Chocolat – Self-Indulgent (Recommendation)

 

Year: 20000

Director: Lasse Hallström

Starring: Johnny Depp, Juliette Binoche, Judi Dench, Lena Olin, Alfred Molina, Carrie-Anne Moss, Leslie Caron, Peter Stormare, Victoire Thivisol, John Wood, Hugh O’Conor, Aurelien Parent Koenig

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=692hOJq1KJE

 

 

Chocolat is a film about passion, desire, and indulgence. Set in a quiet town in rural France, we are introduced to Vianne (Juliette Binoche) and her daughter, Anouk (Victoire Thivisol), who turn the towns people’s world upside-down. As free spirits, the pair divide opinions, especially once they open a Chocolate shop during the month of lent.

 

Throughout the film we hear of Vianne’s heritage; a mild mannered pharmacist for a father, and a Mayan mother, destined to be a wanderer, which explains Vianne’s wanderlust. Additionally, her mother’s memory adds to the magic within Vianne’s chocolate, as she has been taught by her mother that cacao can not only “unlocked hidden yearnings, and revealed destinies”, but can become healing remedies through her chocolaty creations. Each mouthful can induce lust, or touch the deepest parts of our souls, making it delicious and cruel to watch, especially when we don’t have any chocolate lying about.

 

As a small town, it is easy for opinions to be narrower, as they seem to be governed by the Mayor, Comte de Reynaud (Alfred Molina), through the local clergyman Pere Henri (Hugh O’Conor). Raynaud’s cruel gossiping and strict guidelines lead to people rebelling against his wishes, and violating their religious beliefs, which gave them the opportunity to indulge in the carnal pleasure of chocolate.

 

Each scene is a feast for the eyes, tempting us in to watch and steal a bite (not literally…I hope). As Vianne whisks the confectionery, dips the chocolate nipples, and dusts the cakes, it’s becomes sinful to watch. We start to believe that we smell the potent aroma of cacao, an aphrodisiac. The twirling of the chocolate can send you into a hypnotic state, which promise beautiful results. The mastery behind each creation, from the unrefined coco nibs to the sculptured animals, as well as the filming, keeps you glued to the screen until the very last shot.

 

On the outside, Chocolat may look like an overly flamboyant film about confections. However, it’s so much more. Chocolat is about accepting diversity, being authentic, and forgiveness. Ultimately, we are told that it’s okay to indulgence us that it is okay to indulge once in a while. I mean, what harm can a little chocolate do???