From the Vine is a 2019 Canadian drama film, directed by Sean Cisterna.[1] Based on the novel Finding Marco by Kenneth Canio Cancellara, the film stars Joe Pantoliano as Marco Gentile, a burned-out business executive from Toronto who gives up on the corporate rat race, and moves his family to Italy to revive his grandfather's vineyard in Acerenza.[2] The film also stars Wendy Crewson as Marco's wife Marina and Paula Brancati as their daughter Laura, as well as Marco Leonardi, Tony Nardi, Tony Nappo, Kevin Hanchard and Frank Moore in supporting roles.
| From the Vine | |
|---|---|
 Film poster | |
| Directed by | Sean Cisterna |
| Written by | Willem Wennekers |
| Based on | Finding Marco by Kenneth Canio Cancellara |
| Produced by | Kyle Bornais Paula Brancati Sean Cisterna Francesco Papa |
| Starring | Joe Pantoliano Wendy Crewson Paula Brancati |
| Cinematography | Scott McClellan |
| Edited by | Andrew Wall |
Production companies | Farpoint Films Mythic Productions |
| Distributed by | Indiecan Entertainment |
Release date |
|
Running time | 97 minutes |
| Country | Canada |
| Languages | English Italian |
Plot
editA downtrodden man experiences an ethical crisis and travels back to his hometown in rural Italy to recalibrate his moral compass.
Cast
edit- Joe Pantoliano as Marco Gentile
- Michele Stefanile as Young Marco Gentile
- Wendy Crewson as Marina Gentile
- Paula Brancati as Laura Gentile
- Marco Leonardi as Luca
- Tony Nardi as Marcello
- Tony Nappo as Enzo
- Franco Lo Presti as Gio
- Kevin Hanchard as John
- Rita del Piano as Amelia
- Sonia Dhillon Tully as Barbara Cavendish
- Frank Moore as Gordon Welsh
- Blu Lepore as Customs Agent
- Kenneth Canio Cancellara as Train Conductor
Release
editThe film premiered in June 2019 at the Italian Contemporary Film Festival in Toronto, and subsequently received other film festival screenings through the summer, although its October screening at Devour! The Food Film Fest was billed as its official North American premiere.[3] The film was originally scheduled to enter commercial release on May 1, 2020, although this was cancelled due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada.[4] It was instead released on digital platforms in July 2020.[1]
Reception
editFrom the Vine was generally received positively by critics. On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 75% of 24 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 6.0/10. The website's consensus reads: "A too-rare opportunity for Joe Pantoliano to shine in a leading role, From the Vine transcends its formulaic story with infectious warmth."[5] David Stratton, in The Australian, wrote that "Sean Cistera's film is, in its modest way, attractive enough. It doesn't aim very high, but its celebration of old traditions in a world where environmental concerns are being set aside in the name of progress is certainly welcome."[6] Conversely, Cath Clarke of The Guardian gave the film a negative review, describing it as "Eat Pray Love for wealthy male boomers: embarrassingly sincere and iffily patronising to its Italian characters."[7]
References
edit- ^ a b Barry Hertz, "From the Vine is worth sipping, if only for Joe Pantoliano's drunk-on-life performance". The Globe and Mail, July 10, 2020.
- ^ Etan Vlessing, "Joe Pantoliano to Star in Wine Drama 'From the Vine Came the Grape'". The Hollywood Reporter, November 15, 2018.
- ^ "Devouring a delicious film festival in Nova Scotia". Toronto Sun, September 11, 2019.
- ^ Simone Joseph, "The arts struggle to survive: Coronavirus' impact in York Region". YorkRegion.com, April 11, 2020.
- ^ "From the Vine - Rotten Tomatoes". www.rottentomatoes.com. 2020-10-09. Retrieved 2023-12-07.
- ^ Stratton, David (2021-06-18). "Martin Eden: Is it really possible to change your class?". The Australian. Archived from the original on 2021-10-30. Retrieved 2023-12-07.
- ^ Clarke, Cath (2021-09-07). "From the Vine review – laugh-free comedy of midlife Italian escape". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Archived from the original on 2021-09-07. Retrieved 2023-12-07.
