A Touch Of Spice

I really enjoyed this. On the surface it was a light, whimsical comedy with a fair amount of quite gentle satire on mid twentieth century Greek parochialism as seen through the more cosmopolitan eyes of the Greeks of Constantinople, and with an engaging way of using cooking as a window on cultural difference and a metaphor for a range of human habits and predilections. Underneath, though, like a touch of a sharp spice in a sweet dish, was the pain of exile and the grief and personal loss of little people subjected to great political processes they have no control over or responsibility for.

The literal translation of the film's title is 'cuisine of the city'. For Greeks, 'the city' refers to Istanbul, and the title alone evokes loss and melancholia. A beatiful and moving film, with a wonderful musical score. Hugely recommended.

The early 1960s. The life of a young Greek boy in Istanbul embraces a great playground, his grandfather's spice shop. Reflections on the effect of spice on human feeling make for his grandfather's philosophy. The boy explores the rudiments of this philosophy in his mother's kitchen, and when this is forbidden to him, in the kitchens of the demi-monde.

However, the adult world is characterized by anxiety over the Turkish government's policy towards its Greek minority, and coming events cast their shadows over quiet moments. Exile follows, and the boy's exploration of spice is transplanted to Athens, losing something of its essential component, the primacy of human relations, and Athens is no home coming for the Greeks of Istanbul. As a mature adult, he attempts to repair this tear in existence.

Half past twelve. How the time has gone by.

Half past twelve. How the years have gone by.

greek fime a boy larning about life a mentor teaches him how to cook and ends up beeing a very good cook later on a touch of spice says it all good movie

Unusual. I wasn't sure at first but as the film went on I got taken up in the magic. Was different, pleasant and probably better for watching a few times. I'd like to see it again

This is a beautiful, moving, sentimental film, mainly about leaving things too late. Superbly acted throughout, the movie tells the story of astrophysicist and amateur cook Fanis who was deported from Turkey in the 50s. Present day, and he hears that his grandfather, who had taught him so much about life and values,is paying him a surprise visit. I do not wish to say any more, but if you like a good weepie this is the one for you. But your heart-strings will be pulled out a few times, I warn you. I'm a 38 year old man and was reduced to tears tonight.