Matialth Good concept, poorly executed.

Holstra Boring, long, and too preachy.

Humbersi The first must-see film of the year.

Phillipa Strong acting helps the film overcome an uncertain premise and create characters that hold our attention absolutely.

Mohanasundaram S I recently watched this movie when it was aired on TV, without any expectation out of it. Later, I realized that it was a masterpiece. The movie had no nudity and violence, but love. Keanu Reeves, has lived the character of Paul Sutton. The calm and caring attitude of Paul made me think as if Keanu has carried out of his real life. There was no cinematic acting by any of the actors. It felt me that I was entering a real family which values the family tradition and was cherished by the vineyard. The cinematography was excellent especially vineyard scenes and the festival. This movie is recommended for people who like movies which make us appreciate the real love.

Hot Potato Having seen this in maybe 1996, it was a long time ago. I still remember feeling ill at ease at the acting of Reeves and even Aitana and the awkward way the plot was carried and scenes were wrenched. Now thinking about it, I remember and feel much. I wish to see this movie yet again to see why I remember the emotion I felt then, so well, so many years later. I came to like Reeves awkward style and I miss not seeing again the inner beauty of Aitana that seems to outshine her looks (not easy), I guess Italy is the luckier. It also is a fond memory for Anthony Quinn . I should try and find "The Machinist". Well then, just out of sappy compassion I gave it another star, even though I over rated it before. There is more than meets the eye.

fierypoeticgirl Many online members said it better than I could. Does anyone believe in sincere morals and virtue any more? The premise of this movie is that a man is willing to go out of his way to save a woman from humiliation given her condition. We see very little of that sort of empathy today. The movie has it all; romance, compassion, prejudice, love and loyalty. I was never a huge fan of Keanu Reeves, but he really lit up the screen with this role. It is a tender story about a man who comes to the rescue of a Spanish woman who is with child during the 1940's. She is extremely uncertain about how her family will respond when they find out her condition, and Reeves comes to her aid. That is pure chivalry at its best. Anthony Quinn, as usual, gives us a lot of insight into the family's way of thinking, and that was helpful. It gave the movie clarity. Call me crazy or old-fashioned, but I thought it hit upon every emotion and touched upon many family issues that still burden the average family today. Great film. Two Thumbs up!

Amy Adler Paul (Keanu Reeves) has just returned from World War II. He is plagued by horrific memories of combat and wants desperately to start again with his wife (Debra Messing). The trouble is, however, that their marriage was a rushed, wartime affair, as Paul, like soldiers everywhere in America, wanted to taste love and matrimony before being sent into battle. She seems happy to see him but wants him to return to his traveling salesman position as soon as possible. Once on the road, again, Paul meets a stunningly beautiful Mexican-American woman named Victoria (Aitana Sanchez-Gijon) on the bus. When a small group of men begin to harass her, Paul comes to her rescue, with fists flying. Subsequently, both Paul and Victoria are tossed off of the bus. As they are waiting for the next Greyhound, Victoria tearfully tells Paul that she is pregnant, "done wrong" by a professor at the university she attended. Her father, a wealthy vineyard owner, is going to "kill her", as Victoria states. But, wait. What if Paul pretends to be her new husband and goes home with her for a day or two? Then, the big blow of an out-of-wedlock pregnancy will be avoided and the couple can "divorce" some time later. Paul agrees to help her and they return to the stunningly beautiful vineyard and mansion she calls home. Naturally, her father (Giancarlo Giannini) is angry at the sudden marriage, especially since Paul is an orphan and Victoria can trace her family's history back 400 years. Yet, Victoria's mother and grandfather (Anthony Quinn) try to make their new relative comfortable. But, will Victoria and Paul be able to pull the wool over everyone's eyes? And, what about the undeniable attraction that is brewing between the young couple? This is one of the most romantic films ever, giving great delight to anyone who craves tales of epic love. Reeves and Sanchez-Gijon are terrific as the gorgeous and confused young lovers while Quinn gives a great turn as the family's patriarch. Giannini, too, does a nice job as the proud yet vulnerable father and the other actors are quite fine, too. As for the costumes, script, and production values, they are wonderful, also. But, indeed, it is the stunning photography of the lovely vineyard and stately family home that takes this film into the upper echelons of visually-arresting movies. For those in the world who would like to stir up a romantic evening with their partners, this film is a great catalyst. After a showing of its loveliness and romance, most every viewer will be in the proper mood for a night of love.