Chocolat
Monday, August 11, 2008
“One Taste Is All It Takes.”
Ain’t that the truth. This movie is satisfying on many levels. I love Juliette Binoche… I love Johnny Depp… Alfred Molina, Judi Dench, Lena Olin, Carrie-Anne Moss, Peter Stormare…I love Europe… and I love… CHOCOLATE. lol… This movie has it all.
Chocolat is a fairy tale-like story of Vianne Rocher [Binoche] and her daughter, Anouk [Victoire Thivisol] – drifters who follow the winds – how they move to a small French village and open up a chocolate shop during Lent, across the street from the church, much to the chagrin of the town’s overly-pious Mayor [Molina]. The Mayor believes that indulging in such pleasure is a sin, and tries to steer his townsfolk clear [as he denies himself] so the shop will fold and the outsiders will be on their way. But Vianne works her magic, offering samples of her divine product she lovingly makes herself by hand from fresh cocoa beans, with an uncanny knack for guessing peoples’ favorites. That is, until a band of gypsies come through on the river, including the mysterious Roux [Johnny Depp], whom she can’t peg no matter how hard she tries. Can Vianne win the hearts of the townspeople and change the Mayor’s mind before the winds carry her and her daughter away?
Directed by Lasse Hallström, the man that brought us The Cider House Rules, and The Shipping News, you can expect the same calibre with Chocolat. This is such a great story, with an amazing cast. All the characters are so rich. When we saw it in the theater I was completely immersed in that village with them. I bought it as soon as it came on DVD and when I watch it, I always have a couple of chocolate truffles on hand. It’s tough to see all that delicous looking chocolate without partaking. By the way guys, this movie isn’t just for the ladies, you’ll enjoy it too. ;)
4 1/2 out of 5.
Add’l Info: Released: Jan 5, 2001 • Runtime: 121 minutes • Rated PG-13 for a scene of sensuality and some violence • Photo credit: ©Miramax Films, via allmoviephoto.com
