Saw Chocolat again today. Must have been the 4/5th time I have seen it. Lasse Hallstrom has made a movie that would touch everyone’s hearts forever more.
A delightful movie that plays with various themes at the same time. There is Vianne, played by the gifted Juliet Binoche, who seeks to reintroduce people to their deepest desires. At the same time she has yet to find her heart’s desire, which makes her wander from place to place, creating havoc in the minds of the straitlaced villagers with her unusual chocolate shop. The movie also attempts to define morality issues in the current context and to differentiate between good and evil. Also, the folks to this sleepy little French village are going through a major upheaval in their way of life with the revolutionary thoughts and ideas that Binoche has brought in amongst them. The arrival of Roux (Depp, as brilliant as ever), a wandering gypsy in their midst, only adds to their mental confusion. Alfred Molina as the Comte who tries his level best to oust the rebels from among the parishnors but ultimately succumbs to the same ideologies that he hated, has given a brilliant performance. The chemistry between Depp and Binoche is warm and cozy. The background score is intriguing and great for an easy listening. All the characters introduced have strong portrayals and the movie has very snappy editing. A great movie overall, worth a watch. Maybe a second too.
But for me, the part that I am most grateful for, is that this movie introduced me to the joys of Chocolate. Being a female, it is most hard for people to believe that I almost hated chocolates before I saw this movie. The constant display of the various goodies made out of the cocoa beans and that last fabulous display of chocolate in different forms that the character of Molina seeks to destroy, finally overcame any objection that I may have to that dark, sweet, sinful confection...
I admit it, I love chocolates now, as much as the next girl.