Chocolat
2000
Lasse Hallstrom's CHOCOLAT is set in the late 1950s, but it might as well be the late 1850s in a small French town where everyone behaves as they should (supposedly), and attends church regularly. When a strong north wind blows through town, it brings the vivacious and mysterious Vianne (Juliette Binoche) and her young daughter,.. Read more
| Starring | Juliette Binoche, Johnny Depp, Carrie-Anne Moss, Lena Olin |
|---|---|
| Director | Lasse Hallstrom |
| Genres | Drama, Romance |
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Chocolat
Lasse Hallstrom's CHOCOLAT is set in the late 1950s, but it might as well be the late 1850s in a small French town where everyone behaves as they should (supposedly), and attends church regularly. When a strong north wind blows through town, it brings the vivacious and mysterious Vianne (Juliette Binoche) and her young daughter, Anouk (Victoire Thivisol). Vianne--an unwed mother who declines to go to church and opens up a chocolate shop in the midst of Lent--is soon the talk of the town. Her good-natured, honorable personality and psychic ability (she can predict what kind of sweets best suit each person, and magically cures each of them of their particular maladies) make her as irresistible as her delectable treats. However, Vianne and her daughter are resented by the conservative mayor, the Comte de Reynaud (Alfred Molina), and by the pious Caroline (Carrie-Anne Moss), who has disowned her own spirited mother (Judi Dench, who plays Vianne's landlady), refusing the elderly woman access to her beloved grandson.This touching fairy tale, based on the novel by Joanne Harris, was filmed on location in rural France. An intelligent, exquisitely filmed fable that deals with the idea of 20th century paganism rising up against a closed-minded church and a persevering aristocracy, CHOCOLAT is enjoyable, romantic, and entertaining, with affecting performances by both its stars and its supporting actors (Lena Olin and Johnny Depp.)
| Starring | Juliette Binoche, Johnny Depp, Carrie-Anne Moss, Lena Olin, Judi Dench, Alfred Molina, Peter Stormare, John Wood, Leslie Caron, Hugh O'Conor |
|---|---|
| Director | Lasse Hallstrom |
| Studio | WALT DISNEY STUDIOS HOME ENTERTAINMENT |
| Run time | DVD: 1 hr 57 mins |
| Certificate | |
| Collections | Muller's Indulgent Movies |
| Genres | Drama, Romance |
| Language | DVD: English |
| Hearing-impaired | English |
| Subtitles | DVD: English |
| Released | DVD: 26 Nov 2001 Production year: 2000 |
| Format | DVD |
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Critics' reviews (6)
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Director Lasse Hallström followed up The Cider House Rules with this delightful romantic comedy drama, adapted from the novel by Joanne Harris. Set in the late 1950s, it stars Juliette Binoche as a rootless mother who appears overnight in a small French village and brazenly opens a chocolate shop — during Lent. Staunch Catholic mayor Alfred Molina disapproves of her lifestyle and fears the challenge to his authority, but Binoche's confections are soon raising spirits (and more), particularly among the local wives. The arrival of handsome river gypsy Johnny Depp further inflames passions. Hallström skilfully creates a sense of the stifling nature of provincial life, and of a deeper spiritual malaise for which the bewitching Binoche offers a panacea. Watching this is the cinematic equivalent of putting a piece of chocolate in your mouth — a truly delicious experience.
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A overly sweet confection that makes individuality seem the last refuge of the smug; it's not so much soft-centred as positively melting over Binoche's ever-tolerent heroine. Even on its fairy-tale level, there's no real tension or contest here between fr
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Most helpful member's review
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21 out of 25 people found this review helpful
Delicious Movie!
Johnny Depp is as delicious as ever, and this movie is fantastic. It's not a chick flick so don't be put off if you're male. Wonderfully acted Juliet Binoche is perfect as the single mother who arrives in a quiet, strictly religious town. She opens a 'risque' luxury chocolate shop and changes everyones lives with her seductive recipies. Her love interest is played by Johnny Depp who arrives in town as a traveller. Definately worth a watch (I watched it twice!)
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Most recent members' review
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3 out of 4 people found this review helpful
I loved everything about this movie, from the cast to the location. This is a movie everyone can enjoy!
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News and features
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The Hoax
- 30 Jul 2007
File it under: Strange but True. In 1971 Clifford Irving was a writer on the verge of greatness - at least he thought so. Unfortunately his publishers at McGraw-Hill were less convinced, and knocked back the manuscript for his latest novel. With an ego as big as his debts, Irving retaliated with a wild claim. He had the book of the century in his lap, he told them. Mr Howard Hughes had reached out to him, Cliff Irving, and asked him to ghost write his life story. It was all hogwash. But Irving Read more
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