Chocolat
(2000)
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Lasse Hallstrom's CHOCOLAT is set in the late 1950s, but it might as well be the late 1850s in a small French town where everyone behaves as they should (supposedly), and attends church regularly. When a strong north wind blows through town, it brings the vivacious and mysterious Vianne (Juliette Binoche) and her young daughter, Anouk (Victoire Thivisol). Vianne--an unwed mother who declines to go to church and opens up a chocolate shop in the midst of Lent--is soon the talk of the town. Her good-natured, honorable personality and psychic ability (she can predict what kind of sweets best suit each person, and magically cures each of them of their particular maladies) make her as irresistible as her delectable treats. However, Vianne and her daughter are resented by the conservative mayor, the Comte de Reynaud (Alfred Molina), and by the pious Caroline (Carrie-Anne Moss), who has disowned her own spirited mother (Judi Dench, who plays Vianne's landlady), refusing the elderly woman access to her beloved grandson.This touching fairy tale, based on the novel by Joanne Harris, was filmed on location in rural France. An intelligent, exquisitely filmed fable that deals with the idea of 20th century paganism rising up against a closed-minded church and a persevering aristocracy, CHOCOLAT is enjoyable, romantic, and entertaining, with affecting performances by both its stars and its supporting actors (Lena Olin and Johnny Depp.) |
Director Lasse Hallström followed up The Cider House Rules with this delightful romantic comedy drama, adapted from the novel by Joanne Harris. Set in the late 1950s, it stars Juliette Binoche as a rootless mother who appears overnight in a small French village and brazenly opens a chocolate shop — during Lent. Staunch Catholic mayor Alfred Molina disapproves of her lifestyle and fears the challenge to his authority, but Binoche's confections are soon raising spirits (and more), particularly among the local wives. The arrival of handsome river gypsy Johnny Depp further inflames passions. Hallström skilfully creates a sense of the stifling nature of provincial life, and of a deeper spiritual malaise for which the bewitching Binoche offers a panacea. Watching this is the cinematic equivalent of putting a piece of chocolate in your mouth — a truly delicious experience.
Halliwell's Film Guide
A overly sweet confection that makes individuality seem the last refuge of the smug; it's not so much soft-centred as positively melting over Binoche's ever-tolerent heroine. Even on its fairy-tale level, there's no real tension or contest here between fr