Claude Lelouch, renowned for films like A Man and a Woman, has recently released what could be his final feature, Finally. Among his works, The Good Year stands out with the highest rating of 4 out of 5, surpassing other acclaimed titles. Viewer reviews highlight the film’s delicate moments, stellar performances, and its unique blend of heist and romance. The movie’s enduring appeal is underscored by its connection to Lelouch’s latest film, enriching its legacy in cinema.
Claude Lelouch is a name that resonates deeply in the world of cinema, particularly with iconic films like A Man and a Woman, which won the Palme d’Or in 1966 and subsequently secured Oscars for Best Foreign Language Film and Best Original Screenplay. His impressive filmography includes titles such as The Itinerary of a Spoiled Child, One + One, The Ones and the Others, Adventure is Adventure, and The Beautiful Story, among others.
Recently, the legendary director released what may be his 51st and final feature film on November 13. As we await the critical reception of Finally, it’s worth exploring which of his films currently holds the highest acclaim. Surprisingly, it’s The Good Year that claims this honor.
The Best of Claude Lelouch: The Good Year
With an impressive average rating of 4 out of 5 from 670 viewers, The Good Year stands out as Claude Lelouch’s top film. This rating surpasses that of A Man and a Woman (3.9) as well as The Ones and the Others, Adventure is Adventure, and The Itinerary of a Spoiled Child, each averaging 3.7. This ranking is particularly meaningful as Lelouch incorporates imagery from The Good Year in his latest work, Finally, establishing a deep connection between these two cinematic eras.
Fan Reviews Highlighting The Good Year
Alain D. : ‘The film is a treasure trove of delicate moments. The three main actors shine with exceptional accuracy—something younger actors could learn from. The supporting cast serves the narrative beautifully, and it’s clear that the director has a profound affection for his actors, akin to my love for chocolate. It’s a film to savor, both visually and emotionally.’
Philippe V50 : ‘Every aspect of this film is commendable. Lelouch’s direction elicits extraordinary performances from Ventura, Fabian, and Gérard, while the dialogues provide a brilliant cinematic lesson.’
Lino Massaro : ‘This film is a masterpiece! Lelouch crafts a tender, captivating, and humorous narrative filled with unexpected twists, including a robbery. Ventura delivers one of his finest performances. A truly great French film!’
pilouBoulogne : ‘Lino Ventura embodies a gangster captivated by the elegance of antique dealer Françoise Fabian. Their interactions are beautifully crafted, with several scenes becoming iconic. An excellent film, even for those who may not typically enjoy Lelouch’s work!’
JimBo Lebowski : ‘This film brilliantly intertwines a heist and a love story, characterized by a lively pace, clever direction, and engaging dialogues. Ventura shines as a character who plans a heist while trying to win over a resistant woman, culminating in a memorable dinner scene that showcases the clash of worlds.’
Bernard D. : ‘The Good Year is a unique entry in Lelouch’s oeuvre, weaving together a simple story of bandits with a poignant love narrative. The film’s script holds up remarkably well, and it’s noteworthy that Stanley Kubrick was a fan, often screening it for his actors.’
Dik ap Prale : ‘Françoise Fabian and Lino Ventura are simply sublime, and Charles Gérard remains a joy to watch. Everything about Lelouch’s approach feels incredibly modern, with delightful dialogues and situations. This is a film worth discovering and rediscovering.’
What about you? Do you share Stanley Kubrick’s admiration for The Good Year?