Chocolat
3.5/4
Starring: Juliette Binoche, Alfred Molina, Judi Dench, Victoire Thivisol, Carrie-Anne Moss, Lena Olin, Peter Stormare, Johnny Depp
Rated PG-13 for A Scene of Sensuality and Some Violence
"Chocolat" is a delightful confection that is as warm and sensuous as the chocolate from which the film gets its name. It's a feel-good movie that makes you crave chocolate.
In a small French town, life is stable, restricted and unchanging. It is effectively ruled by the reactionary mayor, Comte de Reynaud (Molina), who resists change and prides himself on the town's ability to resist any sort of temptation and keep their noses out of anyone's business. This is a grim and gray place. One day, a woman and her daughter, both wearing red cloaks, blow in with the North Wind, and set up a chocolateirie. At first, Reynaud is welcoming, but tells them that it's Lent, and no one will be able to buy from them for a while. Then the woman, Vianne (Binoche) tells him that she and her daughter Anouk (Thivisol) don't practice religion. This stuns Reynaud, and he then views them with hostility. But much to his horror, the townspeople are unable to resist her chocolaty confections. Soon, the town starts to come alive, and Reynaud intends to put a stop to it.
This is really an ensemble cast, with a focus on Vianne and Reynaud. Vianne is played by the immensely talented Juliette Binoche. Vianne is a nice person; she's one of those people who is so genuinely good. But she's also a tough firecracker. She knows that Reynaud is conspiring against her, and she storms into his office one day and screams at him. For his part, the grossly underrated Alfred Molina is terrific as the narrow-minded mayor. He's a great villain because we understand him, and Molina doesn't allow him to become a caricature. Victoire Thivisol, who got great reviews when she starred in "Ponette" at the tender age of 3.5, is also good as Anouk, who's as much of a dreamer as her mother. Able support is provided by Judi Dench as a fiery old woman, Carrie-Anne Moss as Dench's conservative daughter, Lena Olin as an abused woman who is married to a drunk played by Peter Stormare (also good). Johnny Depp shows up (playing a normal person for once) as Roux, the gypsy who catches Vianne's attention.
Lasse Hallstrom, a Swiss director (who, incidentally, is married to Lena Olin), was primarily known for heavier material such as "My Life as a Dog," although I haven't seen that film yet. But Hallstrom is a master of tone. In a way that's slightly Dickensian, he mixes the heavy with the light in his own special way. This can be seen in "What's Eating Gilbert Grape" (which also starred Johnny Depp) and his next film, "Casanova." The film is also delicately balanced and visually dazzling.
Although it's not necessarily a "food" movie in the sense that "Big Night" and "Eat Drink Man Woman" are, it would be wise to have some chocolate on hand when you watch this movie. And a cuddle buddy.
Starring: Juliette Binoche, Alfred Molina, Judi Dench, Victoire Thivisol, Carrie-Anne Moss, Lena Olin, Peter Stormare, Johnny Depp
Rated PG-13 for A Scene of Sensuality and Some Violence
"Chocolat" is a delightful confection that is as warm and sensuous as the chocolate from which the film gets its name. It's a feel-good movie that makes you crave chocolate.
In a small French town, life is stable, restricted and unchanging. It is effectively ruled by the reactionary mayor, Comte de Reynaud (Molina), who resists change and prides himself on the town's ability to resist any sort of temptation and keep their noses out of anyone's business. This is a grim and gray place. One day, a woman and her daughter, both wearing red cloaks, blow in with the North Wind, and set up a chocolateirie. At first, Reynaud is welcoming, but tells them that it's Lent, and no one will be able to buy from them for a while. Then the woman, Vianne (Binoche) tells him that she and her daughter Anouk (Thivisol) don't practice religion. This stuns Reynaud, and he then views them with hostility. But much to his horror, the townspeople are unable to resist her chocolaty confections. Soon, the town starts to come alive, and Reynaud intends to put a stop to it.
This is really an ensemble cast, with a focus on Vianne and Reynaud. Vianne is played by the immensely talented Juliette Binoche. Vianne is a nice person; she's one of those people who is so genuinely good. But she's also a tough firecracker. She knows that Reynaud is conspiring against her, and she storms into his office one day and screams at him. For his part, the grossly underrated Alfred Molina is terrific as the narrow-minded mayor. He's a great villain because we understand him, and Molina doesn't allow him to become a caricature. Victoire Thivisol, who got great reviews when she starred in "Ponette" at the tender age of 3.5, is also good as Anouk, who's as much of a dreamer as her mother. Able support is provided by Judi Dench as a fiery old woman, Carrie-Anne Moss as Dench's conservative daughter, Lena Olin as an abused woman who is married to a drunk played by Peter Stormare (also good). Johnny Depp shows up (playing a normal person for once) as Roux, the gypsy who catches Vianne's attention.
Lasse Hallstrom, a Swiss director (who, incidentally, is married to Lena Olin), was primarily known for heavier material such as "My Life as a Dog," although I haven't seen that film yet. But Hallstrom is a master of tone. In a way that's slightly Dickensian, he mixes the heavy with the light in his own special way. This can be seen in "What's Eating Gilbert Grape" (which also starred Johnny Depp) and his next film, "Casanova." The film is also delicately balanced and visually dazzling.
Although it's not necessarily a "food" movie in the sense that "Big Night" and "Eat Drink Man Woman" are, it would be wise to have some chocolate on hand when you watch this movie. And a cuddle buddy.
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