Watch Terroir

Terroir is an award-winning Italian film from 2014, following the story of a family who has been making wine for generations. The movie features a star-studded cast, including Keith Carradine, Gaetano Guarino, and Fabio Marini. The film explores themes of family, tradition, and the struggles of small-scale agriculture in a rapidly changing world.

The story takes place in a small village in the Apulia region of Italy. The family, led by patriarch Vito (Guarino), has been making wine for generations, using traditional methods and passing down their knowledge and expertise from father to son. The current generation is headed by Vito's son-in-law Rocco (Marini) and his son Luca (Edoardo Ribatto). Together, they work tirelessly to maintain the family's vineyards and winery, facing numerous challenges and obstacles along the way.

One of the main challenges they face is the changing landscape of the wine industry. As larger corporations and global markets begin to dominate the industry, small-scale producers like the family are struggling to keep up. They are also facing pressure from the local government, which is trying to acquire their land for a new highway project. Amidst these difficulties, the family must also navigate their own internal struggles and conflicts, including a tragic event that threatens to tear them apart.

Throughout the movie, we see the family's deep connection to the land and the traditions that have been passed down through generations. They speak passionately about the unique characteristics of their terroir, the combination of soil, climate, and other environmental factors that give their wine its distinctive flavor. The family is deeply committed to preserving these traditions and passing them down to future generations, even as they face pressure to modernize and adapt to changing times.

As the family battles to preserve their way of life, the movie explores complex themes of identity, community, and the relationship between humans and the natural world. The family's devotion to their land and their traditions is contrasted with the forces of modernization and globalization, which threaten to erase their unique way of life. The movie also touches on broader issues of sustainability and the importance of preserving the natural environment.

The performances in the movie are standout, particularly from Guarino as the patriarch Vito, who imbues his character with a deep sense of wisdom and tradition. Carradine also gives a compelling performance as an American journalist who visits the village to learn more about the family's struggles. The film is visually stunning, with beautiful shots of the Apulian countryside and the family's vineyards.

Overall, Terroir is a thoughtful and poignant exploration of the relationship between humans and the land, and the struggles of small-scale agriculture in a rapidly changing world. The film is a testament to the power of tradition and the importance of preserving the unique cultural heritage of each place. It's a must-see for anyone interested in wine, agriculture, or environmental issues, as well as those who simply appreciate a well-crafted and emotionally powerful story.

Terroir is a 2014 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.