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Chocolat [2001]
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Juliette Binoche is perfect in the role of the sensuous, captivating Vianne--a masterstroke of casting matched by the performance of Judi Dench as the splendidly grumpy but ultimately inspiring matriarch Armande. Very much an ensemble piece, the whole cast are indeed excellent, with Johnny Depp (making a fair fist of an Irish accent) superb as the drifter Roux, the one man capable of unlocking Vianne's own desires. From its majestic opening swoop to the final, joyous scene, Lasse Hallström's film, based on the bestselling novel, is nothing short of a masterpiece. On the DVD: As befits such a film, the DVD is an elegant, well thought out package. The movie itself is a visual feast, a combination of a beautiful setting, rich, opulent colours and textures and a mystical atmosphere. There's a range of documentary features examining the style of the film and its background, as well as an audio commentary and some excellent scenes deleted from the final cut. More in-depth notes are to be found in the accompanying booklet and the whole thing adds up to one of the most satisfying DVD releases in a long time. In one of the accompanying documentaries, Depp wonders if it is possible to create art through cinema. It may be a difficult task, but Chocolat is proof that it can be done.--Phil Udell
RRP: £17.99
Our Price: £4.02 (subject to change)
Editorial
Amazon.co.uk Review
Chocolat is an enchanting, moving and heart-warming tale of love and temptation, a big-budget movie with its roots in European art house cinema. Magical and almost fairytale-like in theme, it's the story of the mysterious Vianne and her arrival in a quiet, old-fashioned French town at the end of the 1950s. Gradually her attitude to life and the delicacies that she prepares in her chocolate shop have a marked effect on the local people, bound as they are by the twin forces of religion and politics.
Thin, whimsical story, nice acting, excellent photography
Review date: 2008-09-15 Rating: 8 out of 10
Mother and daughter, both outsiders, blow into stuffy old-fashioned French village (cobbled streets, quaint houses, romantic lamplight, no cars, no uncouth farmers) and bring with them the power to release the claustrophobic and straight-laced community from its inhibitions - not the first time on screen that this formula has been employed. What is unusual is the medium they use. Delicious and irresistible chocolate confectionery tempts everyone, and turns then into better, more liberated people. In the end, good defeats bad, love triumphs over hate, and everyone is released from cramping conventions to do their own thing. Very much a message of our times, in other words, and perhaps none the worse for that - though whether self-indulgence is always the best way forward is a question that's elegantly passed over.
Two things, in my opinion, save Chocolat from being mediocre and forgettable. One is the photography, which is unusually good throughout and sometimes very impressive indeed (it's wonderful to see this film on a widescreen television) and the other is the film's attack on religious bigotry, courageous in these times when we are all supposed to be "non-judgemental". Contrary to what some other reviewers may have suggested, the chocolate element, though ever-present, is far from overpowering. The actors are not stretched by the gentle and undemanding story line, but Judi Dench delivers a finely judged performance, and Juliette Binoche is every bit as appetising as the chocolate she makes. But by far the best feature, in my view, is the stunning photography, and it's probably worth buying the DVD for that alone.
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Reviews
could johnny depp get any more good looking
Review date: 2008-05-14 Rating: 10 out of 10
very touching film, very enjoyable. although Johnny Depp only has a small role what a fantastic one it is, gorgeous makes me want to run off and find my own irish gypsy. lovely. a good watch highly recommended
Brilliant!
Review date: 2007-12-29 Rating: 10 out of 10
This is a great movie. A delightful tale and a useful attempt to deliver the book on the big screen. They say that you write about what you know about and I understand that the original author did have French relatives involved in the confectionary trade.
Chocolat transports you to small town France in the post World War 2 period. It's a wonderful tale of a theocratic community versus a single-minded secular entreprenuer. Also has great music throughout and wonderful acting by some well-known faces and some lesser know actors/actresses. Oh, and yes the chocolate treats do look very tempting.
Incidentally, the book 'Chocolat' is a bit of a masterpiece and possibly up there with one of the best ever written. I don't say that lightly.
Acquire, watch and enjoy. Has a batch of great extras as well.
A delightful and interesting movie
Review date: 2007-10-16 Rating: 10 out of 10
Chocolat is delightful as eating chocolate and interesting movie to really sulk into.
The movie is about a new arrival in small community of rural France who all of a sudden opens a chocolate confectionary much to the disliking of many of the folks. Her antiques stirs public outrage, as the festival of Lent occurs at the same time. The traditions of the community are affected. Their is strong religious opposition to the chocolate confectionary. Does her shop reunite a community or creates imminents conflicts. The subject area touched upon in the movie raises interesting set of questions.
The setting accurately blends with the 1950's, the birthplace of rock and roll.
The cast featured to the movie, brings the villagers to life by adding credibility and solidarity. With the cast the callibre of Juliette Binoche, Judi Dench and ever so versatile Johnny Depp, it feels though the characters are really genuine and you are drawn into their world.
The cinemagraphy is top class, with the perfect locations chosen to blend with the movie. You have a small village filled with small shops, a church, a river and vintage buidlings.
Overall, Chocolat is a richly entertaining, delightful and interesting movie to watch.
GREAT FUN
Review date: 2007-09-01 Rating: 10 out of 10
Have not read the book so cannot make any comparisons but have now seen the film twice and enjoyed it even more on the second viewing. If only all narrow minded and bigoted people were that easily converted life would be much easier! The cast seems just perfect to me with everyone having fun in their role. Can imagine that I will be watching it again one day.
Product Details/Specifications
Actor(s):
Juliette Binoche
Judi Dench
Alfred Molina
Antonio Gil (VI)
Carrie-Anne Moss
Creators:
Juliette Binoche (Primary Contributor)
Alfred Molina (Primary Contributor)
Director(s):
Recording label: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainm
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainm
EAN: 5017188883313
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: PAL, Widescreen,
Release date: 2001-11-26
Number of discs: 1
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Audience rating: Suitable for 12 years and over
Region code: 2
Running time: 117 minutes
Theatrical release date: 2001-01-05
Language: English (Original Language)
Language: French (Original Language)
Language: English (Subtitles For The Hearing Impaired)
Language: English (Subtitled)