Rating: Summary: Excellent Film, Excellent Story, & an Excellent Message Review: Chocolat is one of those rare and solid gems of the cinema that is well-written and well-crafted with a message that offers substance to the audience.As with the main character's creations, Chocolat is rich from start to finish. The cinematography is marvelous. The acting is solid and engaging. And the flow of the story is nearly flawless. At the core of the message of the film is that life is something to be richly savoured and that faithfulness has more to do with love than with slavish adherence to drab piety. Chocolat does not refute the basic beliefs of the people of the French town that is the film's setting. Rather, it blows apart their own misunderstanding of how to live those beliefs. Moreover, the story opens up the door to the mystery and ambiguity of life lived not by rigid prescriptions and proscriptions -- but by the fierce embrace of life and love itself. When new life comes to this French town, it comes as a wild flower...and it is anybody's guess as to how it will cover the landscape. At times, the critique of religion is a bit naive. This is probably its 'worst' flaw. But it can hardly be counted as a big flaw in the film. Chocolat gets my strong recommendation to all who love film. Superb.
Rating: Summary: A DELICIOUS MOVIE Review: I wanted to see this movie every since reading about it in a movie magazine 2 years ago. It has since become one of my all time favorite movies (along with Dangerous Liaisons). It captures an feeling of surprise and wonderous sensations. Almost everyone loves chocolate (either dark, milk, white or semi-sweet) and this movie concentrates on that particular love. However it also has a interesting plot. A single mom blows into a very religious small French town during the season of lent. <And as every Catholic knows, you must fast or abstain from an item you are used to having or doing.> What rocks the church is that she opens a "sweet shop". The movie is sweeping with passion, romance, food and innocence. Juliette Binoche is "a classic work of art" that melted my heart. She is sinously beautiful and yet retains a silent lifestyle. She is not your typical Hollywood starlet, nor should she ever consider herself that. There are not many beauties in Hollywood that are real and a natural woman. Juliette has a beauty that is plain in nature and yet could melt the sun. This is one of the best DVD's I own. It has everything a film lover could want. The making of the movie; the deleted scenes; commentary by the director and the actors. It even has a special area dedicated to the costumes. It also has the trailer and teasers. The DVD is great but the movie far surpasses any dramatic movie in recent history. It is a story about giving in to your wildest fantasies and yet staying grounded. If you have not seen it yet, you must have this movie. Believe me, it will raise your spirits and make your mouth water with all of the chocolate.
Rating: Summary: A sweet movie which appeals to all your senses Review: This is a movie which transfers well onto DVD. It is a lovely movie which uses chocolate as its theme to bring across other issues of the time and of its location. Although Johnny Depp looked delicious in the movie, for some reason, I felt he was mis-casted in the role. Juliette Binoche however, was absolutely ravishing as the chocolatier who brought this sinful sweet treat to this pious town completely smothered by misery due to its mayor played by Alfred Molina. I've watched this 3 times already and know that I will watch it again sometime in the future. This is a food lovers' movie just like "Like Water for Chocolate", "Babette's Feast" and "Big Night".
Rating: Summary: Chocolat Not Review: I had high hopes for this movie, and I think it had potential, but it ended up being a yawner. The only thing I got excited about was the chocolate. The artistry used in filming the chocolate will make your mouth water. If you want to enjoy chocolate with no calories, see this movie; otherwise, skip it.
Rating: Summary: I Loved This Movie! Review: If you want a 'feel good' movie with a wonderful, sweet story, watch CHOCOLATE. Juliette Binoche, one of the greatest actresses alive, is absolutely fetching as the gypsy chocolate shop owner. Her beautiful daughter played by Victoire Thivisol is also precious in her role. An ensemble cast with Dame Judy Dench, Alfred Molina (who is wonderful as the self-righteous town mayor), a great Johnny Depp and Lena Olin are all characters that shape this romantic tale. In addition to a great movie, here is a story with no violence, bad language, or sex (some kissing and unseen moments). It is so refreshing to know that movies like this are still being made! I liked this movie so much that I paid to see it twice in the theater and then bought the video!
Rating: Summary: Your classic chick flick Review: Basically, this is your classic chick flick. Girl finds boy. Boy and girl fall in love. Somehow they change a town. End of story. If you don't like chick flicks, you will not like this.
Rating: Summary: A Sweet Delight Review: If life is like a box of chocolates, the life is sweet. This DVD is wonderful in every sense. No one could play Vienne except for Juliette Binoche and Johnny Depp is fabulous as Roux. The magnatism between them is electric. Then add Alfred Molina as the Compte and Lena Olin and of course Judy Denche. Magnificient. I've watched this DVD at least 10 times and it just gets better and better. Part fairy tale, part love story..all magical!
Rating: Summary: Charming and old fashioned Review: This is a movie that many find too slight, but it is nonetheless entertaining and a little touching. If you expect too much, perhaps the picture disappoints. If you take it for what it is--a pleasant diversion that reflects on the life's fearful tightness--then it is a small gem. Well worth owning.
Rating: Summary: A Sweet Confection Review: I am a glutton for a Hershey Bar and will often stop off for a bite of Godiva. Lasse Hallstrom's film CHOCOLAT is as delicious a treat as any of those, a simple storyline with a slight bitter taste. The story surrounds a powerful woman named Vianne who opens a new candy story in a village firmly under the thumb of the mayor. In his view, the woman is a threat to the stability of his town and tries to manipulate her out of the town. But Vianne is an angel to many in the village, awakening passions with her chocolates and dignity with her confidence. Each personal encounter she has improves the recipient's life. It is not until the arrival of a River Rat (played by Johnny Depp) that her own life is changed for the better. Juliette Binoche is in the role she was born to play. And the village is peppered with the likes of Dame Judy Dench, Carrie-Ann Moss, Lena Olin and Leslie Caron. And Alfred Molina plays the antoganist who has a startling comeuppance. Lasses Hallstrom directs the film with pinache, creating a village anyone would gladly live. This Oscar nominee is a great date movie. The DVD has a great audio/video transfer as well as a quaint making-of documentary.
Rating: Summary: beautiful Review: this movie is simply beautiful and very clever...you wish you were born in Switzerland...with that chocolate
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