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.

Believe it or not, I was even laughing at some of the scenes in this film which has the most beautiful musical score imaginable.

The scene with the family trampling on the grapes vividly reminded me of Lucille Ball doing the same thing on her famous television show. The scene where Keanu Reeves comes home from World War 11 to an unfaithful wife brought me back to Dana Andrews and Virginia Mayo in "The Best Years of Our Lives."

Giancarlo Giannini is the distrusting drunkard of a father here. His daughter, unmarried and pregnant, returns home and on the road finds Keanu Reeves, a chocolate salesman and recent war hero. Reeves agrees to pretend that he is wed to the young lady.

Giannini immediately takes a dislike to Reeves as he doesn't trust him and his cynical regarding his daughter's relationship. In a drunken fit, he accidentally sets the wine valley ablaze. Of course, Reeves pulls out a root which shows no damage. His pulling it out reminded me of Vivien Leigh clutching the soil in "Gone With the Wind." Again, I laughed.

Anthony Quinn played the elderly grandfather who is philosophical and wise. Had he been 20 years younger, he would have had the Giannini part.

This is the third remake of a 1942 Italian film directed by Alessandro Blasetti. In fact, the new version, directed by the Mexican director, Alfonso Arau, doesn't bring anything new to the action, with the exception, perhaps, of the change of locale, from Italy to Napa Valley.

The premise is the same, as Mr. Arau follows the Italian model almost to a tee. We have the decent young GI who feels sorry about the situation the young single woman who reveals she is pregnant. He meets her on a train and wants to help her face her stern parents. At the beginning everything goes wrong, then the parents accept him. He goes back to his wife, who recognizes the mistake they made upon marrying so young and going to the war without knowing one another well. Then, the young GI returns to the vineyard and to the woman he has fallen in love with.

This is a film targeted to satisfy a romantic fan, who, judging by the many comments to this forum seem to have enjoyed it tremendously. While the film is not breaking new ground, it is pleasant to look at, but predictable.

Alfonso Arau working in Hollywood after his much better "Like Water for Chocolate" seems to be a natural in the way he makes his cast respond to his direction.