Movie Review of Chocolat

Chocolat released in 2000 is an amusing romantic comedy/drama, based on a novel written by Joanne Harris and directed by Lasse Hallstrom. It features Juliette Binoche as the lead actress, Johnny Depp and also Victoir Thivisol. The background music is composed by Rachel Portman and Gabriel Yared, is the set director. Stephanie McMillan and Cinematographer, Roger Pratt have done a good job too.The Film Editor is Andrew Mondshein,and the beautiful Screenplay is by Robert Nelson Jacobs.

Set in a village of France, the movie revolves around Vianne( Juliette), who is an unwed mother, and her daughter Anouk (Victoir) who come over to the village on foot along the heavily blowing North wind. The village is a tradionalist one whose activities are regulated by the Catholic Church. A few days after settling down in the town, Vianne opens a confectionery shop, which is located right opposite to the church; a few days after lent had begun. The town people, although supposed to be abstaining from worldly pleasure, are tempted by the delicious chocolate creations put up in the shop’s display window. As the days pass, more and more people succumb to the enticement. The Comte de Reynaud (Alfred Molina), the Mayor, does not favor this “shamelessness”, and tries ways to make Vianne run out of the village. Vianne, however is not influenced and with the help of another new comer to the village, an Irish gypsy Roux (Depp) plans an “Grand festival of chocolate” on Easter Sunday. Events take a turn, and on Easter the whole village is seen enjoying the chocolate festival.

The movie has a nice speed although it slows down at some events.  The script is a nice blend of the archaic and modern mindset, at instances in the film the viewer might think, “that’s exactly what my grandma says!”  But then there are also instances when the modern mindset prevails and the viewer is left with a smile. The dialogues are interesting and the characters beautifully evolve into their better selves. The movie flows smoothly and there are no rough ends, the costumes fits the movie well and contributes in building the French rustic charm of the film. The location is a well chosen one and it helps to feel the atmosphere the director is trying to build. There not much background music in the movie, but the little that is well balanced.

Chocolat is a good choice for a relaxed and smooth movie experience, it has no surprises in it but at the same time it is not devoid of a good storyline. It is a treat for chocolate lovers and people who are looking for a movie to help them refresh and rewind. Except for the occasional slow speed, it makes for a nice watch. :)

An Old Friend :)

My grandfather is not one of the typical Indian grandfathers. He doesn’t look old; his looks can beat those of Varun Dhawan’s any day! He looks as young as anyone can think. Every morning there is always his smiling face to greet me good morning and raise my spirits for the day up ahead. His constant reminder to plan my day in advance ensures that I don’t waste any time during the day.

 He is not lethargic, not a bit. He goes for regular morning walks in one of the largest zoos in the country—The Sanjay Gandhi Zoo (Patna). Once I decided to go for a walk with him and see for myself how big the zoo can get to anyone wanting to take a long walk. Trust me, it can actually get very big! You might even end up searching for the end of the jogging track if you aren’t used to jogging A LOT! Just like me. :P I can’t  even match his speed! Forget beating him and his speed!  As if that wasn’t enough he even goes for evening walks! This one isn’t as organized as the morning ones, there is no fixed time. Sometimes he’ll be off by five thirty and sometimes it’s seven in the clock when he leaves for his walks. For those who are going to tell me that the zoos close at five in the evening, let me tell you it’s not in the zoo, it’s more of a Know-The-City kind of walks around the city. It is therefore no wonder that he knows the neighborhood better than anyone us does.

He does not bore anyone with his talks, rather I always wait for his stories. It’s astounding how he still has new stories in his bag after SO many years, and he doesn’t repeat any single one of them! Many of essays are inspired and some even copied from them. (keep this a secret! ) He is very humorous too; he has an intelligent and witty sense of humor which pops up at the least expected and most required places! From quirky jokes to excellent sarcasm, everything is amazing!

I am  really grateful that I have such a great Grandpa. One who is not only my guide when needed, but also my friend, a friend who never leaves my side in any circumstance. I am glad, very glad!