Chocolat
Uploaded by dwytparx on Jul 06, 2002
Information
The Film: Chocolát
United States/United Kingdom, 2000
Running Length: 2:00
MPAA Classification PG-13 (Sexual situations, mild profanity)
Cast: Juliette Binoche, Victoire Thivosol, Johnny Depp, Alfred Molina, Hugh O’Conor, Lena Olin, Judi Dench, Carrie-Anne Moss
Director: Lasse Hallström
Producers: David Brown, Kit Golden, Leslie Holleran
Screenplay: Robert Nelson Jacobs, based on the novel by Joanne Harris
Music: Rachel Portman
U.S. Distributor: Miramax Films
Plot Summary
This film is an enchanting brew of confections and humanity. Where a shaman-like woman rides the North wind casting her spell of kindness to those in need; she visits town after town seeking battles with those who would take advantage, and attempt to lord over other poor souls.
She travels with her daughter, just as she had traveled with her mother. Carrying on a tradition of lifting the spirits of the downtrodden, with her magical unrefined cocoa and special chili pepper in the form of delicious, and addictive, chocolate creations.
Her daughter though, has grown weary of moving from place to place. After settling down in a tranquil, French village during Lent of 1959, she and her mother open their chocolatery.
Before long they meet and befriend travelers, one of whom becomes the object of her mother’s affections, who use the waterways to get from village to village instead of the wind; however, these merry people are looked down upon as undesirables in the way she and her mother are.
The village elders led by the mayor, a Count whose ancestors had rid the village of undesirables in the past is out to restore, the traditional tranquility of the village.
The undesirables however, win over several loyal villagers including the woman the Count has been yearning for.
The Count(mayor)eventually becomes enraged at having lost control of the villagers, and breaks into the chocolatery, gorging himself with the magical chocolate until he passes out from the intoxicating effects. He is gently awakened Easter Sunday morning by her mother. Where the Count, offers his heartfelt apology, and she graciously accepts, promising not to tell a soul.
Her mother Vianne has won another battle; and the following summer the charming river traveler returns on a breeze from the South.
Vianne and he decide to end their wandering ways.
And say, good-by to the North wind, and waterways.
It is time for someone else, to carry out their endless foray’s.
Style of the film
The style reminds this reviewer of the Dickens tales produced on film; such as, Oliver Twist, and the many versions...