From the Vine

From The Vine, was a pleasant surprise. I wasn't expecting this film to bring so much joy and lift up my mood, especially in times like this. The beautiful landscapes and on top of that the brilliant performance by Joe Pantoliano, my main reason to watch this film, really brings a whole different atmosphere to this film.

Through brilliant pacing, acting, director and, cinematography this film manages to immerse you in its world and with that make you care about its characters and take you on a beautiful journey of hardship and perseverance.

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.

From the Vine was a great experience for me, as an immigrant from South Western europe, the locales of the small Italian town reminded me of my childhood in an endearing way. The way that the townsfolk behave compared to the way Joe Pantoliano's character perceives his environment draws a great contrast and emphasizes on that distinction between the locals and the local who has become a stranger and returned back to their home a changed man.

On the more technical side, the film is admirable to say the least. The warm colour pallette evokes a true feeling of calmness and of pleasure in existence. The small Italian town that hosts most of the films scenes appears to be an oasis in the desert of modern living. Through color light and shadow, the cinematographer gives the town the ability to become one more character in the story.

I recommend the film to people of all ages and i would encourage families to watch it together with their loved ones. This story of dreams and of "reverse Immigration" is sure to leave you with a smile on your face and a curiousity to explore your family's lineage.

Heartfelt and sometimes funny; "From The Vine" finds Joe Pantoliano in fine form but it's premise leaves you thirsty for more.

In this comedy-drama, a man with an ethical crisis travels back to his hometown in rural Italy to revive his grandfather's vineyard.

An overall cute family dramedy, but "From The Vine" doesn't always hit the mark you'd expect. Although Pantoliano really shines in this role, he is seemingly loveable and always manages to put a smile on your face. Beautiful landscapes and what seems to be savoury wine, this film will make you thirsty but will leave you wanting more out of the characters and storyline.

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