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Chocolat Customer Reviews (58 - 60 of 72 Reviews)

WATCHABLE (SOME DELECTABLE CHOCOLATE HELPS COVER THE HOLES)
Movies like these are usually drugged on their own sweetness and are thus painfully predictable. But I guess I was rather pleased with Chocolat, the execution is fine.

Juliette Binoche sparkles as usual. Johnny Depp's Irish accent is passably credible. Their chemistry is good, specially in a scene where Juliette swims to protect her daughter. Problem is that once Depp has introduced a parallel to the notion of a stranger upsetting the conservative patterns of a village (which btw is merely to provide a romantic backdrop for Juliette), everything not only becomes preachy but also quite predictable.

A wide array of chocolate in all shapes and contours comes to the rescue though, adding a splendid flavor to the screen. But don't bother to ask how such a reclusive, middle-of-nowhere village gets all that cocoa.

The subdued religious angle is a bit moronic, it makes organized religion look like a kindergarten tiff. Just because Binoche's character is "different" no one takes easily to her and every kid in town feels comfortable taunting her child at school. What precise religion was this?

The final scene with a whole village prancing about at Easter together with vagabonds and gypsies is banal to the hilt. So is the priest's message of tolerance, however praiseworthy it may have been in itself. Come to think, we could probably have done without the gypsy stuff altogether.

Anyway, the film is woth seeing if you know what you're getting into and are expecting pseudo-charming fluff. In the same league perhaps as Notting Hill, French Kiss or Sleepless in Seattle.

Melts in Your Mouth, Not in Your Hand
Joanne Harris, the writer of the novel, Chocolat, is apparently a confectionery genius, for this story leaves a wonderful taste in your mouth. Although I have not read the novel, the movie is delightfully rich and creamy.

Vianne (Juliette Binoche) is a "chocolatier extraordinaire," having the best chocolate in all of France and possibly the entire world. She and daughter, Anouk, set up shop in a small French village rife with religious zealots led by the mayor, Comte de Reynaud (Alfred Molina), who is intent on keeping the town chocolate-less. It is the timeless game of religious piety versus sincere brotherly love as portrayed in the lead characters.

Vianne seeks to sweeten the lives of the villagers in town with her secret panacea, especially the religious rejects like Armande Voizin (Judi Dench). She is a crusty old woman, the antipathy of her daughter, forbidden to see her own grandson living in town. Moreover, there is an abused wife (Lena Olin), who finds refuge from her husband, not in the church, but in the chocolate shop. And finally, if this is not enough to drive a group of religious fundamentalists insane, there is Roux (Johnny Depp), a member of the River Rats, a nomadic tribe of gypsies, who develops an interest in Vianne. What will become of this little village? Will chocolate win out in the end, or will the town remain a traditional vanilla?

Binoche is sweeter than chocolate in the lead role, and equally impressive is Molina in his role as the mayor. Judi Dench and Lena Olin put in outstanding performances in their supporting roles as well.

This is a movie with substance, dealing with societal issues; and furthermore, showing the power of human kindness and tolerance for those with differing lifestyles. This one melts in your mouth, not in your hand.

A Movie for Grownups
My wife and I as well as another couple enjoyed this film immensely...

Chocolat provides a wonderful insight into the life, strong conservatism and, yes, outright prejudices of the French citizens who live in such vividly picturesque towns and villages. They are not bad people but resist change of any kind and cling to their traditions. It is the price they pay to live in places that the average tourist loves to experience but only for a little while.

The film was heightened by an unusually original and sensitive story but also superb casting, direction and acting.

Juliette Binoche projected an almost ethereal tranquility in her quirky role as the mysterious woman who suddenly appears and opens a chocolate shop and feeds not only the physical but spiritual needs of the suspicious town people who are so realistically portrayed.

Johnny Depp, who I believe is one of the most courageous and talented actors today, was outstanding as the Irish riverboat gypsy. He played his part with perfect understatement and acuity. He [almost] stole the show.

Dame Judy Dench was, as always, excellent as the grandmother with her patented mix of tartness and sweetness, further perfected since her memorable portrayal of Queen Victoria in Mrs. Brown. The actor who played the very challenging role of the comte/mayor was powerful yet surely gained your sympathies over his own inner pain as the story progressed.

And I thought the boy and girl who played the juvenile roles were both appealing, natural and just delightful. That is a tribute to a fine director.

The young actor in the role of the curate was first rate.

In short, this this a rarity today: a top-notch film for grown-ups that has a message, likable characters within a beautiful setting. The four of us can't wait to see it once more.

P.S. We all agreed the only faux pas was the conspicuous absence of the town gendarmerie, a fixture in French village life.

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