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. :)