Yar, you be here: Chocolat > Customer Reviews

Chocolat Customer Reviews (28 - 30 of 72 Reviews)

Leaves you smiling and has a fine "feel good" story too
This 2000 fill is what is called a "feel good" movie. It appeals to all ages, includes comedy, drama and romance and leaves you smiling when it's over. Not only that - it has a good story too.

Set in a village in France, it's the story of a woman and her daughter who set up a chocolate shop. The leading citizens of the town are horrified because not only does this woman not go to church, she also opens her shop right in the middle of Lent. The leading citizen of the town tries to show how immoral she is. But, little by little, the woman worms her way into the hearts of the townspeople and not only wins them all over, she finds romance as well.

Nominated for several academy awards, there are only good things to say about this film. Jullette Binoche is cast as the chocolate shop woman and I adored her immediately. Judi Dench is cast as her landlady who goes to the shop for comfort because her own daughter has turned against her. Alfred Molina is the town leader and he sure is comical. Johnny Depp is the romantic interest, a "river rat" who comes to the town to play music. And in the end, everyone lives happily ever after.

Even I, who usually prefer films on the dark side, was enchanted.

Don't miss this film. You'll love it. Recommended.

SIMPLY AMONG JOHNNY DEPP'S FINEST!!
This was actually the first dvd that I have ever included in my library, and I'm glad to say that it was. Juliette Binoche and Johnny Depp are utterly amazing in this film; Carrie-Anne Moss did a fantastic job as well. This is one of those feel-good movies that, after watching it, make you want to open up your own little chocolate store in some rural French or Italian village. The story was genuine and original; the chemistry between the characters Vianne and Roux is fantastic, and might I add that Johnny Depp is mesmerizing? Honestly among my favorite movies of all time!

Welcome escape, or faux-European-art-movie cliché?
You may love this movie; a lot of respectable, intelligent people do. But a word of caution is appropriate for those who haven't seen it, but are considering buying the DVD. My advice is to see it once before you decide.

I found a couple of points irritating. One is the misguided representation of clergy. The new priest, just out of seminary, is too weak and scared to deal with the local bigwig in any way other than trembling (and complete) obedience. At the end of the movie, the priest--apparently just now figuring out how to articulate this--has the realization that people matter, life is beautiful, the world has riches worth experiencing, etc. etc. As in so many movies, the role of the priest/minister/pastor is written as someone who somehow, after years of seminary training, presumably some life-changing experiences, and solemn vows before God, has never before had the opportunity to think deeply about life, is too terrified by someone in power to buck the system, and has to learn these most basic truths from a lady who magically descends on the town like Mary Poppins and sets up a chocolate shop.

As an example of the low regard this movie has for your interpretive abilities, an abusive husband says something about his victim not even knowing how to use a skillet. Later in self-defense she will hit him over the head with a skillet. Very well. But since you obviously don't get it, she says, "Who says I can't use a skillet?" But since you STILL don't get it, the two conscious adult characters now break into laughter at this witty bon mot (having just survived a terrifying assault). Talk about getting hit over the head.

At one point, Judi Dench's character says to Binoche's, "Don't look so damn pleased with yourself." I wish I didn't have that reaction to the whole production.

I admit I wasn't even stirred by the elaborate chocolate creations, as one is supposed to be in a "food movie." (They didn't have to use slow motion in Big Night or Babette's Feast when people put food into their mouths to show how delectable it was supposed to be.)

The actors in this outstanding cast carry the day, and are a pleasure to watch (Alfred Molina in particular, who, given the role of a two-dimensional conformist, somehow manages to make him grow throughout the film). And the DVD bonus material is good. For some, this movie will be a most welcome, momentary escape. But my advice is to rent or borrow it once before laying down your money.

Previous Page

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

Next Page