Mondovino Has Spirit(s)

Despite its lengthy running time, Mondovino is one of the most agreeable films to come out of this year's fest. Filmmaker and sommelier Jonathan Nossiter takes his hand-held camera from Burgundy to the Napa Valley in California, profiling a variety of colourful characters from the wine world. The lovely scenery, light mood and plenitude of random dog shots belie the substance underneath: a sly critique of globalization and corporate imperialism, starring the famed Mondavi family as lead villains. As rich and nuanced as a fine Bordeaux, Mondovino surely goes down best with an accompanying aperitif.