, very successful, who decides to jump out of the corporate rat race and reconnect with his roots in Italy.

Joe Pantoliano, who was so good as the villain in 'The Matrix', is Marco Gentile (pronounced genn-TEE-lay). One day he just quits work and buys two tickets to Italy. His wife is totally blindsided and stays home but Marco looks up his deceased grandfather's estate. The vineyards are mostly neglected and one winemaker produces a small amount each year.

This movie is about Marco rejuvenating his life and in the process his family relationships too. This is not a deep movie, the rigors of getting workers, tending to a vineyard and making excellent wine are treated superficially. However it is a nice, heartwarming, entertaining story.

I found it streaming on Amazon Prime.

A US executive (Joe Pantoliano) moves to Italy to reopen his grandfathers vineyard.

I liked Russell Crowe's "A Good Year" and thought this would be equally charming and engaging but this is really a poor imitation.

Weak plot, poorly executed and not even the beautiful Italian language and landscape can save this one.

I thoroughly enjoyed watching this film. It had just the right balance of whimsy and realism. The scenes of Italy were just beautiful and will make you want to at least visit an Italian vineyard. The acting, the dialog were fine, no complaints. Not every film has to be a masterpiece. I just want to enjoy what I watch and this one had me smiling all the way through.

I thought this was a sweet movie. You know just because there's little turmoil, no violence or vendetta or indeed any deep message doesn't mean it's lame. On the contrary foe heaven sake lighten up and enjoy the Italian ambience if nothing else!